All the Benefits of Getting Your Older or High-Mileage Vehicle Detailed
Owners of high mileage and older vehicles have asked me why they should even bother with detailing. There seems to be a perception that detailing is for keeping newer or expensive cars looking showroom quality, versus any value in detailing a vehicle that has 160,000 miles on it or is 20 years old.
There’s also the reality that some older/high-mileage vehicles are in tough shape. Owners are sometimes reluctant to bring these in for detailing. Hey, we get it. That’s why here at Life Happens we’re a 100% judgement free zone!
The bottom line is that detailing can be a huge boost for these vehicles. Think preservation, functionality, and even safety. Here’s a case study that illustrates exactly why.
The Challenge: Bringing a 2008 Toyota Sequoia Back to Life
I got contacted by an 82-year-old owner who uses his 2008 Toyota Sequoia (180,000 miles) for everything from short trips around town to hauling loads for his business and farm.
He admitted that personally doing the work to keep up on the interior and exterior of the Sequoia isn’t a big priority in this busy schedule. He just hoses down the exterior now and then and very occasionally vacuums out the interior. The Sequoia hadn’t seen an actual car wash in over a decade.
When I did the initial inspection, I found that the clearcoat was fading, there were a myriad of scratches blemishes and paint damage on the exterior, and the headlights were basically non-functioning because of the oxidation.
The interior showed its age as well. The carpets were stained. Every surface had a thick layer of dirt and dust from years of heavy use. A musty smell permeated the interiors and there were food crumbs between the crevices.
The owner opted for The Big Day package with a headlight restoration and engine detailing add-ons. Here’s how I tackled the job and how it all turned out.
Exterior Preservation
High mileage vehicles face exposure to environmental elements, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Relentless rain, road debris, bird droppings, tree sap, and grime are just a few of the hazards to maintaining a vehicle’s appearance and performing reliably.
As was the case with the Sequoia, older cars, especially those over a decade old, may have paint that’s already thinning or clearcoats that are starting to fade. Without proper care, these elements accelerate rust, corrosion, and paint degradation. Parking outside hastens these concerns exponentially.
For this Sequoia, detailing included thorough cleaning, polishing, and waxing:
Contaminant removal: People don’t realize that even an exterior wash done by hand doesn’t remove the most damaging substances on your vehicle. Professional detailing eliminates harmful substances before they can cause more permanent problems. Allowing tree sap, bird droppings or road grime to remain on your car’s finish for months or even years leads to quick aging of the exterior and eventually damage that could result in costly body work. I used a clay bar on the Sequoia to remove these contaminants. This process leaves the exterior as smooth as silk.
Paint protection: Applying wax or sealants creates a barrier against UV damage and oxidation, preserving the car’s finish. I did both for the Sequoia, along with a comprehensive wash that included snow foam (aka snow cannon) to remove grime.
Interior Comfort and Value
Even with the best intentions, it’s inevitable that the interior of high mileage vehicles often shows wear from years of use—stained upholstery, soiled surfaces, and possibly musty odors. Detailing the interior restores that pride and gives the owner a new-car-feel in their trusty daily driver they have owned for a long time.
For the Sequoia, which had some significant needs, I followed this process:
Deep cleaning: Removed dirt, dust, and allergens from seats, carpets, and vents, improving air quality and comfort. Unfortunately, not every stain could be removed, but the carpet looked vastly better.
Odor elimination: I used an ozone treatment to neutralize those odors.
Materials preservation: This Sequoia was fitted with premium leather seats and interior finishes, which in older vehicles can crack without proper conditioning. I applied treatments to keep leather supple and vinyl dashboards protected from UV-induced cracking.
Enhancing Safety and Functionality
High mileage vehicles often have hidden issues that detailing can address. For the Sequoia, that included:
Window cleaning: In large SUVs like the Sequoia, thoroughly cleaning back windows can be tricky due to accessibility barriers. This can contribute to dangerous driving conditions. I used a streak-free cleaner to ensure crystal-clear visibility from every angle in the car, including those hard-to-reach back seats.
Headlight restoration: Older cars often have foggy or yellowed headlights due to UV exposure. Detailing can rectify this condition, which improves nighttime visibility and safety. The Sequoia’s headlights were badly compromised but the treatment removed virtually all the haze. They now look practically brand new!
Preventing Costly Repairs
Detailing can identify hidden hazards in older or high-mileage vehicles. Hazards that can become costly repairs later down the road (no pun intended). Here’s what we addressed in the Sequoia:
Protecting components: Cleaning and treating rubber seals around doors and windows prevents leaks, which can damage interiors or electrical systems.
Spotting engine damage: The owner wanted the engine detailed so he could better inspect the components. Cleaning the compartment makes it much easier to spot leaks or other problems before they become worse. I got the engine pristine. Luckily, nothing was amiss and future inspections will be much easier.
So How Did the Sequoia Turn Out?
“Amazing!”
That was the owner’s reaction of disbelief when he did the final inspection. His favorite part of the detailing was the engine compartment (it’s a guy thing) and his wife was gushing at the restored interior. They both were shocked (in a good way!) at how the exterior had the luster and sheen of a newer vehicle.
After a full day’s work, the Sequoia looked ready to take on another 20 years and 200,000 miles. The best part: The owner now had a like-new car, without a car payment, and couldn’t have been more excited.
The Bottom Line: High mileage and older vehicles deserve the extra care that detailing provides. Beyond making your car look good, detailing preserves its condition, enhances safety, boosts value, and prevents costly repairs.
If you’re wondering what detailing could do to restore your older or high-mileage vehicle, please email, text, or call me today to discuss the services that are right for you.