Common Mistakes To Avoid When Detailing Your Car

Car enthusiasts come in all different shapes and sizes. Some of them leave their vehicles with a specialist, and others like to handle the heavy lifting themselves. If you prefer the second category, then you like to clean your mean machine with your hands. Let’s make sure you do it the right way. Check out these common mistakes to avoid when detailing your car.

Working in the Sun

Direct sunlight and car detailing don’t mix well at all. Washing it out in the open will not have the effect you think it will. There is a reason why professionals detail cars inside enclosed spaces. The sun will dry out the cleaning products before you get a chance to wipe them off correctly.

Before you know it, your car’s surface will have water spots and soap residue all over. Dry-on soap residue isn’t hard to get off, but it does leave a film that you won’t see immediately until the sun goes down. Work in either an enclosed space or a shaded area.

Using the Wrong Detergent

Trust us when we say bath soaps and household cleaning products aren’t what your car needs to get cleaned. These are chemicals for specific areas in your home. They can’t handle the stains and dirt that land on a car.

Plus, with their pressure washers and detergents, you want to ensure you’ve selected the right ones. They need to work together to clean the vehicle. Detailing companies sell specific detergents and chemicals for the exterior and interior of a car. Don’t mix the two up because they both perform different roles.

Opting for an Air Dry

Like the sun, you may think the wind is on your side too. It’s not. Never let the air dry your car. For starters, it’ll dry it unevenly and leave water spots. It’s always best to wipe down the vehicle yourself with a different cloth. Don’t use the same one you’ve been using to clean.

Even if you wring it out thoroughly, the inside of the cloth will still have residue. Thoroughly rinse the soap from the vehicle, then grab a microfiber cloth and start wiping your car down in even strokes. Begin from the bottom and work your way up.

Waxing On and Off

Waxing on and off only applies to the Karate Kid. Don’t use it as a lesson to detail your car. This isn’t to say you can’t wax your car because you can unless it’s brand new. New vehicles don’t require waxing because they’re still fresh.

Older cars can handle waxing but not over-waxing. Only wax the car after thorough washing, and use the recommended wax applier. Use the applier that comes in wax packages to have better control over the amount you use on your vehicle.

We want to help you avoid any common mistakes when it comes to detailing and maintaining your car.