As we come closer to the days when it will be warmer again, you want to have the satisfying feeling of being able to drive a car that’s been meticulously cleaned and cared for. Whether you need to give your car the first cleaning of the season as you take it out of storage, or you’re ready to get the road dirt and grime off it from the winter months on the road, you can have a car that’s cleaned like a pro. Just follow some simple steps and take your time to enjoy the clean car you want to love.
The Pro Car Cleaning Process
1. Evaluation
While it might seem like a no-brainer and something you should do at all times, you need to determine how dirty your car is before bringing out all the stuff you need to get it clean. Is it time for just a touch-up wash or a complete deep clean? Figure out what you’re going to need based on the current condition of the vehicle.
2. Read the Label
How hard can it be to apply soap and water to a vehicle? The reality is, you need different products for different aspects of cleaning your car. Read the label and follow the instructions of the cleaning products that you’re going to use. Some items could damage the paint, clear coat, and other finishes of your vehicle if they aren’t used properly.
3. Three Buckets
Many of us think one bucket is all we need, but the reality is, you should use three buckets to get your vehicle cleaned the right way. One bucket is for clean soapy water, another is for just water, and the third bucket is to be used on the wheels and tires exclusively. This system will help remove the dirt and grime and help you avoid adding the dirt back to the vehicle.
4. Washing Your Car
Rinse the car down completely with a hose or washer to remove the larger pieces of dirt from the vehicle. Once you’ve done this, you can use your wash mitt and the soapy water on the exterior. This needs to be a soap that’s designed for car washing and not a soap that’s used for other purposes around your home.
5. Get a Deeper Clean
Once you’ve washed and dried the car, it’s time to really clean it. Run your hands over the paint surface and feel the items that have bonded to your car over time. Using a clay bar you can remove stubborn spots and some the wax that has built up over time. If you have scratches that need to be filled, you will need a compound that’s made for this process.
6. Polish Makes it Shine
Washing your vehicle strips down the polish and wax that was previously applied that protects your vehicle. Now, it’s time to put polish back on the car to receive an extra high-gloss luxury appearance that you’re sure to admire. You can do this with either a dual-action polisher or add the polish you want by hand.
7. Wax for Protection
Car wax is used to protect your vehicle and offer a layer that keeps your paint from fading from the UV rays. Wax also helps to dispel corrosive elements that might occur and keep your vehicle looking great when you drive. You do need to remove wax when you do a full wash of your vehicle, but you want to add it back at the end of each washing as well.
8. Spray Detailing
Between cleanings, you need to maintain the shine of your vehicle with a spray detailer and clean microfiber cloth. These are items you need to keep in the trunk to give you the ability to remove dust, overspray, and bird droppings soon after they take place to keep your vehicle looking its best.
9. Clean the Windows
Use window cleaner that’s made for car windows to have them cleaned the right way. Using Windex or other ammonia-based cleaners can damage your window tint. Choose the right window cleaner and get your windows looking great.
10. Protect Your Hard Work
After all this hard work you’ll want to make it last as long as possible. Leaving your car outside under the hot sun or bad weather will significantly diminish the life of that glistening paint. To maintain that showroom quality, it’s best to keep your car covered by either UV rated cloth car covers, keep it in a garage, or underneath a metal carport so that when you do hit the road, you’ll turn heads all over town.
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