We know you’ll be hitting the road this summer for some fun in the sun, but it is important to remember that all that traveling takes a toll on your vehicle. Wear and tear is normal, but if you don’t properly protect your vehicle against outside forces you’ll find that you could do permanent damage to both the interior and exterior. To avoid your vehicle from falling apart over time, it is important to regularly wash your vehicle and that means doing more than letting a rainstorm take care of it. Your vehicle needs products made for the paint to not only make it look better but to also protect it from outside forces. If you’re not into getting your vehicle washed on your own, DIY might be the way to go! Lucky for you this week’s blog is dedicated to teaching you how to properly DIY detail your vehicle. Check it out below or schedule an appointment with us and we can get your vehicle back into tip-top shape in no time!
Part 1: Wash Your Vehicle
- Washing your vehicle regularly keeps dirt, debris, and gritty residue that can accumulate over time, off of your exterior.
- Start washing your vehicle from the top (the roof) down. Use a soft-bristled brush, in small, circular motions, to remove more stubborn stains and grease. Use a microfiber cloth to clean less dirty areas.
- DO NOT USE REGULAR DISH SOAP.
- These substances are designed to remove grease and oil, and they can damage your car’s finish, not to mention strip away the vehicle’s protective wax coating.
- It is important to rinse your vehicle as you go to prevent the soap and water from drying on your vehicle.
- Try not to take too long while washing your car so that the water does not dry, leaving behind mineral deposits in the form of water spots.
Part 2: Drying Your Car
- Dry your vehicle by hand. Start drying as soon as your done with the basic wash. This keeps water from drying and leaving spots.
- Use a microfiber towel to absorb the water.
- DO NOT DRAG THE TOWEL ACROSS THE CAR.
- Debris and dirt can be trapped under the towel and potentially scratch the paint.
- Drying your car to remove the majority of the moisture, allow it to air dry completely before proceeding to the detailing phase.
Part 3: Detail Your Car
- Most often, basic washing does not remove smaller particles and substances that might stick to or are worked into the paint job itself.
- Items you may need include Compound, Clay bars, Glaze, and Polish.
- Before using any detailing method, make sure you understand how to use it properly.
- USE A MICROFIBER MITT OR TOWEL.
- Don’t forget to clean and shine your tires, which are one of the most overlooked areas of a vehicle. When doing so, clean, wash, and polish one tire at a time to prevent the cleaner from drying on the tires in patches.
Step 4: Wax Your Car
- After washing, drying, and detailing the outside of your vehicle, seal it with wax. You only need to wax your car about every three months, so this process is not required every time you wash your car.
- When using a buffer, be careful because overuse could lead to paint removal
- Apply wax – using a microfiber towel, or a clean buffing pad using the car buffer
- Allow the wax to set – Proceed with applying the wax a section at a time, allowing the wax to set before removal. Check the wax container for directions on use and recommended wax set times.
- Buff the wax in – Take a microfiber cloth and use circular motions with the buffer to rub in the wax. Repeat this process until you have waxed the entire surface of the vehicle
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