Who wouldn’t want a shiny car that looks brand new? It’s easy to think that a quick trip to the car wash or a fun family activity of washing the car together will get the job done. When in reality, you’re barely scratching the surface (no pun intended).
Car detailing has seen a surge in popularity these days, not just for those who are driving two-seater sports models, but even mums and dads who take great pride in their family car are enjoying the challenge and the satisfaction that comes with detailing their vehicle – no matter what their kids throw at it.
Not only is car detailing a much better way to get the most out of your paintwork and protect your vehicle's bodywork, but it's also a much more cost-effective option than spending money on car washes and having scratches buffed out time and time again.
Want to know more? Read on for how you can get to grips with car detailing with these simple tips.
Tip #1 Always invest in good equipment
You won't get the finish you want if you're using abrasive yellow sponges and tired old washcloths. You'll need to invest in some quality detailing equipment – check out avalonking.com to find out more. Car detailing is different from car washing, as detailing involves the process of removing contaminants from the surface of the paintwork and the invisible pollutants beneath the surface. Therefore, high quality (but not necessarily expensive) equipment is required to do the job. The following will get you started.
- At least two buckets with dirt/grime filtration systems
- A large car wash hand mitt
- Brushes (varying abrasiveness)
- Vacuums and dust blowers
- Drying tools
Don’t neglect a prewash
A simple pre-wash will help get the grime and dirt moving, which also eliminates the desire to scrub and brush abrasively and cause potential damage to your vehicle. It’s a simple step but one that makes a huge difference.
Always wash the tires first
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Tires and wheels should take precedent. Simply because they’re the dirtiest part of your vehicle. You’ll be incredibly frustrated if you spend hours on your main bodywork only to have dirt and grime flick up from your wheels when you start to clean them.
Use two buckets
Using two buckets helps to minimise grease and soap marks on your paintwork. Fill one bucket with your shampoo and ensure the water is bubbly. Then fill the second bucket with clear, clean water so you can rinse off the excess before you place it on your vehicle. Always clean your mitt in the rinse bucket!
Dry your vehicle properly
Don’t leave your car to air dry. Always take the time to dry your car thoroughly with microfibre cloths. This will reduce the chances of watermarks and streaks on your paintwork. Or, you could use a water-free car cleaning system.
Finally, consider a ceramic coating.
You can achieve the perfect finish on your vehicle by investing in ceramic coating. This simple application adds a protective layer your bodywork, helping prevent scratches, fading caused by UV rays and a reduction in watermarks and streaks.