Spring Detailing Tips

The nights are still cool here in the Northeast, but the daytime temperatures are rising and spring is around the corner. It is time to get your vehicle cleaned up and ready for road trips during the warmer weather.

STEP 1
If you have equipped your vehicle with snow tires for the winter, you will want to remove them first and reinstall your standard road wheels and tires. Next, give the vehicle a good washing. If the road grime has accumulated during the winter, it may be best to use a dish washing soap with water. Dish detergents cut through grease and grime well and should remove most debris from the finish. If your vehicle's finish has been frequently washed during the winter, a normal car wash soap can be used instead.

You may need to wash the vehicle a second time if there is still dirt on the surface after the initial washing. Be sure to wash inside the wheel wells and door jams. These are the hard to reach places that will promote rust if not properly cleaned and maintained. Also, be sure to vacuum and clean the interior, including the inside of the windows. Clean the upholstery and protect it with the appropriate type product (leather, vinyl or cloth).

STEP 2
After removing debris from the surface of the finish, you will want to conduct a deep cleaning. A clay bar is recommended for this task. It will allow you to remove embedded dirt while providing a squeaky clean surface. This will enhance the look and feel of the finish; it will also aid in the adhesion of your wax, polish or sealant.

STEP 3
In preparation for a finish coat of your favorite wax, polish or sealant, you will next want to apply a mild pre-wax cleaner. If you have already used a clay bar as mentioned in step 2, this should be an easy product to apply and quickly buff. Unless the surface has scratches or etching that needs to be removed, a light application of a mild pre-wax cleaner is only required. If, however, there are paint imperfections that need to be removed, a more aggressive cleaner specifically designed to address the problem may be required. One example is a swirl remover. These paint correction products are readily available in the marketplace.

Step 4
In this final step you will apply your finish coat. There are many schools of thought on what type of product works best, not to mention hundreds of brands. If you do not already have a favorite, you will need to do a little research to find a product that will suit your needs. Consider ease of use, durability, the level of protection provided, as well as the gloss. Each product will have its pros and cons, as well as unique instructions for application and removal. Please contact us if we can be of assistance.