In fact a good maintenance of car can really help the car owners to save a lot of their money in long run. Other than increasing the resale value of the car, maintaining your car appearance will save you lots of money from repainting and gives people around you a good impression. If you have been doing the right way, your car could easily stay new and shiny for the next 10 years.
When it comes to maintaining a car’s appearance, there are 5 basic steps required: cleaning, fixing, waxing, polishing and interior care:
Step 1: Cleaning
This step includes regular car wash with some professional cleaning techniques which aims to prevent potential damages that cost more money. With weekly car wash, you are able to remove contaminants that would potentially bond with your car surface which may be hard to remove later. Regular washing also keeps your car clean and shiny at all times. Professional cleaning includes claying which removes contaminants that etch into the surface.
Step 2: Fixing
When your car is clean, all the damages and paint imperfections on your car will be quite obvious under the sun. Look for such damages and imperfection such as scratches, paint chips, water spots and others. Fix them before they become a serious issue. You can look for tutorials to fix these issues or get an expert to do for you.
Step 3: Waxing
Waxing is also called ‘Sealing’ in auto detailing. Its main purpose is not to make your car shiny but to protect your car surface with a thin layer of car wax. Try to look for the best car wax on the market, apply it with hand. If you are not experienced, do not use machine because hand application is safer and gives you similar results.
Step 4: Polishing
Unlike waxing, polishing is actually about removing a very thin layer of your car surface. Try to do polishing less than once a year because polishing too often will cause the colors to fade. Polishing is able to remove paint damages such as swirl marks and restore the car’s color if it has not been well maintained for years. In short, it helps your car to look new but overdoing will lead to more damages.
Step 5: Interior Care
When you finished the outside, it is time to work on the inside. Unlike the car exterior, car interior are cleaner because it is not exposed to the environment. Detailing a car interior could be as easy as vacuuming, cleaning upholstery and applying protectant.
These are the basic auto detailing steps and how can you save money by taking care of your car. Start getting the right tool and work on your car today!