Hyundai Palisade detailing in Houston

What we watch for

Paint and interior on the Palisade

Paint and exterior

A tall, slab-sided body with lots of chrome on the grille and lower trim of early cars, and Houston hard water etches that chrome quickly. The roof is high enough that it needs a ladder to wash properly, and black and dark grey show swirls on the hood.

Interior

Second-row captain's chairs or a bench, a third row with its own vents and USB ports, and quilted leather on top trims. The floating console over the push-button shifter has an open tray underneath that collects everything from receipts to fries.

Living in Houston

Palisades that tow a small boat to Lake Conroe or a trailer to the coast get tar and brake dust on the rear bumper and lower panels. Inside, summer heat bakes spilled juice into the third-row carpet.

• Third row and cargo area: both are included, which is why three-row vehicles sit in the larger size class.
• Family hauler: car-seat areas, cupholders and seat rails hold the most crumbs; pet hair is an add-on quoted on the call.
• Lots of chrome: Houston hard water etches it, so it is dried fully, polished where needed and sealed.
• Nappa or fine-grain leather: cleaned with a pH-balanced leather cleaner and a soft brush, then a non-greasy conditioner.
• Large wheels and tall tires: wheel faces, barrels and wells take real time on this one, and it shows when they are done right.