Subaru Outback detailing in Houston

What we watch for

Paint and interior on the Outback

Paint and exterior

Soft paint on a long roof with rails and crossbars, which trap pollen and leave streaks down the doors after rain. The black lower cladding fades, and the roof is the panel nobody washes properly.

Interior

Cloth on base trims, StarTex on Onyx and Wilderness, and leather or Nappa on Limited and Touring. The cargo floor and rear seat hold dog hair in the weave, and the big upright touchscreen needs a gentle cleaner.

Living in Houston

Outbacks that carry kayaks and dogs to Brazos Bend or Lake Houston come back with muddy paws on the seats and pine needles packed into the roof rails.

• Soft clear coat: it marks from a dirty towel or an automatic wash, so every wash is two-bucket with clean mitts, and polishing finishes down with a fine pad.
• Family hauler: car-seat areas, cupholders and seat rails hold the most crumbs; pet hair is an add-on quoted on the call.
• Unpainted textured trim: it fades grey in the sun, so it is cleaned and dressed with a matte UV protectant.
• Large touchscreens: cleaned with a screen-safe, ammonia-free product and a dedicated cloth.