As we all know, the world of car care and detailing is full of options, fads, and choices that never end. If you want your car to stay shiny and in good shape, it’s important to know the basics of how cars work. Understanding the basics of your car will not only teach you what to do and what not to do, but it will also give you the confidence you need to work on it yourself.
Many people think that taking their car to a hands-free car wash once a month is a good way to do their duty. But the harsh industrial blow dryers and robotic brushes used to wash cars don’t seem to do the trick because you can still see small scratches, bird-dropping stains, and paint swirls.
5 Big Steps to Do-It-Yourself Car Detailing
Use the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Car Detailing tips if you care about your car and want to keep its shine and quality for a long time. The DIY method saves money because the products and tools you buy can be used for more than one detail. This means that you don’t have to pay as much for professional detailing sessions as often.
Let’s talk about some of the most important steps for DIY car detailing:
1. Look at how your car is doing
Before you wash your car, you should look at its condition so you can decide how to clean it. If your car is brand new and already has good paint, all you need to do is wash and wax it. On the other hand, if your car’s outside looks average or worn down, you will also need to clean and polish it.
2. Doing the Car Wash
When you wash your car, you get rid of any dirt, stains, and mud. When you wash your car, make sure you use car washing soap and not dish soap or liquid detergent. Those things could damage the paint or strip away the wax. Also, try to read the label before you use any chemicals to clean your car. The best way to clean paint, wheels, and windows is with microfiber clothes. Try to keep clothes for each part separate and wash them after each use.
3. Look for scratches on the car's surface
After you wash the car, you’ll be able to see all the scratches, swirls, bonded contaminants, and oxidation in the paint. Use some compound to get rid of the scratches that are below the surface of the car. You can use a dual-action polisher or applicator pads to put it on. If the scratches are still there, you may need to apply the cream a second or third time.
In a similar way, you can treat the car’s stuck-on dirt with a clay bar. It will get rid of everything on the car and make it as smooth as it was before.
4. Use polishing to get a brighter shine
Many people skip the next step of detailing a car, which is to put wax on it, because they don’t realize that it will make the paint look better and hide small flaws on the surface. If you want to get rid of the flaws on the outside of your car for good, you should polish the paint first. You can use your hands or a dual-action polisher to apply polish. It will make the car shine even more, especially if it is a dark color.
5. Use wax
Waxing is kind of like putting sunscreen on your car. It keeps the shine and paint on your car safe from UV rays and gives it a high gloss finish. When you put wax on the surface of your car, it gives it the depth and shines it needs to stand out from the other cars. You will also notice a clear difference in how your car feels after you wax it. There are different kinds of wax on the market, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and budget the best.
6. Coatings of nanoceramics
If you’ve already done all of the above things to your car, you can use car ceramic coatings to give it a better shine and protect it from scratches, dust, and bad weather. There are many do-it-yourself nanoceramic coatings that are easy to use if you follow the simple guide. They last longer than a year and can be put on again whenever necessary.
