Volkswagen Atlas detailing in Houston

What we watch for

Paint and interior on the Atlas

Paint and exterior

A long, square body with a flat roof that needs a ladder, and big flat doors where water spots stand out. Chrome or black strips run along the lower doors and the window line, and the darker greys and blues show swirls.

Interior

Three usable rows, V-Tex or leather, and second-row captain's chairs on some. The third-row floor and the deep cargo well under the load floor collect sand, dog hair and dropped snacks.

Living in Houston

Atlases that tow small trailers and carry families to Galveston get tar on the lower panels and sand in every row. Summer heat in the third row bakes spilled drinks into the 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.
• Tows and hauls: hitch, rear bumper and the lower panels collect road tar and brake dust, so they get iron remover and tar remover.
• Lots of chrome: Houston hard water etches it, so it is dried fully, polished where needed and sealed.