Caring For Your Car's Exterior

If your car is looking a little less glorious than you're used to, there's no better way to return it to its previous state than through a good old fashioned car wash. Now, we don't mean take it to the nearest gas station drive through car wash where it'll be treated like just another car. No, your car deserves a little more personal touch. So grab your bucket and your mitt because it's time to go to work.

Some things you will need:

• A cotton or (paint safe) microfiber washing mitt - decreases scratching risk.
• Automotive purpose soap/wash - they're pH balanced so they won't strip the wax off your car and are combined with a lubricant to help your car keep its shine protection. 
• Wax (like carnauba or synthetic wax) or a paint sealant. Carnauba wax is good for maximum shine and solid protection, but only maintains its integrity for roughly 8-12 weeks. A sealant will last 6 months on average. It won't shine as well, but you'll have to apply it less.
• Most of your day - To give your car a good detailing, it'll take a good amount of time, so be prepared and keep your schedule clear.

Washing Your Car

1) Spray it down.

The first step is also one of the most important. Giving your car a really good spray will help take away all of the dirt and grime which can be scratch your vehicle while applying the soaping product. Use a moderately powered spray, nothing too crazy here. Also make sure you're washing your car out of direct sunlight and your car is cool to the touch.

2) Wash in sections

Wash and rinse your car off in sections. This will give you time to dry everything off before moving on to the next section. Not doing so will lead to water spots.

3) Remember to wipe off your windshield wipers.

Over time, dirt can build up on the blades, and scratch your windshield when in use, so it's good to wipe these off whenever you can.

4) Apply wax or sealant.

So, it's time to make your car really look pretty. As with a wash, work in the shade to prevent it from drying too quickly and becoming too difficult to buff off. Make sure your car is dried off completely as mixing water can make the wax or sealant streak. Use the thinnest coat you can as a lot of wax or sealant can be difficult to buff off, streak, and just become an overall mess. A thin coat takes less time and ensures you are able to get the shine you want. It's always easier to add a little more (after letting the first coat cure of course) than removing too much.

Apply the product to the applicator and not the vehicle. Work a section at a time, and let the wax dry. Run a finger across it and if it begins to break ahead of your finger, then it's ready to come off. Use a microfiber towel to buff it off (gently!) or if you used a powered polisher, use a new pad.