Whenever you want your car to shine, you find yourself spending significant amounts of money. Despite this, you don’t need to spend crazy amounts of money to leave your car with a professional-looking shine. The right tools, car detailing products, and a bit of elbow grease are all you need to transform the appearance of your vehicle. To that end, detailed below are just some of the best car detailing tips that will make your vehicle look truly showroom worthy.
Start with a Thorough Wash
First and foremost, your car needs to be completely clean. This requires you to use a pH-balanced car wash soap and a microfiber wash mitt to rid your vehicle’s surface of dirt and grime. You’ll also need to rinse the surface thoroughly to remove all soap residue and dry using a soft microfiber towel so that the surface is free of water spots.
Clay Bar Treatment
In order to create a smooth finish, you might use a clay bar treatment. Clay bars can eradicate embedded contaminants, unlike any other washing technique. For instance, tar, bug residue, and industrial fallout are no match for clay bar treatment. With a quick detailer spray, you can lubricate the surface, making it that much easier to glide the clay bar over the paintwork. Each pass should become progressively smoother as you do this.
Polish for Perfection
When you’re happy that your paint is clean and smooth, you can then address any imperfections in a mission to restore the deep and glossy shine you’re looking for. This can be achieved via polishing, wherein you’ll need to use a polish or compound that’s suited to your vehicle’s paint type. Once you’re happy with your chosen product, you’ll need to apply it using a microfiber applicator pad. In doing so, you should work in small sections and apply moderate pressure. It’s also important to overlap your passes to ensure that the vehicle is covered evenly.
Protect with a Quality Wax or Sealant
After polishing your vehicle, you’re going to want to protect your vehicle from the elements. This will require a layer of wax or sealant; with traditional carnauba wax, you’re promised a warm and natural glow, but with synthetic sealants, you’re likely to get longer-lasting protection. The application process is simple; all it takes is the use of a foam applicator pad, which you use to apply thin and even coats. Also, make sure you allow time for curing before buffing off any excess with a clean microfiber towel.
Don’t Forget the Details
Detailing goes way beyond just paint; the goal is to make every inch of your vehicle shine. This means paying close attention to the areas that are often overlooked, including door jambs, wheel wells, and trim pieces. When treating these areas, you should use an all-purpose cleaner and soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and grime. Once they’re all clean, you’ll then need to treat them with a suitable dressing or sealant.
Clean and Condition the Interior
A well-detailed car goes way beyond just being clean; you need to show it some love. This means vacuuming all surfaces to rid them of dirt and debris. Following this, you’ll need to use a gentle interior cleaner to wipe down all surfaces, like dashboards, seats, and door panels. Last but not least, make sure you use a high-quality interior dressing to protect your surfaces from UV damage and ensure they look as good as new.
The above tips are just some that you can employ when it comes to DIY detailing. Make sure you do your research for a professional-quality clean.
