Maserati Ghibli detailing in Houston

What we watch for

Paint and interior on the Ghibli

Paint and exterior

A long hood with three vents on each front fender and a big grille with chrome slats. Dark blue and black are common and show swirls; the chrome window trim spots from hard water.

Interior

Fine leather seats, often in red or tan, with open-pore wood or carbon on the console. The leather on the driver's side bolster wears first, and the console buttons collect hand oils.

Living in Houston

A Ghibli that commutes from Memorial to downtown sits in parking garages and on the street, so it picks up brake dust and dust film quickly. Regular care keeps it looking like a luxury car.

• Black and dark colors are common: they show swirls, water spots and pollen film first, and benefit most from a coating.
• 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.