Steems Automotive Detailing Guide

 

Automotive Detailing Guide 

Use your head. Nothing in this Guide is intended to replace common sense, legal, medical or other professional advice, and is meant to inform and entertain the reader. So have fun! 

1. Avoid scratches as much as possible. I never use a bucket when washing my car. Instead I use a soft sponge and constantly rinse the sponge out to avoid dirt build up. Buckets are a breeding ground for harmful dirt particles that will damage your cars finish. Next time you wash your car using a bucket look at the bottom of the bucket when you are finished and see how much dirt builds up. Say no to buckets.

2. Do not wash in direct sunlight. I try to only wash my cars in the shade or when dusk is approaching. If you have to wash your car in the sun make sure you do small sections at a time. Constantly hosing the car down with fresh water. This will ensure that the soap will not have a chance to dry on your cars finish before you have time to wash it off. Sunlight is also a water spot breading ground avoid it whenever possible.

3. When you clean your wheels and tires make sure you do them last. This gives the wheels a chance to cool down. Helping you not harm your rotors and possibly warping them. It also is the most dirtiest part of your car. This give you less chance of scratching the car with leftover dirt. Since the body of the car has already been washed. 

4. Always start a car wash with a pre soak of fresh water. The highest stream setting your hose can go. This help get rid of loose dirt that acts as a type of sand paper on your finish if left unwashed. This will also start to break up stubborn dirt particles and bugs for when you go over the area with your sponge. The job will be much easier.

5. Start at the top of your car first. The roof then work your way down. As I said before most of the dirt is near the bottom of your car. The goal is by the time you gets to the bottom of your car where the dirt lies you will be finished with the job.

6. Do not scrub dirt bugs or bird droppings on your car. This is a sure way to scratch your paints finish. If you must on a stubborn spot make sure the area is saturated with soap and water first. Then gently rub the spot out making sure not to damage the paint. Especially on a black car since it will be easily noticed. 

7. Any molding you have after a car wash make sure you use some type of protection on the area. Automotive stores sell many types that will keep the molding looking like new. They can also bring back the shine to its original state on an older car.

8 After you wash a car make sure you dry it. If you do not dry the car there is no point in even washing it. Driving the car doesn't count as this is the lazy way out. Also a good way to dry your rims is to use a leaf blower on them. This works wonders on chrome rims. But you will still have to give it a once over with a dry cloth. To get rid of any streaks or eater spots.

9. Make sure carpet is vacuumed every time you wash your car. Even under the mats and seats. This will keep odors out of your car. And is often the first thing a person will notice when they go inside your car and say how clean the interior is.

10. Wipe leather with a damp rag with water. The main damage to leather occurs when your seats get dirty. As you get in and out of the vehicle the dirt acts as a type of sand paper. Rubbing on and off as you exit the vehicle and enter. If the seats are clean this should not be a problem. As the surface will be smooth as you slide in and out of your car.

11. Use a quality tire glaze on dry tires. This makes them look like new and protects them from the sun. Also protects them from dry rotting. Be sure to clean any over spray that gets on your rims after you apply the tire shine.

12. Make sure you clean the headlight with a good plastic polish. Even using a small amount of toothpaste with water helps keep them looking new. This will help avoid your headlights from becoming faded. And loosing visibility at night. 

13. Use a good UV protection on the dash since this will be in direct sunlight and prone to fading. If your car is going to be parked in direct sunlight I would recommend putting a white towel over the dash for protection.

14. This isn't a detailing tip but its a big part in saving your cars interior. If possible have your cars windows tinted. Check your local tint laws first. They even sell tint that is clear but blocks harmful UV rays. You can also check with your local DMV's website some states allow you to tint the front passenger windows if you obtain a doctors note. Not only will you save your cars interior but your skin also. As most people develop skin cancer on the left side of there face from there cars window as they drive.

15. Spray the under carriage of your car with water. This gets rid of loose dirt in the summer and salt in the winter. Also helps your car from rusting out. If you look underneath an older car that was never hosed down underneath you will see premature rusting. That could of been easily avoided or dramatically reduced.

16. Any time you have a bird dropping on your car it must be taken care of immediately. Left alone it will eat through your cars clear coat. Especially in a black car where it is easily noticeable. You will actually be left with an imprint if you do not take care of the problem once you see it. I usually get a wet rag with soap and water and carefully remove it. Soak the area first. And take care nut to scrub the area so you will not produce any new scratches from the bird dropping residue.

17. Do not smoke inside your car. The smell the stains on the headliner need I say any more?

18. A nice coat of wax never hurt anyone. After you wash your car if you have time once in awhile go ahead. This helps the next wash as the dirt and grime will come off easier. With today's clear coats, experts say wax is not needed but I believe it helps protect from bird droppings etc. A good alternative is a simple spray wax that will save you allot of time. Just be sure if you do use wax not to get any on the trim of the vehicle.

19. Clean inside the fenders and tire area. I would do this last as this is a very dirty area. I also like to spray some tire shine in the area on the inside fender plastic area to make it look like new. On tires I like to use a tire bleach first to get rid of the old tire shine. You will actually see the grime come off the tire if you use tire bleach. Then once the tire dries I spray a new layer of tire sealant. Cleaning your tire and wheel area is one of the most noticed parts of a good car detail.

20. Wash and wax your car in a safe area. I cant tell you how many times my car was damaged by falling debris inside my garage as I was waxing my car. Lets say you are in a tight spot and you bump into a broom. Get the picture? I once picked up a piece of metal shavings on my sponge. Only because my rag was on top of it when I set it down. Just be aware of your surroundings.

Follow this guide at your own risk. Author is not responsible for any damage from the use of this guide.

     Finally, use your head. Nothing in this Guide is intended to replace common sense, legal, medical or other professional advice, and is meant to inform and entertain the reader. So have fun!

Thank you and enjoy!