How many times have you thought about giving that old mustang in your garage a new look by going in for an auto detailing? But maybe you were restrained from doing it because of the high costs involved.
Today with all the auto detailing materials available at the neighbourhood auto shop, many people are exploring the option of self auto detailing. Even if you are amateur in auto detailing, with a bit careful planning and knowledge you can look forward to obtain excellent results.
[ advertisement ]
At a basic level auto detailing essentially involves comprehensive cleaning polishing and waxing of vehicle. Although the procedure mainly deals with maintaining the look and of the car, at times even internal parts of the cars are cleaned. Generally done for auto shows and related events, auto detailing proves to be an excellent way to increase self satisfaction and self pride.
There is nothing like the feeling of showing off a shiny car to your pals and watching their eyes gleam with astonishment. Let us look at popular auto detailing steps that people normally undertake.
• Cleaning: This is the first thing done to a car when it is taken for auto detailing. Most of the dirt and dust of on a car, both, inside and outside the car is taken care of by basic cleaning methods which may include cleaning with special cleaning agents or simply wiping with soapy water. Care should be taken not to use harsh detergent based cleaners on a paint job of a car; detergents have chemicals that are harmful to the lustre of the paint and could leave your car look dull.
• Polishing: This is a very time consuming process and takes a lot of patience along with concentration to find the minute imperfections on the paint surface. It is usually done to remove any visual flaws like scratches, water deposits and oxidation marks on the paint surface of a car. Polishes are classified into two types, namely, chemical and abrasive polish. Chemical polish is used to remove oxidation as well as clean the surface while abrasive polish is used to get rid of the clearcoat of the paint. A rubbing compound is usually utilized to clear deep scratches as well as oxidation marks.
• Claying: To remove paint contamination, a clay bar is used. A clay bar requires a lubricant for usage. Water or spray wax can act as a lubricant in claying. Although claying causes no harm to the clearcoat of paint, incorrect use of clay bar can cause dulling of the paintjob. Claying is ideal for removing road grime, tar, tree sap and other external material which stick to the surface of the car.
• Waxing: Done as the last step in enhancing the look and shine of the car, it also enhances the intensity of the paint along with protecting its lecture for a longer time. Wax usually comes in liquid, cream or thick paste like textures. Almost all waxes have a high amount of fatty acids as ingredients in them. At the time of application of the wax, the fatty acids act as a layer between the paint surface and the outside world and prevent the surface from dust, dirt and water. Many Waxes also contain UV protection for longer paint life.
The next time you think of auto detailing, just start by using these basic techniques to make your car shine to its fullest glory.
