Car Detailing Guide

Detailing your car keeps your vehicle in excellent condition and helps retain its resale value.  Getting this done by a professional can be costly, but this guide will show you how you can get back your car's original luster without breaking the bank.

Washing and Drying

To keep your car looking its best, you should wash it by hand.  Automated car washes should be considered as a last resort, as they can be harsh on your vehicle's paint if used too frequently.  A gentle rub down with a sponge is the best way to remove impurities. 

Don't use dish detergent! It is too harsh on the clear coat of your car.  You need a quality soap  specifically made for this task.  Also, it is important to have a clean sponge  or wash mitt  that you keep only for washing your car. If particles get trapped in the sponge, it will scratch the paint. You will need two buckets,  one for the clean soapy water and one to rinse off the dirty sponge before it is dunked in the soapy water again. 

To begin, rinse the car with a fine spray and start washing from the top.  Use an alloy wheel cleaner  to shine the wheels. After you rinse, wait a few minutes for the excess water to run off, than dry the car with a chamois  or microfiber towel.   It is important to dry the car by hand, otherwise the water will dry in patches and beads.

Recommended
Meguiars Car Soap	Car Wash Mitt	Chamois

Polishing

Now that you have thoroughly dried the vehicle, it is time to polish.  People who are extremely serious about their cars use detailing clay  before polishing.  This clay removes contaminants from the paint that regular soap and water cannot.  After this is done, you can apply the polish.  Most car polishes  come with an applicator  but one can be purchased separately. The polish should applied in a circular motion and be left to dry for about five minutes before buffing it out with a chamois or microfiber towel.  It is very important to have a soft, fine buffer, such as a chamois, to get the most shine out of your polish.

Recommended
Turtle Wax Color Magic Polish	Detailing Clay	Car Polish Applicators

Finishing Touches

• Tire Shine  really improves the overall look of your detailed vehicle. 
• Car Trim Cleaner  will clean vinyl, plastic, and rubber to make your car's accents really pop out.
• Chrome Polish  is a great way to bring your classic's original shine back.

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Automotive Buying Guide	Car Audio and Video	Replacement Auto Parts