A Guide to Used Vehicle Exterior Reconditioning for Those Considering Auto Detailing Careers

Vehicle reconditioning is an important step in the process of preparing a used car for purchase. Reconditioning involves many different repairs and restorations that serve to enhance the appearance of the vehicle and return it to its former glory. In exterior reconditioning, this includes repairing dents and scratches, fixing chips in the paint, headlight restoration and more, all of which serve to make the exterior look shiny and new. After years of wear and tear, a used vehicle may be in need of some serious TLC before it’s considered ready to sell. Thus, both vehicle owners and dealerships may invest in a reconditioning procedure in order to put a vehicle on the market. 

If you’re considering a career in auto detailing, part of your job may be to contribute to the used vehicle reconditioning process. In the blog below, discover the benefits of used vehicle reconditioning, as well as an overview of what the process entails.

An Overview of the Exterior Reconditioning Process Explained for those in Auto Detailing Careers

The first step in exterior reconditioning is the inspection of a vehicle. All different components of a vehicle’s exterior are inspected, and any signs of body damage, chipping, cracking or other cosmetic damages are noted. After the inspection process, a vehicle is completely detailed and cleaned. This process is usually done first in order to determine whether there are any additional issues with the exterior that weren’t identified in the first round of inspection. All trim pieces are removed, and any tags such as bumper stickers are cleared from the surface.

Next, the vehicle is transported to the body and paint shop. Here, auto detailing and reconditioning technicians will repair any scratches or dents, clean the windows and mirrors, and apply a new layer of paint if necessary. They may also switch out the headlights and replace a vehicle’s plastic trim if necessary.

Putting on the Final Touches

After the reconditioning process is complete, a used vehicle is then thoroughly cleaned and polished once again in order to make it presentable for potential buyers. From here, it is photographed in order to be listed for sale online. If the vehicle is sitting on a dealership lot, it may also undergo several other regular detailing procedures to ensure that its condition is maintained while it’s up for purchase. 

The Benefits of Used Vehicle Reconditioning 

Today, there aren’t as many new cars sold as there used to be. This is partially due to the price of buying a new car, which has increased in recent years. For this reason, many buyers are turning toward used cars as a viable option for purchase. While some vehicle owners may try to sell their used cars without investing in a reconditioning process, those with auto detailing training will want to note that there are many benefits of reconditioning the exterior of used vehicles. For one, reconditioning increases the resale price of a vehicle, a benefit for used car dealerships and for vehicle owners who want to make more profit off their old vehicles. 

Additionally, exterior reconditioning gets a vehicle as close to new in appearance as possible. For buyers who prefer to buy a new car but can’t afford it, this means that reconditioning makes used cars more appealing. Given the many benefits of reconditioning, it’s no wonder that this is a popular service within the auto industry!

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