Are You Ready To Detail?

     So spring is right around the corner! Can't tell by the 3" of snow on the ground here in St. Louis! Usually at this point in the new year, a car guys thoughts are on a couple of things. 1- Nascar season is starting and 2- getting our cars cleaned up from all the winter abuse. I won't go into Nascar yet, gonna wait till after the Daytona 500. I have many problems with Nascar but that's for another blog. Today I want to concentrate on getting your car ready for spring and summer driving. Some of you may wish to call a professional detailer like us, thank you, but for the DIY'ers out there, we have some ideas and tips to help you bring out the best in your ride!

        
Where do I start? A great question with a simple answer.....with tools and supplies! As far as what you should have on hand depends on how far you want to get into your detailing process. Below I will give you a list of tools and supplies everyone should have as well as optional items which will take you to the next level.
TOOLS:
*A set of brushes for dusting your dash and interior. Plastic or wood handled brushes are best so as not to scratch surfaces. If you use paint brushes and they have a metal band around the bristles you can apply tape around the metal band for protection. Tooth brushes work well especially around emblems on the exterior.
*Good quality wax applicator pads. You should have several on hand. Some for applying wax, polish, dressings including leather conditioners on the interior. These are washable and should not be mixed up while using them.
*Micro fiber towels. Have plenty of them on hand. These are also washable and should not be mixed up while using them. Micro fiber cost more than standard cotton towels, but they do last longer and they will not leave swirls like cotton towels can.
*Buckets. At least 2. I suggest a 5 gallon and a 2 gallon. Use the 5 gal for washing the vehicle and the 2 gal for wheels and wheel wells.
*Wheel cleaning brush.
*A wash mitt or a car wash brush made to clean cars with.
*A bug remover sponge.
*A good quality chamois. I like "The Absorber" myself.
*A stiff brush for cleaning carpets and mats.
*A good vacuum cleaner.
*A step stool or ladder for trucks, suv's and vans.
OPTIONAL TOOLS:
*A DA Orbital Polisher. Some used by the Pro's would be Porter Cable, Meguiars, Rupes and Flex. Don't forget the foam pads for your machine.
*A Rotary Polisher. WARNING...if you decide to use a rotary be sure to practice with it till you feel comfortable using it before you put it on your nice car. This is the machine that will burn through your paint and damage trim pieces if you are not careful with it. My advice is to leave it to the Pros and stick with the DA Orbital which is very safe for the novice.
*A portable steam cleaner. These can come in handy for interior stains, wheels or under the hood. Be careful using steam on upholstery and don't use it on leather.
*A portable carpet extractor. You don't need the $2000.00 professional machine for the occasional car detailing you do at home. Bissell makes a series of machines called Little Green which work just fine and you can use them around the house.
*An electric blower/dryer for cars.
PRODUCTS:
*Car Wash Soap
*A bug and tar remover.
*A safe wheel cleaner. Black Magic makes a great wheel cleaner safe for all wheels. Try to avoid wheel cleaners that contain an acid type product in them.
*Cleaner Wax. I really like the Meguiars Cleaner Wax. For prepping the paint for final wax.
*A Carnuba Wax or Synthetic Wax for protection and as your second coat.
*Tire Dressing. Armorall Foam Spray or Surf City Garage products work well. The Surf City can be wiped on.
*Plastic and Rubber Dressing.
*Resolve Triple Oxi carpet cleaning spray.
*Glass Cleaner. Hands down for me is Invisible Glass.
*An instant detailer product to use as a final wipe down and to maintain the shine between washings. I like the Meguiars or Mothers products here.

     The products and tools we highlighted here for you is just scratching the surface of the auto detailing products that are out there. You can go as crazy as your wallet, or wife will allow. We wanted to present the basics you need to get the job done. Most of the items above can be purchased at your local Wal-Mart or auto parts store. Another excellent source is AutoGeek.com. and you can also pick up some knowledge there. Just be sure to follow directions for all products and tools and take your time. Your vehicle will look as good as new in no time and if you get in trouble just call the Pros. Most will be glad to walk you through the problem.

     Just a quick note and warning about seeking advice on line. There are hundreds of videos and forums out there with so called experts showing you how to detail and what products are best. Some of these are experts and know what they are talking about. Others are just salesman wanting you to buy their products and others are just show offs who know very little. Anybody can make a video or post on a forum. I would advise you stay with videos by companies like Meguiars, Mothers, AutoGeek, names people know and trust. You can learn alot on line just be careful of the sources. Hopefully we have been a help to you and have lit a fire under you to make your ride all it can be!

Shine On!
Gary