Professional auto detailers devote years to learning how to effectively use specialized solutions and techniques to make a car appear brand new. They learn how to gauge the clear coat finish’s thickness to determine how much correction to apply to a scratch. To avoid damaging the paint, they put in countless hours of mastering the use of a power polisher.
They learn about the differences between different detailing products and the situations in which each should be used. There are sufficient insider facts to fill several “top ten” lists. A list like this might be given if you ask a professional detailer for tips on cleaning the outside of your car.
Let us take a quick look at some of the best car cleaning tips.
1. Working downward from the top.
Work from the top to the bottom of your automobile as a basic rule of thumb. Doing so can prevent contaminants from reaching the more delicate higher sections from the dirtier bottom ones. Allow gravity to work in your favor.
Rinse top to bottom. Then wash from top-down and rinse once more. Work in protected spaces whenever possible to control conditions. Avoid attempting to wash your car from top to bottom at once. The soap will dry too soon, even in a relaxed, shaded environment.
2. Begin by washing the wheels.
Starting with the wheels may seem contradictory because they are far from the top of your car. Still, most detailers like to take care of the wheels, wheel wells, engine compartments, and occasionally the door jambs before anything else.
This is so that they can contain the worst filth and debris. Consider it a “pre-cleaning.” Generally speaking, you should wash from the top down, but initially, focus on cleaning the very grimy areas. If they are covered with dirt, that may also apply to the bottom body panels.
3. Maintain moisture.
Keeping the panels from drying out too quickly is another important rule to follow while washing your automobile. If such panels are covered with cleaning agents, it is preferable to keep everything moist for as long as feasible.
Water, dried soap, or other chemicals might cause spots that require more arduous cleaning. They could even harm your paint. Keep your automobile wet until it’s time to dry it, then. In fact, before using chamois or microfiber drying towels, many detailers thoroughly rinse the car once more.
4. Dry it quickly.
Dry off your automobile as soon as you’re done washing it. Avoid letting it dry on its own, or water stains may appear. Use a couple of high-quality microfiber towels or a clean chamois that is meant to be wet rather than dry. Bath towels made of cotton terry cloth are excessively rough and leave the type of swirls and scratches you want to avoid.
5. Think preventive action.
Once your automobile has been cleaned and the paint has been fixed, it’s time to stop new contaminants from adhering. The painted surface of the automobile has been the focus of all previous work. The purpose of the next step is to protect the surface between cleanings.
Using products such as waxes, polymer sealants and ceramic coatings (see our post on Glare paint protection).
All three products repel water and act as a barrier against chemicals, pollutants, and UV rays. Rubber dressings keep the rubber on your door seals and other rubber parts flexible and clean. Trim protectants rejuvenate black trim components and keep them from becoming stained by wax.
Parting Thoughts
It’s crucial to wear long sleeves and slacks while detailing, as we’ve previously said, so be mindful of the potential heat exposure. Keep hydrated and stop when you need to. Use good form, stooping, lifting, or moving about to prevent any physical injury during the vehicle cleaning process. While detailing, be careful to be aware of any possible dangers so you can take the appropriate safety measures. Visit us if you’re interested in mobile auto detailing Santa Rosa or auto detailing in Santa Rosa.
