The average American spends $8,469 a year on his personal vehicle. Car ownership is expensive — you have gas, oil changes, and the occasional flat tire. But you can save money with at-home car detailing.
Detailing your car is a great way to keep it looking beautiful for years to come. The problem is that car detailing can get expensive. Learning how to do it yourself can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Keep reading to learn how to detail a car yourself.
Rinse Your Car First
Always rinse your car with water before you start washing it. Going straight for the soapy water will grind surface level dirt and dust into your finish.
When you rinse the car first you remove the top layer of dirt and grime so it doesn’t hurt your paint job.
Always Use Special Soap
It’s important to invest in car wash soap. The wrong soap can deplete important oils from your car’s finish. This shortens the lifespan of your paint job.
Many people use dish detergent when they wash their cars at home. This product is too harsh for your car’s paint job.
Car wash soap safely cleans your car without damaging your paint.
Invest in Microfiber
Most car owners wash their vehicles with sponges, which are terrible for the car’s finish.
Sponges trap grit and dirt in their pours. Even after you wring the sponge out, dirt and grime may be stuck to its surface. Dirty sponges are abrasive on your car’s paint.
Always use a microfiber cloth or mitt to wash your vehicle. Dirt and grit rinse away from microfiber quickly so you don’t have to have to worry about it scratching your car.
Remove Scratches before Polishing
Polishing your car helps it to shine brightly, but it doesn’t remove pesky scuffs and scratches.
Use a scratch removal kit to take care of any scratches before you polish the car. Removing the scratches before polishing will help your car to really shine.
Invest in Synthetic Wax
Waxing your car is an important part of regular maintenance. Wax seals its exterior paint from contaminants and UV rays. Applying wax regularly also extends your its paint job and original shine.
Synthetic wax lasts longer than other waxes. And it is specially designed to protect your car better than natural wax.
Brush and Vaccum the Carpets
Car carpets are great at trapping dirt and dust. Vacuuming often isn’t enough to remove dust deeply embedded in your carpet and upholstery.
Brush your carpets first with a rough brush to lift dirt to the surface so it’s easier to vacuum.
Use Vinyl Protectant
Extreme temperatures and UV rays damage surfaces in your car. Applying protectant to the vinyl surfaces in the car maintains the shine and splendor of its interior.
Always opt for non-silicone protectants. Silicone sprays leave a film on your dashboard that actually attracts more dirt and dust.
You Know How to Detail a Car: Get Started Now
Detailing your car regularly keeps your vehicle looking great. But you don’t need to take your car to a professional to get the job done right.
Now that you know how to detail a car, you can save money by doing it at home!
Do you have any questions about at home car detailing? Leave us a comment and let us know!