Cleaning vehicles is not as hard as some people think, it just requires a little patience and some elbow grease. The car companies know that there are different needs for different people; some people want to get dirty, while others want to get the same results without breaking a sweat.
The car care companies of today realize this and have spent millions in research and development to bring you the best products for your needs. Most manufactures have stepped their game up to increase sales as well as their own market share. Under constant pressure from environmental groups, car care companies have had to create products that can clean without using harsh chemicals or large amounts of water, as the run off can contaminate our oceans. Some manufacturers have spent countless hours bringing you a more pleasing scent for your tire dressings. The same can be said about the waxes, detailers, and other cleaners popular among auto enthusiasts, as people don't want to smell the noxious chemicals found in the supplies, they prefer fresh or fruit-based odors instead.
Today's waxes are not like the old waxes that you had to apply in bulk amounts and strip off after several coats due to too much build-up. Believe it or not, there are now a few waxes on the market that are designed to work in one coat, without having more wax put on top of it! This wax will usher in a new era, and put to rest the days of getting rid of all the unwanted swirl marks and light scratches previously caused by improper technique or even normal wear and tear.
Keeping a car spotless and pristine can sometimes be easier than you think. The first step in cleaning or detailing a car is to vacuum the interior of your car thoroughly. Be sure to use a vacuum with a flexible extension and a crevice tool, as it'll help to reach difficult areas like the dash and console. The first step in washing your vehicle's exterior is to clean the tires and wheels, which prevents splashing your car's freshly cleaned and waxed paint. This is an extremely important step, since brake dust, if allowed to remain, can permanently bond with and etch some wheel surfaces. When you're ready to wash and wax your vehicle's exterior, make sure that the paint surface is cool to the touch. It is also a good idea to start washing your car from the top and work your way down and let gravity help erase the dirt and dust from your car's paintjob.. How many of these steps do you do when cleaning your ride?
Everybody uses their own techniques, some better than others, but at the end of the day it does not matter how you start, just how clean the car looks at the end of the job. Here are nine simple steps for a clean, beautiful car. This order should help keep your car looking like a champ:
1. Vacuum Interior
2. Clean Wheels
3. Washing/Drying Exterior
4. Quick Waxing
5. Polishing/Waxing
6. Dressing Tires and Exterior Trim
7. Interior Dressing
8. Glass Surfaces
9. Final Wipe and Touch Up
Our 2009 Car Care Guide will help you clean up your act, as we're going to show you how to clean and wax your ride the Lowrider way. Now, check out some of the latest car care items that you should not be without.