Will You Choose Professional or DIY Car Detailing

Will You Choose Professional or DIY Car Detailing

A vehicle is among the largest investments people make in their lifetime. Most car owners take great pride in caring for their auto to keep it looking its best but also to prevent damage, extend its lifespan, and retain its value.

Problems can arise even for those with the best of intentions. For instance, staining the interior fabric or fading the exterior paint when detailing is improperly handled or an inappropriate cleaning solution is used.

Instead, more owners who are unfamiliar with adequate care and upkeep choose to invest in professional, qualified, and quality detailing services like Infinite Detailing to ensure a premium result.

Let’s explore common mistakes with DIY car detailing to allow more informed decision-making with your vehicle’s care.

Common DIY Car Washing Mistakes

Maintaining the cleanliness of an auto is an essential part of the care and upkeep and can contribute to extending its value and lifespan. Many car owners find it rewarding to DIY their car’s maintenance, while others prefer the meticulous detailing of a professional service.

Despite the effort, well-meaning enthusiasts without car washing experience can make inadvertent mistakes that lead to damage and expensive repairs. Some common exterior car washing issues to avoid to maintain the integrity of your vehicle’s finish include the following:

The sun

You may believe it’s more productive to clean the car parked in the direct sun for a faster process. This common misperception has adverse results due to the cleaning solution drying rapidly before the residue can be thoroughly rinsed from the surface.

This leaves mineral deposits in the paintwork, which takes considerable time and effort to remove. The sun’s UV rays also impact the effectiveness of sealant and wax on the vehicle’s surface, reducing these.

A professional finish is possible when precautions are followed, including washing the car in suitable conditions out of the direct sun. In the sweltering heat of summer, it’s wise to consider professional detailing instead of attempting DIY, where the vehicle will be cleaned inside instead of in the extreme temperatures.

The solutions

The cleaning solutions are a significant decision when washing a vehicle since these will determine the exterior appearance and longevity. Using inappropriate solutions will adversely affect the exterior finish and other surfaces.

One product to avoid is all-purpose solutions since these are not formulated for use with cars. They tend to have harsh chemicals that can harm the finish, fading the paint.

In that same vein, scrubbing brushes or abrasives that are standard for household cleaning can scratch the paint. The recommendation is to opt for lambswool or microfiber mitts, which are gentle when lifting dirt and reduce the minimize the risk of damage.

You should avoid regular bath towels for drying the auto as these tend to grind the dirt into the surface, creating scratches, and are less absorbent than cloths intended for vehicles.

Glass cleaners should be labeled as vehicle-specific since these are not ammonia-based. They’ll be less prone to create interior damage, such as discoloring the upholstery. Visit https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/a40379947/how-to-clean-car-interior/ to learn how to clean a car interior like a pro.

The wheels

Exterior detailing should involve washing the wheels first, but often, car owners reserve this step for last. Why is it a priority?

These are the places where considerable grime, dirt, and brake dust build. When the wheels are cleaned after the primary aspects of the auto, the debris can contaminate the freshly detailed exterior. You can avoid this frustration by starting with the wheels first.

You can also apply solutions such as degreasers to penetrate stubborn grime while you move forward to other areas of the car. It allows an effective breakdown and simpler cleaning when you work from the wheels to the top.

The drying

Drying the vehicle needs to bed one relatively quickly after rinsing to avoid water spots and streaks in the finish, which can be difficult to eliminate once they set in.

Many car owners use old beach or bath towels as convenient options for drying cars after detailing, but these can produce lint on the finish and are not absorbent enough for a quality result. A high-quality lambswool or microfiber towel is designed explicitly for drying cars.

Drying should be done with a gentle blotting motion to absorb the water and avoid damage. Areas such as door handles, window surrounds, side mirrors, trim, emblems, and doorjambs should be thoroughly dried.

Trapped moisture can seep into other areas, leading to spots or staining. Go here for guidance on washing and detailing a vehicle.

Final Thought

More car owners are investing in professional, qualified, and quality car detailing services for precision care. These teams specialize in meticulous techniques meant to not only preserve the value and extend its life but also keep it looking brand new.