If you’re getting ready to trade in or sell your used car, it’s common sense that you’ll get more money for it if your car looks like it’s been well maintained. But don’t just run it through the local car wash and expect to get the most bang for you buck – you really need to look into having the car detailed, or put through a really thorough cleaning. However, there are a few things that you should look for before you turn you car over to have it detailed.

First, don’t skimp on the cost – go to an established, reputable detailer. Call around and ask who the auto dealers and mechanics use for their cars. A town of any size should have at least one shop that’s made a name for itself in the detailing business.

But don’t stop there – ask some questions before you settle on a shop. The shop should have, at a minimum, a place to do the work inside. Sunlight and hot weather can cause the detergents to dry quickly and spot the surface. They should be well stocked with manuals and many different kinds of cleaning products. Different auto manufacturers have different recommendations as to how to clean their car’s interiors – a good shop will be well aware of all these requirements.

Next, if you have the opportunity, watch them detail a car. They should use plenty of water and begin each job with a good soak – this helps to loosen the bigger particulates and road grime on a car.

You should also check on their equipment. Ask if they have a carpet extractor machine – this really separates the pros from the guy who’s simply adding onto his business. Having one of these means that they’re really going to clean your carpets – not just spray on some canned cleaner you could pick up at the mega mart and brush the carpets dry. See if the wet vacuum is five horsepower or greater – anything less is a toy and won’t do the job. Pros know this and go all out for the really big cleaners.

Look for testimonials, especially from used car dealers. A clean car is worth more and a dealer will keep using a detailer that increases his bottom line.

Finally, many people get the idea that they can do the detailing work themselves. After all, it’s nothing more than a more intense cleaning, right? In essence, yes. And you win the Indy 500 by driving fast. But if you think that’s all you need to know, you are sadly mistaken. For a big detailing job, particularly if you’re trying to add to the value of a car, go with a pro.

However, don’t let the expense or lure of detailing lead you to put off general cleaning. The cleaner your car is, the easier it will be to detail. Deal with even the smallest scratch as soon as you can and get dings to the body shop quickly. Keep a good wax or paint sealant on the car at all times. These things not only look good, but protect and seal the finish as well. And as much as possible, get your car out of the weather. If a garage isn’t an option, at least invest in a car cover to protect your baby between detailing sessions.