Car Detailing

If you have decided to take this upon yourself, here are a few things you might want to remember. Don’t settle for just a spray off at the car wash and a quick vacuum of the interior. Remember, we are going for the whole detail effect. Under the hood, the trunk, wheel wells, the whole nine yards. Select a high quality car wash solution, a soft wash mitt, and an even higher quality wax.

Start with the ugliest parts first, the bugs and tar and the engine compartment. Find a good bug and tar remover, apply liberally to the front and sides of the car where it is most prevalent. Allow this to soak and really do the hard work. As this is soaking, pop the hood and give the engine, inner fender wells, and the engine itself a good scrubbing. Don’t drown the engine in water, and be most cautious around electrical equipment. You will be surprised to know that Dawn dish washing soap works extremely well for this area. After the engine is done, turn your attention to the bugs in the grille and the tar down the sides of the vehicle. Once removed, rinse completely with fresh water.

Give the car a good wash job, paying attention to the wheel well areas. This is the sign of a quality detail job. Invest in a fine synthetic chamois cloth and dry the whole car. While drying the auto, open all the door openings and wipe out the door jams. This includes the trunk also. Clean the windows inside and out with a no streak glass cleaner, shampoo the carpets and seats if needed. The wax is the icing on the cake. Apply the wax as the paint was sprayed on the vehicle. Most people use a circular motion, and this creates swirl marks in the finish. Remove the wax in the same manner as it was applied, using good old fashioned elbow grease and not a buffer. Unless properly trained in how to use one, a buffer can burn your finish. Finish off with tire blackening compound, and stare like Tony Stewart looking at his prize Corvette in the commercial.

Spend a few quality hours in the sun with your auto, and be proud of your accomplishment. Go for a spin around your neighborhood, and don’t be surprised if someone asks you if your “new” car is for sale.