Car Detailing Dos and Don’ts

Many vehicle owners take pride in the appearance of their cars and want their vehicles to last a long time. To do this, they rely on car detailing. Car detailing is an important process for taking care of both new vehicles and used ones. It’s possible to detail a vehicle yourself, provided you have the right tools and know what you’re doing. Below, we offer some simple dos and don’ts to help you give your vehicle the look of professional detailing.

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Do Wash the Vehicle Regularly

One of the most important things you can do when it comes to car detailing is to do it regularly. To keep your vehicle in pristine condition and looking like new, you want to make sure dirt and other debris don’t have time to settle into your vehicle. If you don’t wash your vehicle regularly, it could become harder to clean or even wear off the paint finish on your car.

This is why it’s a good idea to wash your vehicle every two weeks or so. If your vehicle is exposed to any rough conditions, such as from driving on muddy or dusty roads, you may want to wash it more frequently. You don’t need to give the vehicle a thorough cleaning every two weeks if you don’t have the time, but a quick wash can go a long way in preventing tougher buildup.

Don’t Let the Vehicle Air Dry

A common practice after washing a vehicle is to allow it to air dry. Some people simply leave their vehicle to sit in the driveway until it’s dry, while others go for a drive to let the wind do it. However, air drying can lead to watermarks being left on the surface of your vehicle. These marks can be challenging to remove and essentially waste the time you spend washing your vehicle.

Instead, you should use a towel to dry your vehicle. Opt for a fine microfiber cloth to prevent accidentally leaving any scratches on your vehicle’s shiny paintwork. You’ll probably need several towels to dry the vehicle effectively. When wiping down the vehicle, move your hand in a figure-of-eight motion, starting at the top of the vehicle and working your way down.

Do Clean the Tiny Areas

There are many tiny areas on the exterior and on the inside of your vehicle that are easy to overlook. When you’re spending the time to detail your vehicle, it’s essential that you clean even those smaller areas. For example, when washing your car’s exterior, be sure to clean the door handle thoroughly. Dirt can build up on the underside of the door handle, which means that when you rinse it off, this dirt can trickle down onto the door.

Other critical areas to pay attention to include the edges of your windows, underneath the wheel well, and around the license plates. Inside your vehicle, you can clean out areas such as your vents using compressed air, and a good strong vacuum can get those hard to reach places along the edges of the floor.

Don’t Dirty Your Soap Water

When washing your vehicle, it’s a smart idea to use two different buckets for water. One can contain just water, while the other contains your shampoo water. As you’re wiping down your vehicle using the shampoo water, don’t place the sponge back into that bucket. Doing so only takes the dirt from your vehicle and mixes it with your shampoo. Instead, rinse the sponge in fresh water, then dip it back into the shampoo bucket. This is a simple trick that’ll help you clean your car more efficiently.

Do Invest in High-Quality Products and Tools

You need the right tools and products to take the best care of your vehicle. There are many car-detailing products on the market, but not all are created equal. You may not like the results if you opt for cheap products or tools. In fact, some products may even harm your vehicle.

Instead, invest in quality cleaning products and tools. It’s often worth a little more expenditure to get the best quality cleaning rather than using sub-standard products more often. Our team can assist you if you’re unsure of which products or tools to invest in. Visit the parts department at Dan Cummins CDJR of Georgetown, and our experts can advise you on what you need.

Don’t Remove Wax With a Power Buffer

A power buffer is an excellent tool for applying wax to a vehicle. It results in an even coat of wax across the car and saves your arms from having to apply the wax manually. However, too many people also use the power buffer to remove wax. Removing the wax with a power buffer can lead to an uneven finish or even visible swirls. Instead, you should apply the wax with a power buffer, then remove it using a soft towel.

Do Check for Dirt Before Applying Wax

The best time to apply wax is after thoroughly cleaning the vehicle’s exterior. This is because you don’t want any debris on the vehicle’s surface, as you could inadvertently scrub this in when applying wax. However, even after a good cleaning, some dirt could remain.

To check for dirt before applying wax, grab yourself a plastic bag. Stick your hand in the bag, then run it along the vehicle’s surface. Doing so allows you to detect any dirt along the vehicle without leaving finger smudges.

Professional Car Detailing Products and Tools in Georgetown

If you want to take care of your vehicle, you’ll need some cleaning products, including car shampoo, wax, sponges, and towels. You may also want to invest in tools such as a power buffer to make waxing your vehicle easier. Whatever it is you need, if you’re in the Georgetown area, Dan Cummins CDJR is here to help. Our professional parts department has everything you need to detail your vehicle and our team can help you select the best products. To learn more, please contact us today or stop by our parts department at any time.

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