Investing in a car, whether pre-owned or new, is a significant financial commitment. So, to get the best worth out of the money spent, ensuring that the car works well for years to come is important. This is why routine maintenance services, repair procedures, and professional cleaning inside and out are essential for taking good care of a vehicle. Those willing to go that extra mile can opt for car detailing to keep their car looking new.
Wash the Car
One of the top DIY car detailing tips for a showroom finish is to start with a good wash. While this may seem like a simple task, improper washing can cause significant damage to the exterior surface of the car. This is why it is important to clean it carefully. Ideally, a car must be washed using good-quality car wash soap to avoid damaging the paint and stripping off the wax coatings.
Those opting for an automatic car wash should choose one that features a soft cloth, fresh and recycled water, and soft foam brushes. On the other hand, those washing their car on the driveway should follow the three-bucket rule: one bucket to hold the soap water, a second bucket to rinse the microfiber washcloth, and a third bucket for cleaning wheels and wheel wells.
Include a Clay Bar Treatment
Sometimes, thorough washing does not get rid of all the contaminants. This is especially true for minute debris and dust, such as those from industrial fallout, tree sap, and tar. All of these can cling to the surface of the car. Use a clay bar to get rid of these. This is a good car detailing tip for a new look. The bar removes all the impurities and helps keep the paint smooth. Individuals can simply gently glide the clay bar over the car’s surface with a lubricant. Once this process is done, the car is ready for polishing. A good way to find whether a car needs clay bar treatment is to feel its surface after washing. If the surface seems rough, it is time to use a clay bar.
Lubricate the Hinges and Latches
One professional car detailing tip for beginners is keeping the hood latch in good condition. Most car owners do not pay attention to it until the hood latch gets damaged and refuses to open. Keeping the latch well-lubricated and clean using a protectant or oil made for this purpose is crucial. This rule is also applicable to the latch of the trunk. Similarly, the hinges in the door can be taken care of using a lubricant spray or oil. Car owners should swing the door to check whether it opens and closes properly.
They must also care for the hood hinge pivot points, which are often overlooked. They must also use white lithium grease and lightly spray it on the hinges once in a while to prevent them from acting up.
Touch Up the Paint
Car owners can polish the car to get rid of minor swirl marks and scratches and give it a new appearance. For these purposes, car owners can use a dual-action polisher with a high-quality polish compatible with the car’s paint type. Polishing can help restore the original gloss and depth of the paint. Before using any product, testing it on a small patch of the car is recommended.
While polishing works well for minor skid marks and scratches, a touch-up can also be required if there are visible small paint chips. Car owners can purchase a color closest to the car’s color at an auto parts store or dealership. They can use a small, pointy brush to apply a drop of paint on the chipped area. They should make sure to paint within the outer boundaries of the chipped area. This way, the new paint layer is less visible when it dries out. They should also add a clear coat of paint over it for maximum protection.
Apply a Layer of Sealant or Wax
Waxing a car properly is a useful car care tip for a flawless finish. For the best result, thoroughly clean the car; it should be dust-free. A dusty layer can easily cause scratches when a coat of sealant or wax is applied to the car’s surface. Also, working in the garage or shade is important, away from direct sunlight, to prevent damage. Since wax takes a long time to clean, car owners should make sure not to get it into cracks, jambs, moldings, or any other matte plastic parts. Wax can also cause staining and permanent damage. So, it is important to be cautious while applying it.
Take Care of the Car’s Interiors
An essential car detailing step for a shiny look is cleaning upholstery and the carpets within the car’s cabin. Getting rid of the heavy debris and dirt from the carpeting is usually the first step to cleaning up the interiors. This can be done using a high-powered vacuum cleaner and a dry scrub brush. Air blowguns are also a good option for getting rid of dirt. Next, car owners should use dry shampoo to clean the carpet and upholstery stains and follow it up by spot-cleaning the dashboard and the electronic displays.