Cleaning and detailing your car can be fun and enjoyable, or it can be a pain in the rear. Some people truly enjoy detailing their car, while others prefer to take it to a detailing shop. Whatever method you choose, you want to make sure your car or truck is getting the attention it deserves. Keeping your vehicle clean can go a long way towards helping it hold its resale value now and in the future.
If you decide to clean your vehicle yourself, there are a few tips you should always follow:
You will need to buy the right cleaning products/wax, and yes, the products can make a huge difference. Many cheap car wash products will use phosphates and other harsh chemicals that can really scratch up your car. Some of the products I recommended are Mothers and Liquid Glass. These products are universally praised and always seem to get five star reviews from anyone who uses them.
You will also want to get a microfiber cloth to wash your vehicle with. Try to avoid using old rags, as they can not only leave lint behind, but dirt as well. When it is all said and done, you can buy all of these products for a car buffer. However, this is totally optional.
When washing your car, never do it directly in the sun and try to wash and wax it early in the morning or after the sun goes down. The sun can leave water spots and worst of all, bake the wax onto your car, making it extremely difficult to get off.
If you opt to have someone else detail your car, be sure to check with the detailer about the entire process, cost factor and the type of products they will be using. Sometimes a detailer will be using a product that you don't want anywhere near your vehicle, so never be afraid to ask these pertinent questions.
The cost is probably the most important factor, however. Some companies charge substantially more than others, but do about the same quality of work. So always be sure to shop around first and look for coupons as well. In general, expect to pay about $65 for a basic package that includes washing and waxing, plus a good cleaning of the interior. The size of your vehicle can obviously drive up the price to $100 or more if you own an SUV or larger vehicle.