How to wash and detail your car like a pro
I hate to use the "W" word, but winter is on it's way, and if you live where it snows, it's time to get a coat of wax on your car to protect it from the salt and sand. (If you don't live where it snows, it might be time for a coat of wax anyway.)
I used to be a member of the dish-soap-and-towel set, but then I took a trip to the headquarters of Mothers, manufacturer of waxes, cleaners and polishes, and they set me straight. We spent about a half a day converting my '93 Honda Accord from a dirty, neglected eyesore to a car I could actually be proud of. It wasn't that difficult, and while Mothers provided all the products I used, they aren't that expensive. Actually, it kind of makes me wonder why I've been spending upwards of $100 to have my wife's car detailed...
Anyway, I've outlined what I learned into two step-by-step articles:
You can find most of the supplies you'll need at local auto parts and department stores; I've also put online shopping links in the article. (You can also buy direct from Mothers.) I don't mean to sound like a Mothers commercial; these guys were generous enough to supply their time and expertise as well as supplies, so I've highlighted their products. That said, experience has taught me that not all car-care products are created equal, and I think these before, after and comparison photos of my Accord tell the story: Mothers stuff works. Now go forth and wash! -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Comments
Good reminder for the winter to do list.
A lot of young adults do not take the time to detail out a car anymore let alone clean out the 3 months of McDonald’s junk, red bull cans etc. you get the point.
A Clean car is a happy car and it just makes you feel good when your car looks as good as Aaron’s 15 year old Honda does now.
Now that your a pro at this detail work Aaron how about I drop off our 30′featherlite race trailer & truck for a end of year wash and polish???
Not on your life, Allen. — Aaron
Step 1. Work at an office
Step 2. Pay the guy who comes every wednesday to wash cars in the parking lot.
Step 3. get back to work
Now we need a followup article about cleaning the interior of the car.
A couple of points:
It’s not always taboo to use dish soap. I use Dawn if I want to strip the wax from a car. This is useful if going from a wax finish to a polish or after getting a new car to get the factory/dealer wax off before detailing yourself. Dealers will frequently wax over tape lines and imperfections.
The other thing is, each time I wash my car, I spend an extra minute or two cleaning the hard to reach nooks and crannies - inside doors, under trunk hinges, around the gas cap. After a while, your car will actually look better than new. Also wiping the engine and compartment each time you wash will keep you from having to degrease the engine after a lot of grunge has accumulated. I also like to imagine that a mechanic takes better care when working on a meticulous motor.
Wow, after rereading the above I realize I must be pretty anal. Having said that, I’m the best guy to buy a used car from.
IGB,
I hope you’re not that anal that you might be tempted to steam clean your ride. That can prove disastrous! Water becomes vaporized and can penetrate into normally insulated electrical contacts and can accelerate an unnecessary cycle of corrosion. But I know you wouldn’t it. Unfortunately, you’d be surprised by how many people do, as well as used car dealers!
Fl. Allen… Aaron won’t wash your vehicles for you, because this is the same list he gave to his wife and kids…so he can supervise and answer our blogs!
There exists an interesting connection between a car’s cleanliness and the human psyche. When I was a kid in Detroit, the slogan for Jax Car Wash on 8 Mile Road was “A clean car by Jax drives better.” It’s the truth. When my car is clean inside and out, I drive a little more carefully and smoothly, I suppose in a effort to preserve the “clean” condition.
My 2001.5 VW Passat Wagon still looks good inside and out, even after 120,000 miles, despite the fact that it has never been garaged. I owe it all to the fine folks at Griot’s Garage. With all due respect to Mother’s and Maguire’s, IMHO nobody makes and sells better car care products and advice than Griot’s.