If you love your car, then you might want to keep it shiny and clean so it always stands out on the road. For this reason, you might need to learn how to detail your car from the inside and out.
Auto detailing is crucial to preserving the appearance of your vehicle. Over time, your car loses its visual appeal through regular wear and tear, and detailing helps make your car less vulnerable to the elements and maintain its original condition. You should know how to handle auto detailing considering the amount of time and effort that’s involved. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use the right shampoo
Auto experts would recommend washing your car every two weeks. Not only does this get rid of debris and other imperfections from the body, but it also helps make the paintwork last longer. To get the best results, take time looking for a car shampoo that does not contain strong additives that can dissolve the coating that protects the body. Using a pH-balanced shampoo should be enough to wash away dirt and other debris without harming the paintwork.
- Wax your car
As a general rule, you need to wax your car once every quarter of the year. Washing your car with shampoo isn’t enough to protect the body from the elements. Using the right car wax can provide it with added protection against sunlight, rain, and everything else that can take a toll on your vehicle. In addition, it can also make your vehicle look brand new. If your vehicle has a black paint job, consider a high-gloss product that’s easy to apply and contains synthetic polymers, which allow for a long-lasting shine.
- Polish the exterior
Unlike waxing, which involves adding a protective layer to the body, polishing removes any scratches and imperfections that may still be present on the coating. It also allows the new paint job to pop and gives the panel a crystal clear finish. This will depend on the type of polishing compound you are using. If the panels were recently painted, use a polish with diminishing abrasives that add luster to the surface. For major defects on the paint work, use a compound that’s formulated for heavy scratches and other defects. To be sure, consider performing a spot test so you will know which product is best for your car.
- Clean the seats
From the exterior, you need to work your way toward the interior. Clean the seats thoroughly by getting rid of debris that has clung to the upholstery. Start by vacuuming loose dirt from the sheets and washing the upholstery using the right fabric cleaner. For leather seats, use an all-in-one cleaner that deodorizes and conditions. It’s best that you purchase a leather seat cleaning kit that comes with applicators and a deep cleaning solution in case you want to enhance the shine on the leather.
If you are detailing your car, it’s important to know how you can spend your time and money wisely to make your vehicle look its best.
