Regular detailing is an important way to keep your vehicle in great shape. A vehicle that's well-maintained will last longer, be more trustworthy, and give you more value back when it comes time to sell your car and upgrade to a new one. In addition, regular detailing gives you the opportunity to stay up-to-date on how your vehicle is doing and catch any potential service issues before they become a bigger problem. Here are our best car detailing tips for keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape.
Best Car Detailing Tips
Detailing your vehicle not only helps to extend its life and value, but it also makes it much more enjoyable to drive! There's nothing quite like the feeling of hopping into a freshly detailing, squeaky clean car.
And of course, having clean windows and mirrors and bright, clear headlights also makes your vehicle safer to drive.
You don't have to do a full car detailing every month - once or twice a year is sufficient for most people. However, keeping up with the simpler tasks - like washing the outside of your car and ensuring that your windows are clean - should be done more often.
So what are some ways you can keep your vehicle in great shape?
Washing
Start with a thorough, exterior wash. Keeping the outside of your vehicle clean from dust, grime, and salt will help prevent rust and corrosion. These lead to decreased value and can even eat away at the components of your vehicle's structure over time, causing much bigger problems.
You can wash your car yourself with a high-quality car wash shampoo and soft microfiber mitt. In addition, don't forget to clean your tires! You can use a bristled brush and some water and dish soap for this part of the job.
Or, of course, you can take it through your local car wash!
Interior detailing
Next, focus on this inside (where you'll get to experience the reward of a clear car every time you drive!).
Remove the loose carpets and vacuum all of the carpets and upholstery. Then, use a gentle cleaner for surfaces like the dashboard, console, and door panels. If you have leather seats, use a leather conditioner to keep them supple and crack-free.
Glass cleaning
Crystal-clear windows enhance the overall appearance of your car. Of course, they also help you see your surroundings without having to look past dirt and tiny bugs on your windshield!
Use a dedicated glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean both the inside and outside of your windows. For stubborn stains or water spots, a mixture of vinegar and water can work wonders.
Polishing
After your vehicle's surface is clean, a quality polish can help to enhance the paint's depth and shine. A dual-action polisher makes this process more efficient and helps prevent swirl marks. Follow up with a fine-grade polish to refine the finish further.
Wax and Sealant
Waxing not only adds a brilliant shine but also acts as a protective barrier against the elements. Apply a high-quality carnauba wax or synthetic sealant to shield the paint from UV rays, bird droppings, and other contaminants. Regular waxing can extend the life of your paint job.
Establishing a Car Detailing Routine
The best way to make sure that your vehicle stays in great shape is to develop routines. Routine oil changes, maintenance and fluid checks, washes, and in-depth car detailing will keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Stay in Touch with Us to Keep Your Vehicle Well Maintained
At Tillema Auto, our service department offers everything from regular oil changes to sizable repairs. We're here to help you keep a well-maintained vehicle that you can trust.
Give us a call at 616-878-5991 to schedule a maintenance appointment or look for your next vehicle!
