Detailing a car takes some time but it's well worth it. In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide for detailing your car like a pro.
Wash and Dry
If you wash your car at home, you’ll want to pre-rinse, wash thoroughly, and rinse again to get all the grime off. It’s best to work from top to bottom, doing the undercarriage and wheels last to avoid scratching the paint— the bottom of the car comes in contact with more dirt and you don’t want to swirl that around your paint. Take care to move quickly as drying soap can cause streaks and blemishes. Once rinsed, we recommend drying your car completely with a microfiber towel— skipping this step can also leave water spots on your vehicle and reduce the shine you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
If you prefer to visit a carwash to save some time, opt for a touchless wash to avoid damaged or scratched paint. Be sure to take a walk around the car when you arrive home to touch up any areas with lingering debris. Be sure to take a drive after washing your car so that the paint can properly dry.
Pro Tip: The Rims
Pay special attention to the rims when you wash the exterior of your car, taking time to scrub them thoroughly and restore their shine. This help to elevate your car’s look and increase the visual impact of your exterior detailing.
If possible, you can also remove and clean the headlight covers for even more exterior shine— and increased visibility at night.
Opt For a Quality Wax
Wax is optional, but it will help to preserve that long-term shine. If you’re detailing at home, you’ll want to use a clay bar to fill in any scratches, and using a microfiber cloth to wipe any excess. Then, you’ll apply wax to a foam applicator and buff it onto the paint in circular motions, working small sections to avoid streaks.
If you’re headed to the car wash, you can often add this to your wash services and save some time on this step.
Tackle The Interior
Next, you’ll want to tackle the interior. Take time to remove everything from your car, including the mats. Start by vacuuming and dusting to remove dry debris. Then, if available, wash the cloth surfaces using a fabric shampooer— you can also simply spot-clean any stains that need extra attention. Just be sure you give any cloth areas plenty of time to air dry after cleaning to avoid molding or mildewy smells.
Next, wipe down all of your hard surfaces, including the dashboard, steering wheel, and running boards. Pay special attention to areas like the cupholders and center console where crumbs and dirt can build up.
At V&F
At V&F, we strive to provide our customers with a well-rounded knowledge of all things automotive, including how to detail your car like a pro. Since 1988, our family-owned and operated service center has been providing top-quality auto repair services to Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, West Springfield, and the surrounding Massachusetts communities. If your car needs maintenance or repair before this winter season, call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.
