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| Car, Detailing |
| This DIY Basic will show you how to detail your vehicle at home. |
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A good car detail can cost plenty, but it doesn't have to if you do it yourself! Materials: Auto detergent
Buckets and sponges
Tire and glass cleaners
Automobile polish
Liquid or paste wax
Soft cloths and paper towels - It all begins with a good washing. Wet the vehicle before applying any soap (figure A). Next, using a detergent designed for automobiles, wash the vehicle in sections starting with the roof and working down. Rinse thoroughly between soaping.
Note: Use a detergent designed specifically for car washing. Don't use common dish washing detergent, as it's too strong and will remove the wax you want to keep. Avoid scratches by using two buckets -- one with detergent and one with plain water. After soaping an area, rinse the sponge in the plain water to remove dirt and grit before re-submerging in the soapy water. - When it comes to cleaning tires, use a product formulated for them. Simply spray it on, let it work and then rinse it off. Before moving on, dry the car thoroughly with soft chamois towels (figure B). Then use a glass cleaner and paper towels to make windows and mirrors shine.
- If your car still looks dirty after washing, consider using a polish. Squeeze a small amount onto a soft, clean cloth and then apply to the body of the car using circular motion (figure C). Polishes restore gloss by removing a small amount of paint, so work carefully to avoid damaging the finish. When the polish has dried to a haze buff it with another soft clean cloth.
Tip: Avoid swirl marks by using a 100-percent cotton terry cloth towel to apply and remove polish. The nap will draw grit into the towel instead of rubbing it into the finish. Clear coats require special consideration. Because they are clear, scratches and swirls tend to become more prominent since the clear characteristic causes such defects to be magnified. For this reason, avoiding scratches and swirls is critical if you want your clear coated surface to look great. - For the final touch, protect your car's finish by applying a coat of wax, which comes in several forms -- but as a general rule, liquids are easier to apply (figure D). With a damp sponge, apply the wax in a circular motion. Come back with a soft cloth and wipe off the residue. Then polish the car's entire surface one last time.
- Finally, don't forget the interior. Vacuum mats, wipe down the dash and clean the interior glass to complete your do-it-yourself car detail.
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