At Stokes Auto Spa, we believe that no vehicle is “just” a daily driver. Whether it’s a high-end performance machine or a reliable Toyota RAV4, every vehicle deserves premium care—and every customer deserves to feel like they’re driving something special. That’s exactly the experience we aimed to create with this recent detailing project for a Toyota RAV4 in Lehi.

Our client opted for an upgraded detailing package that combined our top-tier interior detailing in Lehi with enhanced exterior services. From deep steam cleaning and UV protection inside to a full clay treatment and ceramic sealant outside, this wasn’t your average car wash. It was a spa day for the RAV4—and a showcase of why Stokes Auto Spa continues to set the standard for detailing in Utah County.

We started this project from the inside out. The interior of the RAV4 was functional and well-used—typical of an SUV that serves as a daily commuter and weekend adventure vehicle. But no matter how clean a vehicle looks, it’s what you can’t see that really matters. That’s where our tools and techniques make all the difference.

Steam Cleaning: Why We Choose Steam Over Extraction

Unlike many shops that rely on traditional carpet extractors, we use high-temperature steam to clean and sanitize interior surfaces. This method offers several major benefits:

• Deeper cleaning: Steam penetrates fabric fibers, breaking down grime and organic material.
• Kills bacteria and mold spores: A must in Utah’s variable climate where moisture buildup can be a problem.
• Fast drying: Less water means your vehicle doesn’t stay damp for hours after a detail.

For this RAV4, we used steam to clean every crack, crevice, and panel inside the cabin. Vents, switches, and tight areas that typically go untouched were thoroughly sanitized without risking water damage.

Seats and Carpets: Shampooed and Refreshed

After the initial steam pass, we turned our attention to the soft surfaces. The cloth seats and carpeted floors received a deep shampoo to remove built-up stains and odors. This process brought back the vibrancy of the fabrics while lifting embedded dirt that vacuuming alone can’t reach. At Stokes Auto Spa we use a multi-step shampooing process. First off, we only use fabric and carpet safe shampoos. Why is this important? When it comes to removing stains, if you use the wrong product, you can actually set a stain into the fabric. We often see this done by those who do not have the proper training in stain removal and mitigation. At Stokes Auto Spa, we use fabric specific cleaners that carry enzyme and biological cleaners to break down stains, remove odors, and leave the surface refreshed. After this, we neutralize the cleaners with a peroxide based chemical to stop the break down process of the enzymes and to limit re-soiling. This ensures that the cleaners do not keep cleaning when there is nothing left to clean and your fabrics are kept safe.

Rubber Mats: Scrubbed and Protected

The RAV4 was equipped with rubber all-weather mats—perfect for Utah’s mix of snow, mud, and dust. We removed the mats, cleaned them with a pH-balanced cleaner, and rinsed thoroughly before drying and applying a non-greasy dressing. This helps restore their deep black finish and adds a layer of protection against future grime.

Interior Protection: UV Defense That Lasts

We don’t stop at clean—we protect. Once all interior surfaces were pristine, we applied a high-end, non-shiny dressing formulated with UV inhibitors. This protects plastic, vinyl, and rubber from fading, cracking, and drying out under Utah’s intense sun. While most shops skip this step or use greasy, low-grade dressings, we treat your vehicle like we would our own—because that’s what true detailing is about. Remember, if it looks like it has been detailed then we did not do a very good job. We want the finished result to look reconditioned- which is a big difference from detailed.

Exterior detailing: going beyond the basics

One thing that makes Stokes Auto Spa the best detailing in Utah is that we never settle for “good enough.” While every interior detailing package comes with a complimentary exterior wash, this customer upgraded to our enhanced exterior service—and the results speak for themselves.

Hand Wash: The Two-Bucket Method

Every exterior detail starts with a gentle but effective two-bucket hand wash. Why two buckets? One holds clean soapy water, while the other holds rinse water to clean the mitt between passes. This reduces the chance of dragging dirt across the paint—something automated washes and quick detailers simply can’t match.

We pre-treated the front end and lower panels to remove bug splatter and road grime, then carefully washed all surfaces, including door jambs and gas cap areas.

Clay Treatment: Exfoliating the Paintwork

After washing, we moved to a clay bar decontamination. Think of this step as exfoliating the vehicle’s skin. The clay bar removes embedded contaminants like:

• Rail dust
• Brake dust
• Industrial fallout
• Tree sap

These particles can't be removed through washing alone and can lead to long-term paint damage if left untreated. Once clayed, the RAV4’s surface felt buttery smooth and was ready for protection.

Ceramic Sealant: Shine + Protection

To finish the exterior, we applied a high-performance ceramic sealant. While this isn’t a full ceramic coating (which involves multiple layers and cures over hours), it does deliver many of the same benefits:

• Deep, glossy shine
• Water-beading hydrophobic properties
• UV protection
• Up to 6 months of durability

This step transformed the look of the RAV4—making the paint pop while defending it from Utah’s harsh environmental conditions, from blazing summer UV rays to winter road salt.

Crystal Clear Glass: Inside, Outside, and Even the Hidden Edge

One of the small but significant details that sets us apart: we roll down every window to clean the top edge of the glass. Most shops skip this, and it’s an area where dirt and grime love to hide. Clean glass inside and out doesn’t just look better—it also improves visibility and driving safety. In addition to cleaning the glass, our expert glass cleaners also make sure to include vanity mirrors, rear-view mirrors, and side mirrors to ensure optimum visibility for you as a driver.

Why This RAV4 Detail Was Different

What makes this job worth highlighting isn’t just the result—it’s the approach. Our standard interior detailing in Lehi includes tremendous value already, but this customer went one step further by opting for a complete rejuvenation inside and out.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what comes with our regular interior detail versus what this RAV4 received:

This level of service is ideal for customers who:

• Plan to sell or trade in their car soon
• Just purchased a used vehicle and want to reset it
• Want to preserve their investment long-term
• Take pride in a truly clean and protected vehicle

The Stokes Auto Spa Difference: Detailing with Purpose

We don’t just clean cars—we elevate them. Whether it’s a full paint protection package or an interior detail that makes your car feel new again, our team is obsessed with results.

Here’s what makes Stokes Auto Spa the best detailing in Utah:

• We’re specialists in steam-based interior detailing, which offers cleaner, healthier, and drier results.
• Every service is done by highly trained professionals—no shortcuts, no guesswork.
• We use top-tier products for both cleaning and protecting your vehicle.
• We care about the small details—like glass edges and non-greasy dressings—that most competitors overlook.



With deep roots in Utah County and a growing reputation across the state, we’re proud to offer premium auto care for drivers who want more than a quick wash. When you trust your vehicle to us, you’re not just getting a detail—you’re getting the care and expertise that comes from years of experience and a commitment to excellence.

Ready to Experience the Best Detailing in Utah?

If you're in Lehi or anywhere in Utah County, and you’re looking for more than just a basic car wash, schedule your appointment with Stokes Auto Spa today. Whether you're interested in a deep interior detailing in Lehi, a ceramic coating, or full protection packages, we have the tools and expertise to make your car feel brand new again.

Book your service today at www.stokesautodetail.com or call us at 801-916-6572.

Your vehicle deserves the best—and so do you.