© 2016 American Automobile Association, Inc 1AAA Confidential

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AutomotiveTechnology UpdateCar Talk for Club Communicators

June 2016

Car Cleaning and Detailing

Need to Know• Carsgetdirty.Exteriorscollectdirt,pollen,tar,sap,birddroppings,and

chemicalsfromacidrainandhardwater.Interiorsacquiredirt,stains,odors,scuffmarksandotherwearduringnormaluse.

• Keepingacarcleannotonlymakesitlookbetterandaddstoprideofownership,itextendsvehiclelifeandhelpsmaximizeresaleortrade-invalue.

• Dependingonclimateandusage,carsshouldbewashedeveryonetothreeweeks,andwaxedtwotofourtimesayear.

• Cleaningtoolssuchaswashmitts,sponges,towelsandbrushesshouldbemadeofsoftmaterialsthatwillnotscratchthepaintorothersurfaces.

• Cleaningproductsshouldbespecificallydesignedforautomobiles;householdcleanersoftencontainingredientsthatcandamagethevehiclefinishandotherparts.

• Exteriorcleaninginvolveswashing,drying,andwaxing.Interiorcleaninginvolvesvacuuming,dustingandstainremoval.Bothinvolveapplyingprotectivetreatmentstovarioussurfaces.

• Exteriorandinteriordetailingtakescarcleaningtoahigherlevelandinvolvesnumerousadditionalsteps,dependingontheconditionofthevehicleandthedesiredendresult.

Table of Contents

Page / Link

2 Overview

2 Cleaning Products

3 Cleaning Tools

4 Underhood Cleaning

5 Underbody Cleaning

5 Wheel and Tire Cleaning

6 Exterior Cleaning

10 Paint Restoration and Protection

12 Body Trim Care

12 Body Repair and Protection

14 Interior Cleaning

17 Glass Cleaning

20 To Learn More

Regular care keeps a vehicle looking good, extends its lifespan and improves resale value. Image: iStockphoto.com/Cathy Yeulet

What is an ATU?

AAAAutomotiveTechnologyUpdates(ATUs)provideexpertinformationonavarietyoftopicsrelatedtomodernvehicles.Somefeaturein-depthanswerstocommonquestionsaboutautomobileuseandmaintenance.Othersexplorenewtechnologiesintoday’srapidlyevolvingautomobiles.Foradditionalinformation,visitwww.AAA.com/autorepair.

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Automotive Technology Update — Car Cleaning and Detailing

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OverviewCarexteriorsseemtobemagnetsfordirt,roadtar,treesap,birddroppingsandothercontaminants.Rainwon’twashthesesubstancesaway,andmaycontainacidsthatcanfurtherdamagethepaint.Extendedexposuretoheatandultravioletraysfromthesuncanalsobeaproblem,causingacar’sfinishtooxidizeandfade.

Sunexposureharmsvehicleinteriorsaswell,andday-to-dayusehasotherdamagingsideeffects.Thesecanrangefromdirtandmoistureinthecarpeting,tofoodspillsandotherdebristhatleavestainsandworktheirwayintoupholsteryseamswheretheycausewear.Stalefoodparticlescanalsocombinewithdust,pollen,smoke,vinylvaporsandothercontaminantstocreateunpleasantodors,anddepositsoninteriorsurfacesandglass.

Keepingavehiclecleanmakesitmoreattractiveandpleasanttodrive,buttherearepracticalreasonsforcosmeticcarcareaswell.Avehiclethatisregularlycleanedanddetailedwilllastlongerandretainmoreofitsoriginalvaluewhenitcomestimetosellortradeitin.1Also,promptlyaddressingissuessuchasdoordingsandminorpaintscratchesorchipscanhelppreventrustandcorrosion.

Basiccarcleaning,asdonebymostvehicleownersorlocalcarwashes,consistsofexteriorwashingandwaxing,interiorvacuuminganddusting,glasscleaning,andtheapplicationofselectedprotectiveproducts.AAArecommendswashingacareveryonetothreeweeksandwaxingittwotofourtimesayear.Intervalsvarywithhowoftenavehicleisdriven,roadconditions,weather,andotherfactors.

Detailingiscarcleaningtakentoahigherlevel.Itisoftenperformedbyprofessionalswithspecializedtools,cleanersandprotectorants,butdedicateddo-it-yourselferscanalsohandlemanyofthetasks.Indetailing,theexteriorfinishmayundergoseverallevelsoftreatmenttoremovedeposits,minimizeimperfections,andprovidelong-lastingprotectionagainsttheelements.Metaltrimispolished,andrubberandplasticpartsaretreatedtorestoreandpreservetheirappearance.Insidethecar,carpetsandupholsteryareshampooedorcleaned.Dust,dirtanddepositsareremovedfromothersurfaces,whicharethentreatedwithproductsthatrestoretheirfinishesandprotectagainstwearandtear.

Thesectionsthatfollowprovideinformationonautomotivecleaninganddetailing.Forhard-corecarenthusiasts,linkstonumerousprofessionaldetailingguidesareprovidedinthe“LearnMore”sectionattheendofthispaper.

Cleaning ProductsTherearemanysuppliersofautomotivecleaninganddetailingproducts,including3M,ArmorAll,Eagle1,Griot’sGarage,Meguiar’s,Mother’s,Simoniz,TurtleWaxandmore.Thesecompaniessellextensivefamiliesofproductsthatcanbepurchasedindividuallyorinsetsthatincludeaselectionofthemostcommonlyusedsolutions.Consumerproductsareavailableatautopartsandotherstores,andmanyofthemajorsuppliersofferasecondlineofcommercialproductsthataresoldprimarilytoprofessionaldetailers.

Therearealsonumeroussmallercompaniesthatsellspecialtycarcareproductsdirectedtowardhigh-endandclassic/collectorcarowners.Mostofthese“boutique”brandsaresoldonlinedirectlyfromthemanufacturerorthroughsitesthatcatertoprofessionaldetailersandautoenthusiasts.

A kit of exterior and interior car cleaning and detailing products. Image: Meguiar’s

A vehicle that is

regularly cleaned and

detailed will last longer

and retain more of its

original value when it

comes time to sell or

trade it in.

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Thepricesofcleaninganddetailingsuppliescanrangefromafewdollarsforindividualproductstohundredsofdollarsforcomprehensivehigh-endprofessionalpackages.Somecarownersmixandmatchproductsfromdifferentmanufacturers,butprofessionaldetailersoftenuseasinglelineofsuppliestoensurecompatibilityandconsistentresults.

Itisnotnecessarytospendalotofmoneyoncleaninganddetailingsupplies,butitisveryimportanttoreadlabelsandfullyunderstandtheintendeduseofeachproduct.Manysolutionsaredesignedforuseonlyonspecificmaterialsorfinishes,andcancausedamagetoothers.Owner’smanualsareagoodsourceofinformationontheautomaker’srecommendedcleanersforaspecificvehicle.

Beforeusinganycleanerorprotectorant,readthepackagingcarefullyandpayparticularattentiontotheinstructionsandanycautionsorwarnings.Theinitialapplicationofaproductshouldalwaysbeatestperformedinaconcealedareaofthesurfacebeingtreatedtomakessurenodiscolorationorotherdamageoccurs.

Cleaning ToolsCarcleaninganddetailinginvolvestheapplicationandremovalofvarioussolutionsthroughoutthevehicle.Commonapplicationandremovalsuppliesincludewashmitts,sponges,brushes,towels,squeegees,dusters,foamapplicators,buffingpadsandmore.Theappropriatetoolswillvarywiththepartandtheprocessinvolved.

Therearethreekeyruleswhenitcomestocarcleaningtools.First,onlyusetoolsmadeofmaterialsthatwillnotscratchthesurfacebeingcleaned.Second,rinseorswapoutdirtytoolsforcleanonesfrequentlyduringthecleaningprocess.Andfinally,cleanthetoolsthoroughlywhendone;brushesshouldbethoroughlyrinsed,andtoolsmadeoffabriccanberunthroughawashingmachine.

Carcleaninghastraditionallybeendoneusingmittsandtowelsmadeof100percentcotton,orwoolinthecaseofsomewashmitts.Thesetoolsremaincommon,butnewerversionsmadeofmicrofiberfabricareincreasinglypopularduetotheirsuperiorabsorbencyandcontaminantremovalproperties.Whenpowerbuffers(seebelow)areusedonvehicleexteriors,foampadsarecommonlyemployedtoapplycompounds,polishesandwaxes,whicharethenremovedwithsoftwoolorcottonbonnets.

Cottonandmicrofiberwashmittsandtowelsshouldalwaysbelaunderedseparatelybecausecottonfiberseasilybecometrappedinmicrofiberandaretroublesometoremove.Inaddition,fabricsoftenerliquidsanddryersheetsshouldbeavoidedwithbothmaterialsbecausetheyreduceabsorbencyandleavecontaminantsinthefabricthatcanbedepositedonthevehiclefinish.

Pressure Washers and Garden Hoses

Professionaldetailersgenerallydiscouragetheuseofpressurewasherstocleananypartofacar.Thehigh-pressurewaterstreamcandamagedoorseals,forcewaterandcontaminantsintoplacestheyshouldnotbe,anddrivedirtintoandacrossthepaintcausingscratchesandotherdamage.Theunrestrictedfloodofwaterfromanopengardenhose,orasoftsprayfromahosenozzle,issufficienttoremoveloosecontaminantsandwashawaydetergentswithoutcausingdamage.Anozzlewithaquickshut-offvalvewillhelpconservewaterwhenthehoseisnotinuse.

A selection of car cleaning tools. Image: Wolfgang Car Care

The prices of cleaning

and detailing supplies

can range from

a few dollars for

individual products to

hundreds of dollars

for comprehensive

high-end professional

packages.

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Automotive Technology Update — Car Cleaning and Detailing

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Power Buffers

Manyvehicleownersapplyandremovevehiclepolishesandwaxesbyhand,butapowerbuffercanmakethesetaskseasier.Professionaldetailersuserotarybufferswithpowerfulmotorsthatspinanapplicatororbuffingpadinacircularmotion.Thesetoolsareveryeffective,butifusedimproperlycanleaveswirlmarks,burnthevehiclefinishorcutthroughthepaint—particularlyonbodypaneledgesandotherareaswheretherearesharpbendsorcreasesinthesurface.

Abetteroptionfortheaveragepersonisarandomorbitalpolisher,whichrotatesthepadinmultiplesmallcircleswithinalargercirclethatalsorotates.Whilethisbufferdesignisnotwellsuitedformajorfinishrestoration,itisveryeffectivefornormalcleaningandpolishing,andisfarlesslikelytodamagethevehiclepaintthanarotarybuffer.2

Forbestresultswithanypowerbuffer,alwayscarefullyreadtheinstructionmanualbeforeusingthetoolonavehicle’sfinish.Onlineinstructionalvideosfrombuffersuppliersanddetailingexpertsarealsogoodsourcesofinformationonthepropertechniquesandprecautionswhenusingthesetools.

Underhood CleaningAcleanenginemakesiteasiertoidentifyanyleaks,andismoreattractivetopotentialbuyerswhenthecarisbeingsold.Pressurewashingandsteamcleaningusedtobecommonunderhoodcleaningprocedures,butthosemethodsarediscouragedtodaybecausemodernenginecompartmentsarefilledwithfuseboxes,electricalconnectorsandelectroniccomponentsthatcanbecontaminatedorotherwisedamagedbyhigh-pressurewaterorsteam.

Ifanenginecompartmentismainlysoiledwithdirtanddust,abio-degradable,water-basedcleanercanbeusedforcleaning.Startbyremovingleavesandotherloosedebrisand,ifnecessary,useaplasticscrapertoremoveaccumulatedsoilandleaf“mulch”deposits.Next,makesureallelectricalconnectorsarefullyfastened,andthencoverfuseboxes,electroniccomponentsandothersensitivepartswithplasticbags.Applythecleanerandallowittosoakforatime.Brushesandplasticscraperscanbeusedifneededtohelpremovedeposits.Finishbyrinsingtheunderhoodareawithafloodorsoftsprayofwaterfromagardenhose.Alternately,dirtyareasandcomponentscanbesprayedwithcleanerandthenwipedcleanwithtowels.

Enginecompartmentswithextensiveoilandgreasedepositswillrequiremorepowerfulpetroleum-basedcleaners.Thesesolutionscontaintoxicchemicalsandgenerateoilyresiduethatisconsideredhazardouswaste.Itshouldneverbewashedontothegroundorintoadrainthatisnotequippedwithanoil-waterseparator.Unlessanyoilywastefromenginecompartmentcleaningcanbecapturedanddisposedofproperly,thejobshouldbelefttoaprofessionaldetailingfacility.

A rotary car polisher (left) and a random-orbital unit (right). Images: Makita and Griot’s Garage

Engine cleaning and protectorant kit for underhood care. Image: Griot’s Garage

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Oncetheenginecompartmentiscleanandallcomponentshavedried,anenginedressingsolutioncanbeappliedfollowingthesupplier’sinstructions.Theseproductsenhanceappearanceandprotectplasticandrubberparts.Somealsoprovideacoatingthathelpskeepcontaminantsfromadheringtounderhoodsurfaces,whichmakescleaningeasierthenexttimearound.

Underbody CleaningRemovingdirtandotherdepositsfrominsidewheelwellsandunderthecarhelpspreventrustandcorrosion.Thisisparticularlytrueonvehiclesdrivenoffroad,inmuddyconditions,orwheresaltandotherchemicalsareusedtomelticeandsnow.

Manyautomatedcarwashesofferanundercarriagewashoption,andspecialundercarspraytoolsthatattachtoagardenhosearealsoavailableforthispurpose.Theinsidesofwheelwellscanusuallybecleanedwithsprayfromagardenhosenozzle.Ifadetergentisused,expertshavefoundlow-pHsolutionsgenerallyworkbesttoloosen,dissolveandneutralizenewerroadsaltsandotherdeposits.Careshouldbetakennottouseexcessivewaterpressurewhencleaningtheundercarriageasthiscanforcedepositsintosmallcracksandcreviceswheretheymaycontributetorustandcorrosion.

Wheel and Tire CleaningWheels,tiresandthewheelwellsthatsurroundthemareoftenthedirtiestpartsofacar.Asaresult,mostprofessionaldetailersrecommendthattheybecleanedfirstwithdedicatedtoolswhenwashingacar.Thispreventsgrit,grimeandanywheelcleaningchemicalsfrombeingaccidentallysplashedontoafreshlywashedcarfinish.Italsominimizesthetimerinsewaterisleftonpaintwhereitcanbegintodryandleavespotsifthetiresandwheelsarecleanedlast.

Commonwheelandtirecontaminantsincludedirt,mud,iceandsnowmeltingchemicals,andbrakedust—whichcanbeparticularlydifficulttoremoveifleftinplacetoolong.Spongesandwashmittsworkwelltocleanwheelandtiresurfaces,whilesoftbristlebrushescanbeusedtoremovetougherdepositsandscrubharder-to-reachareassuchasbetweenwheelspokes.Oncefinished,useahoseandnozzletorinsecleanthewheelwellsandtire/wheelassembly.

Mostwheelsandtirescanbecleanedwithacarwashdetergentsolution,butwheelswithheavyorstubborndepositsmayrequireaspecialcleaner.Useextracarewhenselectingthesetypeproducts.Modernwheelsandlugnutscanbemadeofsteel,aluminumorotherlightalloys—andmayhavepainted,polished,chromed,machined,anodized,powder-coatedorclear-coatfinishes.Centercapsandhubcapsarefrequentlymadeofplastic.Acleaningsolutionthatworkswellforonetypeofwheelcanpermanentlydamageanother,andeventhecorrectproductmaycauseproblemsifleftonthewheeltoolong.Readthelabeltoensurecompatibility,andfollowthedirectionscarefullytoensureoptimumresults.Ifindoubt,consulttheowner’smanualfortheautomaker’swheelcleaningrecommendations.

An automatic car wash with undercarriage spray nozzles. Image: Wash Me Car Washes

Wheels, tires and

the wheel wells that

surround them are often

the dirtiest parts of a

car. As a result, most

professional detailers

recommend that they

be cleaned first with

dedicated tools when

washing a car.

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Oncethetiresaredry,treatthesidewallswithtiredressingtoenhanceappearanceandprotecttherubberagainstozoneandultravioletlight.Professionaldetailersrecommendwater-basedsolutionsthatcontainnaturaloilsandsyntheticpolymersthatleaveadry,satinfinish.Silicone-basedproductsthatproduceawet,shinyfinishmaycontainpetroleumdistillatesthatwillbreakdowntirerubberandcauseprematuredryingandcracking.

Polishingorwaxingthewheelswillrestoreandmaintaintheirappearance,andcanhelpkeepbrakedustfromadheringtothesurface.Aswithwheelcleaners,theappropriatepolishorwaxvarieswiththewheelfinish.Readproductlabelscarefullyandconsultthevehicleowner’smanualforautomakerrecommendations.

Wheel Refinishing and Repair

Steelwheelswithminordamagecanbeprofessionallystraightenedandrepainted,althoughitisoftencheapertosimplyreplacethem.Alloywheels,ontheotherhand,canbeveryexpensivetoreplacesothosethatarebadlyweatheredorhave“curbrash”andothercosmeticdefectscanbereconditionedtoalike-newappearancebycompaniesthatspecializeinsuchwork.

Bentorcrackedalloywheelsareanothermatteraltogether,andopinionsvarywidelyonwhethertheycanbesafelystraightenedandrepaired.Evencompaniesthatdothisworksaynoteverywheelisaviablecandidate.Whenconsideringalloywheelrepair,seekexpertadvicefromcompaniesthathaveathoroughunderstandingofalloywheelmetallurgy,andareabletoprovidetheappropriaterepairprocessesnecessarytoensureasaferesult.3

Dependingontheworkneeded,alloywheelrepairandrefinishingtypicallycostsbetween$75and$200.4However,thejobcancostsignificantlymoreifthewheelisrareorrequiresspecialwork—circumstancesthatoftenapplytocollectorcarswherereplacementwheelsmaybeunavailable.

Exterior CleaningWithpropercare,itispossibletokeepavehicle’sexteriorlookingatleastasgoodasthedayitrolledofftheassemblyline,andsometimesevenbetter.Basicexteriorcleaninginvolvesasimplewashandwax,butdependingontheconditionofthevehiclefinish,andthedesiredfinaloutcome,exteriorcarcleaningcanbeafarmoreinvolvedprocessasshownintheaccompanyingflowchart.

Use care when cleaning alloy wheels; this rim has both painted and machined surfaces protected by an overall clear coat. Image: iStockphoto.com/Kim Reinick

With proper care, it

is possible to keep

a vehicle’s exterior

looking at least as

good as the day it

rolled off the assembly

line, and sometimes

even better.

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Cleaning Concerns

Beforedivingintothedetailsofexteriorcarcare,somebackgroundinformationonvehiclefinishesandappropriatecleaningconditionsisinorder.Thisknowledgewillhelpexplainwhy,where,whenandhowcertainoperationsshouldbeperformed.

Oldercarexteriorshadatwo-stepfinishconsistingofabasicprimercoatcoveredwithasingleheavypaintcoatthatdriedtoaglossyfinish(enamel),ormultiplethinpaintcoatsthatwerethenpolishedtoachievethefinalshine(lacquer).Almostallnewervehicleshaveathree-stepfinishthatconsistsofanadvancedprimercoatthatalsoprotectsagainstrustandcorrosion,abasecolorcoatwithnoshine,andanouterclearcoat(sometimestinted)thatprovidestheglossyfinishandhasadditivestoprotectagainstultravioletraysandenvironmentalcontaminants.Modernfinishesprovideanattractiveanddurableappearance,butclearcoatsdotendtoshowsmallscratchesmorethanolderpaintfinishesbecauselightflowsthroughandaroundanysurfaceimperfections,“illuminating”themfromallsides.

Ifthereisanyquestionaboutthetypeoffinishonacar,rubaconcealedareaofthebodywithawhitecloth(orblackonawhitecar)andamildlyabrasivepaintcleaner.Ifthecar’scolorappearsonthecloth,ithasatwo-stepfinish;ifnopigmentistransferred,athree-stepclearcoatfinishisindicated.

Avehicleshouldneverbewashedorwaxedindirectsunlightorhightemperatures.Cleaningacarintheshadepreventswaterbeadsfrommagnifyingsunlightandpossiblyharmingthefinish.Also,whentheexteriorsurfacesofthecararehot,waterandcleanerscandryveryquickly,leadingtomineraldepositsorotherpaintdamage.Coldtemperaturesarelessofanissue,exceptinnorthernclimateswhereawinterdaytimecarwashcanleadtodoorsbeingfrozen-shutafterasub-freezingnightunlessthejambsandsealsarethoroughlydried.

Steps a professional detailer may take to restore and protect a vehicle’s paint finish. Image: Autogeek

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Pre-Washing

Washingavehicleremovessurfacecontaminantsthatdetractfromappearanceandovertimecandamagethepaint.Beforewashing,openthedoors,hood,sunroof,andtrunkorhatchbackandclearawayanyleaves,twigsorotherdebrisaroundtheopenings.Theunderhoodareaatthebaseofthewindshieldisacommoncollectionpoint.Followupbyusingamicrofibertowelwettedwithacarwashingdetergentsolutiontowipecleanthenormallyhiddenareasoftheseopenings,alongwithanyrubbersealsandweatherstripping.

Thisisalsoagoodtimetomakesurethedrainopeningsonthebottomsofdoorsandhatchesarenotblocked.Thesesmallholesallowanywaterthatgetsinsidetoescape,whichhelpspreventrustandcorrosion.Ifanydrainsareblocked,clearthemwithanon-scratchingtool,thenflushtheopeningswithlow-pressurewaterfromahoseuntilclearwaterrunsfreelyfromallofthedrains.

Iftheexteriorpainthasdepositssuchasroadtar,treesaporheavybugsplatterthatareunlikelytocomeoffwithnormalcarwashdetergent,nowisthetimetoremovethemusingamicrofiberclothandacleaningsolutiondesignedforthispurpose.Keroseneworks,andtherearenumerousaftermarketproductsforthistaskaswell.Mostarepetroleumbasedandremovewaxaswellasdeposits,soanyaffectedareaswillhavetoberewaxedafterwashingiscomplete.

Washing

Commoncarwashingtoolsincludebuckets,sponges,mittsandbrushes.Bettercarwashbucketshavearaisedgridor“gritguard”inthebottomthatallowsdirtandothercontaminantstosettleoutofthewater,keepingthemoffspongesandmitts.Whenselectingwashingtools,lookfor:large-pore,naturalorsyntheticsponges;softsyntheticoranimalhairbrushes;andwool,100-percentcottonormicrofiberwashmittswithadeepnapthatwillpickupdirtwhilebeinggentleonpaint.Finally,alwaysuseautomotive-specificwashingproducts,notdishwashingdetergentorotherhouseholdcleanersthatoftencontainchemicalsandabrasivesthatcanstripwaxanddamagepaintorotherparts.

Startbyusingagardenhosetorinsethevehiclewithwaterfromtoptobottom,removingasmuchloosedirtaspossible.Useafloodorsoftsprayofwater;afocusedjetorapressurewashercanforcecontaminantsintoandacrossthepaintcausingscratches.High-pressurewaterjetscanalsodrivedirtintocreviceswhereitcanbedifficultorimpossibletoremove.

Usingtherecommendedmixtureofcar-washdetergentandwater,soakthemitt/spongeandcleananareausingback-and-forthstrokesinastraightline.Startatthetopandworkdown,onesectionofthebodyatatime.Rinsethesurfaceofeachpanelasitiscompletedwithafloodorsoftsprayofwater,andcleanthemitt/spongeofdebrisaswell;professionalsoftenuseasecondbucketofplainwaterforthispurposebeforestartingonthenextsection.Ifacarisextremelydirty,itmaybenecessarytousemorethanonemittand/oremptythedetergentbucketpartwaythroughandrefillitwithfreshsolution.

Road tar thrown up by the tires can create a mess on a car’s finish. Image: Autogeek

Car wash buckets with grit guards, a wash mitt and cleaning brushes. Image: Detailed Image

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Whenwashingiscomplete,doonelastrinsewithwaterstreamednearlyparalleltothebodysurfaces.Thisleavestheleastmoisturepossibleontheexterior,whichhelpsreducewaterspotsandspeedsdrying.Forprofessionaldetailersandhardcorecarenthusiasts,rinsewatermineralfiltrationanddeionizationunitsareavailablethathelpeliminatewaterspotting,evenifthecarisallowedtoairdry.However,theseunitstypicallysellfor$200ormore.

DryingTopreventwaterspotsacarshouldbedriedimmediatelyafterwashing.Dryingtooloptionsincludeblowers,squeegees,chamoisandtowels.Acar-dryingblowerissimilartoavacuumcleanerbeingruninreverse;itusesapowerfulstreamoffilteredairtoclearwaterfromthesurface.Softsilicone-rubbersqueegeesdesignedfordryingcarscanquicklyclearstandingwaterfromlargesmoothareas,butarelesseffectiveinotherlocations.Whilegenerallyhelpful,boththesetoolsleaveresidualwaterthatwillrequirefinaldryingwithachamoisortowel.Someprofessionalsalsodislikethembecausetheycanforceordragdislodgedcontaminantsacrossthepaintsurface.

Chamoisisasoft,smoothleatheroriginallymadefromhidesoftheChamois,agoat-antelopespeciesnativetosomemountainsinEurope.Today,chamoisismadefromthehidesofdeer,goats,sheepandevenpigsalthough,intheUnitedStates,thetermchamoiswithoutqualificationlegallydescribesonlysheeporlambskintannedsolelywithoils.Chamoisisextremelywaterabsorbentandleavesnostreaks,makingitidealfordryingglass.However,professionaldetailersgenerallydon’tusechamoistodrypaintbecause,likeblowersandsqueegees,itcandragabrasiveparticlesacrossthesurface.

Cottontowelsarethetraditionaltoolfordryingcarsbecausetheywillpickupandtrapanyremainingloosecontaminantsasthecarisdried.Thoseusedshouldbe100percentcottonwithadeepnapandsoft,smallfibers.Large-fiber,polyester-blendtowelscanscratchpaintandshouldbeavoided.Ifatowellacksafabriccontenttag,testitbyholdingalightedmatchtoonecorner—ifanyportionofthefabricmeltsitcontainspolyester.

Anincreasinglypreferredcardryingoptionismicrofibertowels,whichareevenbetteratcapturingandcontainingloosedebris,andleavenolintordust.Microfibercomesinmanyforms;towelsusedforautomotivecleaningshouldhavedeepsplitfibersformaximumabsorbencyandcleaningcapability.

Drythecarfromthetopdown,usingablower,squeegeeorchamoisifdesiredtoquicklyremovethebulkofthewater.Followupwithcottonormicrofibertowelstoremoveallremainingtracesofwater,payingspecialattentiontotheglassandmirrorstopreventspotting.Next,wipedowntheinsidesofthedoorjambs,alongwiththehoodandtrunkorhatchbackopenings.Drythewheelsandtireslast.

Microfiber towels are excellent for lint-free drying of all vehicle surfaces. Image: iStockphoto.com/RonFullHD

To prevent water

spots a car should

be dried immediately

after washing. Drying

tool options include

blowers, squeegees,

chamois and towels.

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Paint Restoration and ProtectionOnceavehicleiswashedanddried,thenextstepistypicallywaxapplicationandremoval.However,dependingontheconditionofthecar’sfinishandthedesiredfinalappearance,anumberofotheroperationsmaybeperformedbothbeforeandafterwaxing.Thesestepsarenotmandatory,andareprimarilydonebyprofessionaldetailers.Allofthedifferentpaintrestorationandprotectionstepsareshownintheflowchartonpageseven,anddescribedbelowintheordertheyareusuallyperformed.

Clay Bar Deposit Removal

Manyvehiclesthatappearcleanafterwashingstillhavedepositsonorinthepaint.Todetermineifthisisthecase,insertahandintoathinplasticbagandrunitlightlyoverthepaint,orgentlyslidetheedgeofacreditcardacrossthesurface.Ifthepaintfeelssmoothorthecardslideseasilyandquietly,moveontothenextstep.However,ifthepaintfeelsgrittyorrough,orthecardcatchesandmakesnoiseasitmovesacrossthesurface,thereareembeddedcontaminantsthatcanberemovedusingaclaybar.

Aclaybarisnaturalorsyntheticputtythatisrubbedacrossthepaintusingalubricantrecommendedbytheclaysupplier.Asthisisdone,theclaywilltrapandremoveanyforeignmaterials.Whenthebarslidessmoothlywithoutresistance,thesurfaceisclean.Asthebargetsdirtyfromuse,itshouldbeflattenedandfoldedtoexposeacleansurface.Microfibertowelscanbeusedtoremoveresidualclayandlubricantfromthepaint,althoughsomeprofessionaldetailersrewashacarafterusingclayonit.Dependingonthelevelofcontamination,anaverage-sizeclaybarcanbeusedontwotofourcarsbeforeitmustbereplaced.

Compounding

Torestoreabadlyfadedoroxidizedvehiclefinish,apowerbufferandstrongabrasivecompoundscanbeusedtoremovetheouterlayerofdamagedpaint.Thisisanaggressiveprocedurethatworksbestwitharotarybuffer,caneasilycutthroughthepaintfinish,andisbestlefttoaprofessional.

Theeffectivenessofthisprocessvarieswiththetypeofpaintonthevehicle.Weatheredenamelpaintcanbemadetolookbetter,butwillneverregainitsfulloriginallusteroncetheoriginaltopsurfacehasdeteriorated.Lacquerandclear-coatpaintscansometimesbecompletelyrestored,providedtheouterfinishisthickenoughtoallowdamageremovalwithoutcuttingthroughtotheprimerorcolorcoat.

After washing, a clay bar can remove remaining contaminants from the finish. Image: Autogeek

Trapped contaminants cause the clay to darken with use. Image: Socal Mobile Auto Detail & Wash

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Polish, Glaze and Paint Sealant

Polishesaremildabrasivecleanersthatcomeinavarietyofstrengthsforvariousneeds.Acarwithabadlyweatheredfinishthathasbeenrestoredwithbuffingcompoundwilltypicallyhaveswirlmarksinthepaint.Aswirl-removingpolishwouldbeusedtoremovethesemarks,followedbyanevenmilderfinishingpolishthatwillleavethesurfacereadyfortheprotectivesteps.Theseproductscanalsobeusedasthestartingpointforrestoringfinishesthatareonlymoderatelydeteriorated.

Evenacarwitharelativelygoodfinishmayhaveminorscratchesandswirlsintheoutersurface.Onthesevehicles,apre-waxcleaningpolishwillremoveoldwax,minorsurfaceimperfections,lightoxidationandwaterspots,leavingthefinishreadyforthenextstep.

Fortheultimatevehiclefinish,twoadditionalprocessescanbeperformedbeforewaxingthepaint.First,applyaglaze,whichisafinalcleanerthattypicallycontainswaxorother“fillers”toconcealmicroscratchesinthepaintsurface.Then,applyapaintsealantthat“locksin”thetreatmentstothispointandmakesthesurfacefinishmoredurableandlonglasting.

Wax and Detailing SprayCarwaxesofferanouterlayerofprotectionagainsttheenvironment,buttheyalsoprovidethedeepandvividshinethatmakesacarstandout.Waxescomeinpaste,creamandliquidforms,andcanbemadeofsyntheticand/ornaturalingredients.Manynewersyntheticpolymerwaxesdoanoutstandingjobandareofteneasiertoapplyandremove.However,someprofessionalsmaintainthatnothingcanbeatthehardnessandshineofnaturalcarnaubawax,althoughitismorechallengingtoworkwith.

Neverwaxavehicleindirectsunlightorhightemperatures,andalwaysapplytheproducttoatowelorapplicatorpadandthentothevehiclefinish;pouringliquidwaxesdirectlyontothepaintcancausestreakingoranunevenfinish.Workononesectionorbodypanelatatime.Applymildpressure,andswitchtoanewcleansectionoftowelorpadfrequently.Alightcoatofwaxisjustaseffectiveasaheavyapplication,andmucheasiertoremove.Letthewaxdrytoahazethenrubitoffusingacleancottonormicrofibertowel.Small,soft-bristledetailingbrushescanbeusedtoremovewaxresiduefromdifficulttoreachareassuchasaroundlogos,emblemsandtrim.

Interim CleaningInbetweenperiodicwashingandwaxing,pollenanddustparticlesthatcollectonthefinishcanbewipedawayusingacottoncarduster.Foraddedprotection,andtohelpmaintainthefinish,thiscanbefollowedupwithliquidwaxor“quickdetailer”thatissprayedonandwipedoffwithacottonormicrofibertowel.Thechemicalsinthesecleanershelpliftcontaminantsoffthesurfacesotheycanbesafelyremoved.Similarproductsareavailablefor“waterless”carwashinginwinterclimatesorareasthathavewateruserestrictionsineffect.

Apply a thin coat of wax, allow it to dry, then wipe off the haze with a clean towel. Image: Mothers Polish

Car waxes offer

an outer layer of

protection against the

environment, but they

also provide the deep

and vivid shine that

makes a car stand out.

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Body Trim CareBodytrimisnotjustdecorative,itincludesfunctionalcomponentssuchasbumpers,handles,andsealsforwindowsanddoors.Ifnotproperlycaredfor,thetrimwillbecomedirty,wornordamaged,whichdetractsfromappearanceandmayeveninterferewithpropervehicleoperation.

Thetrimmaterialwilldictatehowitiscleaned.Adampragisoftensufficient,andamildcarwashdetergentsolutionandsoftbrushescanhelpremovemorestubborndeposits.Chemicalcleanersshouldbeusedwithcaution;aproductintendedforcleaningonetypeoftrimmaycausepermanentdamagetoothers.Alwayscarefullyreadandfollowthedirectionsontrimcleaningsolutions.

Plastic trim–Agoodportionofeveryvehicleismadefromsomeformofplastic,andexteriortrimmadeofthesematerialsisoftenthefirsttoweatheranddeteriorate.Oncethesurfaceiswashedanddried,applyasuitablecleaner/protectorantthatshieldsagainstUVlight.

Rubber trim–Rubbertrimpiecesserveasbumpersandmoldingsthatareusedtoprotectandsealwindows,doorsandothercomponents.Whennotmaintained,rubbertrimwilllookchalky,getstiffandbrittle,andeventuallycrackortear.Oncethesurfaceiscleananddry,useaclothtoapplyarubberrestorationorprotectivedressing.Neversprayaerosolprotectorantsdirectlyontorubbercomponentsassomepropellantscancausedamage.Withdoorseals,makesurethebodysurfacestheycontactaresmoothandcleanaswell.

Black trim–Blacktrim(otherthanrubberparts)isusuallyplastic,anodizedaluminumorpaintedmetal.Whenthesurfaceisdry,treatthepartwithanappropriateprotectorantdesignedforthepart’sfinish,generallyeithermatteorgloss.Specialcleanersanddyesareavailabletorestoreblacktrimthathasafadedorchalkyappearance.Somenewerpolymerwaxescanalsobeusedtotreatandprotectblacktrim,butmakesuretheproductlabelrecommendssuchuse.

Metal trim–Metaltrimcanbechrome,aluminum,orstainlesssteel.Useapolishspecificallymadeforthematerial,andapplywithasoftcloth.Ifchrometrimdevelopsminorrustspots,theycanoftenberemovedwithpolishingcompoundor,inthehandsofaprofessionaldetailer,extra-finesteelwool.

Headlight lenses–Usespecialcarewhencleaningpolycarbonateplasticheadlightlensesbecausetheyscratcheasily.Ifthelensesarecloudedorhazy,theycanberestoredusingado-it-yourselfkitfromanautopartsstore,orbytakingthecartoaheadlightrestorationspecialist.Eitherway,thefinalstepshouldbeapplicationofaprotectivecoatingtosealandprotecttherefinishedsurface.

Body Repair and ProtectionOvertime,carscansufferminordefectsintheirfinishesduetoroaddebrisorcarelessactionsbyownersandothermotorists.Fortunately,forthosewholiketokeeptheirvehicleslookinglikenew,therearewaystorepairorpreventcertainkindsofdamageatrelativelymoderatecosts.Somearedo-it-yourselfoptions,butinmanycasestheservicesofaprofessionalwillprovidebetterresults.

Body trim is not

just decorative, it

includes functional

components such as

bumpers, handles, and

seals for windows and

doors. If not properly

cared for, the trim

will become dirty,

worn or damaged,

which detracts from

appearance and

may even interfere

with proper vehicle

operation.

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Paint Scratches and Chips

Paintdamageisanautomotivefactoflife.Scratchescanhappeninanynumberofways,whilechipsareusuallycausedbystonesthrownupbyothertraffic.Ifthedamagepenetratestheprimer,itwillleadtorustandcorrosionunlessproperlytreated.Minorsurfacescratchescanoftenbebuffedorpolishedout,butmoresignificantdamagegenerallyrequirespanelrepairatabodyshop.

Smallchipscanbefilledinusingtouch-uppaintavailableatcardealersandalsoatautopartsandotherstores.Newercarsmayrequireatwo-stepcolorandclearcoatprocess.Cleanthedamagedareaperthepaintsupplier’sinstructions,thenapplypaintinseveralthinlayerstofillthechip.Somekitsincludeultra-fineabrasivepapertoremoveexcesspaint,afterwhichtherepairiscompletedbywaxingorapplyingaclearcoat,dependingonthevehiclefinish.

Ifthefrontofacarisbadlychipped,talkwithacardealerorprofessionaldetaileraboutalternativerepairoptionsthatcanprovideamoresatisfactoryfinishedappearance.Therearecompaniesthatroutinelyrepairthistypeofdamageforautodealersusingspecialproceduresandequipment.

Metal Dents and Dings

Doordingsandsmalldentscanoftenbefixedusingpaintlessdentrepair(PDR),aprocessinwhichaskilledtechniciangainsaccesstothebacksideofthedentandthenusesspecialtoolsto“massage”themetalbacktoitsoriginalposition.PDRisnotaviableoptionif:adentistoolargeorlocatedwherethebacksideisinaccessible;thepaintisdamaged;thepaneliscreased;orthemetalhasbeenstretchedbeyondits“memory”point.

Doneright,apanelrepairedwithPDRwilllookcompletelyoriginalwithnoindicationtherewaseveradent.However,PDRismoreartthanscience,whichmakesitapoordo-it-yourselfproject.Instead,shopcarefullyforaskilledproviderwhohasexcellentreviewsandrecommendations.

Body Protection

Numerousproductsareavailabletohelpprotectavehicle’sexteriorfromdamageandcontaminants.Acarcoverworksgreatforparkedvehiclesbecauseitkeepsmosteverythingoffthepaintwhilealsoshieldingthefinishandinteriorfromsunlight.Justbesuretogetacoverthat“breathes”somoisturedoesn’taccumulateunderneathwhereitcancausemold,mildew,rustandcorrosion.

Forcarsoftendrivenonthehighway,aplastic“bugshield”thatmountsatthefrontedgeofthehoodwillprotectthepaintandmayhelpdeflectair,insectsandsmallstonesupandoverthewindshield.Thesearemostcommonlyseenonpickuptrucksandsportutilityvehicles.

Avinylcar“bra”withapaddedbackingcanalsoprotectthefrontofthecarfrombugsandrockchips.However,properfitisessentialtoensurethebradoesnotflaporvibrateathighwaysspeeds,whichwilldamagethevehiclefinish.Dirtandmoisturethataccumulateunderthebracanalsocauseproblems,soregularremovalandcleaningisrecommended.

Using a fine brush to apply touch-up paint is the first step in repairing chips. Image: Autogeek

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Oneofthenewesttechnologiesinvehiclefinishprotectionistheapplicationofatransparenturethanevinylfilm,or“clearbra,”onthefrontofthevehicleandothercommonimpactareas.Customcutkitsareavailableforpopularmodels,butinstallationcanbetrickyandmayrequiretheapplicationofheattomakethematerialproperlyconformtothebodyshape.Professionalapplicationofclearbrasishighlyrecommended,andatrainedinstallercanalsocustomcutrawmaterialtofitspecialareasandlesscommonvehicles.

Finally,autopartsandotherstoressellavarietyofprotectiveproducts,includingdooredgefilms,moldingsandbumpersthatprotectagainstchipsandnicks.Bumpersarealsoavailabletoinstallongaragewallswhereacardoormightmakecontact.Toprotectagainstcarelessactionsbyothervehicleowners,rubberprotectorsforthesides,cornersandbumpersofthecarareavailableasbothoriginalequipmentandaftermarketparts.Thereareevenmodelsfortemporaryusethatattachwithmagnets,strapsandsecuritycablestopreventtheft.

Interior CleaningThesoftseats,sleekinstrumentpanels,luxuriouscarpetingandsparklingtrimthatmakeavehicleinterioraniceplacetospendtimewon’tstaythatwayiftheyarenotcleanedonaregularbasis.Commoninteriorcleaningtoolsandproductsinclude:avacuum;brushesandtowels;stainremovers,cleanersandconditionersspecifictovariousmaterials;andairfresheners.

Vacuuming and Dusting

Interiorcleaningbeginswithremovingalllooseitemsfromthecar.Emptytrashbagsandashtrays,cleanouttheglovecompartmentandotherstoragebins,andremovethefloormats.Then,useavacuumwithhoseextensionsandattachmentstothoroughlycleanthefloormatsandinteriorcarpet.Slidingseatstothefrontandbackoftheirtrackswillprovideeasieraccesstotheareasunderneath.And,inmini-vansandsportutilityvehicles,foldingtherearseatsorremovingquick-releasemodelscanimproveaccessaswell.

Astiffbristlebrushcanhelpremovedriedonmudandothercarpetdeposits.Payspecialattentiontothedriver’sfootwellandareasaroundfloormatswheredirttendstocollectandactslikesandpapertobreakdownthecarpetfibersandbacking.

A comprehensive protective paint film kit. Image: ClearMask

The soft seats, sleek

instrument panels,

luxurious carpeting and

sparkling trim that make

a vehicle interior a nice

place to spend time

won’t stay that way if

they are not cleaned on

a regular basis.

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Whileinthedriver’sfootwell,cleanthepedalpadswithaclothwettedinacarwashsolution.Replaceanypadsthatarewornsmooth,ortothepointwheretheunderlyingmetalpedalisexposed.Neverusesilicone-basedprotectorantsonfootpedalsastheresultingslickfinishcouldcauseashoetoslipoffapedal,possiblyresultinginacrash.

Next,vacuumtheupholstery,focusingonseamswheredebriscollectsthatwilldamagethestitchingovertime.Don’toverlooktheareasbetweenseatbottomsandbackcushionswhichtrapandconcealallsortsofthings.Reclinetheseatbacksandraisetheheadrestsforaccesstonormallyconcealedareas.Suckupanydebrisfromtheglovecompartmentandstoragebins,thenuseasoftdetailingbrushtohelpcleandustfromventilationductsandgrilles

Detailingbrushescanalsobeusedtohelpcleanandvacuumawaydebrisfromsmallgroovesandcrevicesontheinstrumentpanelandelsewherethroughoutthecar.Usingthevacuumin“blow”modeisanothertechniqueforgettingdirtandcrumbsoutofhardtoreachareas.Finally,ifotherinteriorsurfacesareparticularlydirty,useavacuumwithabrushattachmenttoremoveasmanyoftheloosedepositsaspossible.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Carpetsthatareingenerallygoodcondition,buthavelocalizedstains,canbecleanedbysprayingasuitabledetergentsolutiononthespots,usingabrushtoworkitin,thenrubbingwithatoweltoremovethestainandcleaner.Cleaningdirtierareas,particularlyfloormatsandcargoareacarpeting,mayrequiretheuseofacarpet“steam”cleanerequippedwithahand-heldattachment.

Clothupholsteryiscleanedinmuchthesamemannerascarpets.However,careshouldbetakentonotusetoomuchcleaningsolution,whichcansoakintoseatpaddingandfoamcushions,increasingdryingtimes.Upholsteryfabricscanbesensitivetodifferentcleaners,sobesuretotesttheproductinasmallhiddenlocationbeforeusingitonmajorsurfaces.

Toavoidmoldandmildew,allowdampcarpetandupholsterytodrycompletelybeforereinstallingthefloormatsorothercoverings.Tohelpspeeddrying,leavethedoorsorwindowsopen,parkthecarinthesunand/oruseanelectricfantocirculateairinsidethecar.

Vinylupholsterycanusuallybecleanedwithadamprag,oronewettedwithamilddetergentsolution.Dedicatedvinylcareproductsarealsoavailablethatcombinecleaners,conditioners,preservativesandUVprotection.

A detailing brush helps remove dust from ventilation ducts and other hard-to-reach areas. Image: Autoglym

A “steam” (water extraction) carpet cleaner can be used to remove heavy stains. Image: Auto Detail Doctor

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Stainedandwornleatherupholsteryisusuallytreatedintwosteps.First,saddlesoaporanothertypeofleathercleanerisusedtoremovedirtandotherdeposits,thenaconditioner/preservativeisappliedtorestorenaturaloilsthatkeeptheleatherpliableandprotectitagainstheat,lightandstains.Thisproductmayneedtobeleftontheleatherforsometimesoitcanbeabsorbed,thenanyexcessisbuffedoff.One-stepleathercleanersandconditionersarealsoavailableformoreroutineseatcare.

Upholstery Repair

Thereareanumberofrepairoptionsfordamagedupholstery.Scuffsandscratchesinleathercanbeconcealedbytouchingthemupwithamatchingcolorofleathercreamorshoepolish.Besuretothoroughlybuffcleanthetreatedareatopreventclothingfrombeingstained.Smalltearsinclothupholsterycanbestitchedclosedtokeepthemfromgettinglarger,andsmallcutsinvinylorleatherseatscanbegluedclosedusingspecialkitsandmaterialsavailableatautopartsandotherstores.

Moresignificantupholsterydamageorweatheringmayrequireprofessionalreplacementofseatfabricorredyingofleather.Autopartsstoresoftensellaerosolupholstery“dyes,”butthesearetypicallyjustthick,flexiblepaintsthatprovidemixedresultsandlimiteddurability.Whenconsideringanythingmorethanasimpleseatrepair,discusstheoptionswithaprofessionaldetailerorautoupholsteryshop.

Other Surface Cleaning

Mostvehicleinteriorsurfacesotherthancarpetsandupholsterycanbecleanedwithadamptowelor,formoresignificantstains,onewettedwithamilddetergentsolution.However,itisbesttochecktheowner’smanualforautomakerrecommendationsinstructionsbeforecleaningout-of-the-ordinarysurfacessuchassuede,Alcantara®(syntheticsuede),“mousefur”headliners,etc.Oncedry,interiorsurfacescanbetreatedwithaprotectorantdesignedforthespecificmaterial.Productsforvinylandleatherupholsterycanalsobeusedonothersuchsurfacesinsidethecar.

Whenselectinginteriorprotectorants,professionaldetailersuseproductsthatpreservetheoriginalfactoryfinish,whichusuallyhasanaturalmatteorsatinappearance.Theygenerallyavoidsilicone-basedprotectorantsthatleaveashiny,“greasy”finishthattendstoattractdustand,whenappliedtothetopofthedash,createswindshieldreflectionsthatcaninterferewithdrivervision.Householdfurniturepolishisgoodforcleaningandprotectingglossywoodtrim,butnewermatte-finish,open-porewoodtrimshouldonlybetreatedwithaproductrecommendedbythevehiclemanufacturer.

Topreventstreakingandunevenresults,protectorantsshouldbesprayedorpouredontoatowelorotherapplicator,whichshouldthenbeusedtoapplythesolutiontotheinteriorcomponents.Besuretousecleantowelsandapplicatorsforeachnewprotectoranttopreventcrosscontamination.

Applying cleaning solution to a leather car seat. Image: Auto Detail Doctor

When selecting

interior protectorants,

professional detailers

use products that

preserve the original

factory finish, which

usually has a natural

matte or satin

appearance.

© 2016 American Automobile Association, Inc 17

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Odor Elimination

Manycarwashesofferaselectionofinteriorscentsaspartoftheirservices.Theseareusuallyjust“perfume”spraysthatareappliedtothecarpeting.Similarproductsareavailableatautopartsstores,alongwithavarietyofotherairfreshenerssuchasinfusedpaperpads,electricdiffusersthatplugintoapoweroutlet,andstripsormodulesthatclipontoventilationductgrilles.

Fortoughersmells,therearespray-onliquidtreatmentssuchasFebrezethatchemicallybondwithodor-causingparticlestoneutralizethem.Asimilar,butmorepowerful,optionisaone-time-use“odorbomb”thatisdischargedinaclosedcaranddispersesanodor-killingfogthatpermeatestheinteriorandworksoveraperiodofhours.

Finally,therearepersistentodorsthathavebecometrappedinthecarpet,upholsteryandheadliner—thingssuchassmoke,mold,mildew,sourmilkandpet“accidents.”Eliminatingtheseodorsisajobforaprofessionaldetailerwhowillplaceanozonegeneratorinthevehicleinteriorandletitrunforanextendedperiod.Ozone(O3)isahighly-reactive,oxygen-richmoleculethatquicklybondswithodor-causingbacteria,sporesandmicroorganisms.Asitdoesso,theadditionaloxygenchemicallyaltersthestructureofthosemolecules,eliminatingthesmells.5

Glass CleaningAutoglassbecomescoatedwithallmannerofcontaminants:dirt,pollen,bugs,treesap,roadtarandevendetergentsandwaxessprayedonbyautomaticcarwashes.Alloftheseaffectdrivervisiontosomedegree,andwaxbuilduponthewindshieldcaninterferewithproperoperationofthewindshieldwipers,causingthemtoskip,chatterorleavebehindmicro-beadsofwaterthatcaninterferewithdrivervision.

Manydepositscanberemovedwithamilddetergentsolutionandafoam-backednylonmeshpad—suchasthosefoundongasstationwindow-cleaningsqueegees.Bugs,treesapandroadtarcanberemovedwithappropriatecleanersandtowels.Finalcleaningshouldbedonewithanautomotiveglasscleanerthatdoesnotcontainammonia,whichcandamagerubber,vinyl,leather,plasticandaftermarketwindowtints.Microfiberorsoftcottontextured“wafflecloth”towelsworkbestforcleaninganddryingglasswithoutstreaking.

Onmoreweatheredwindshields,specialpre-cleanerscanhelpremovestubborndepositsandwaxbuildup.Debriscanalsoberemovedbyusingaclaybarontheglass,orbyscrubbingthewindshieldwithanon-abrasivecleaningpowdersuchasBonAmiorBarKeepersFriend.Whenawindshieldistotallyclean,watersheetsonthesurfaceratherthanbeadingup.Thisprovidesoptimumwindshieldwiperoperation,providedtherubberbladesarecleanandingoodcondition.

A chlorine dioxide odor mitigation “bomb.” Image: Biocide Systems

The scrubbing pad on the backside of a squeegee can help remove many windshield deposits. Image: iStockphoto.com/AndreyPopov

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Cleaningtheexteriorofothervehiclewindowsisusuallystraightforwardandrequiresnothingmorethantheuseofacleanerthatdoesnotcontainammonia.Somedetailerswaxtheexteriorofthesideandrearwindowstohelpprotectthemfromhardwaterstains.

Themaincontaminantencounteredwhencleaningtheinsidesofcarwindowsisahazeorfilmcausedbysmokeand/orthereleaseof“plasticizers”thatkeepupholsteryandothervinylpartsflexible.Anon-ammoniaglasscleaningsolutionwillremovethesedeposits,butcareshouldbetakentokeepitoffotherinteriorsurfaceswhereitmaycausespotsordamage.Specialcleaningwandsthatmakeiteasytoreachthelowerportionsofthewindshieldandrearwindowarewellworththeirnominalcost.

Aftermarkettintingontheinsideofwindowscanbecleanedwithanon-ammoniaglasscleaner.Lookforwordssuchas“safefortintedwindows”onthepackage.Foroptimumclarity,specialproductsareavailableatautopartsandotherstorestocleanandsealaftermarketwindowtintfilms.

Glass Coatings

SomedriversliketotreattheoutsideoftheirwindshieldswithwaterrepellantssuchasRainX,RainClear,Aquapelandothers.Thesesolutionschemicallybondwiththewindshieldsurface,causingwatertobeadupandrolloffmoreeasily.Waterrepellentsreducetheneedtousewindshieldwipers,particularlyathighwayspeeds,andcanlastformonths.However,someusersclaimtheycancausewiperbladestochatter,orleavemicro-beadsofwaterontheglasswhenthewipersareused,whichcaninterferewithdrivervison.Insidethecar,anti-fogcoatingscanbeappliedtothewindshieldandrearviewmirrortoreduceorpreventfogging.

Forbestresults,thesurfaceofthewindshieldshouldbecompletelycleanbeforeapplyingwaterrepellantandanti-fogsolutions.Followthemanufacturer’sinstructionscarefully.Insomecases,multipleapplicationsarerecommendedforbestperformance.

A wand with a microfiber pad makes interior windshield and back window cleaning much easier. Image: Bavarian Autosport

Chip repair can be a cost-effective alternative to windshield replacement.Image: GlasWeld

© 2016 American Automobile Association, Inc 19

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Glass Repair

Windshield“bullseye”rockchipscanusuallyberepairedbyinjectingpolymerresinintothedamagedarea,andthensmoothingthesurfacetomaketheimperfectionpracticallyinvisible.6Suchrepairsnotonlyimproveclarity,theycanpreventachipfromturningintoacrack,whichmayrequirewindshieldreplacement.Forthisreason,someautoinsurancecompaniescoverglassrepairwithnodeductible.However,glassrepairisnotusuallyrecommendedwhenthedamageisinthedriver’slineofsightasevensmallfixescancreateminordistortionsthataffectvisibilityandsafety.

Do-it-yourselfglassrepairkitscanbepurchasedatautopartsandotherstores,butprofessionalglassrepairtechnicianshavespecialtrainingandequipmentthatusuallyprovideabetteroutcome.Theyusevacuumpumpstoevacuateairanddebrisfromthedamagedarea,andmayevendrillanopeningtoaidinthisprocess.Theyalsohavespecialtoolsfortherepairofsmallcracks,anduseadvancedresinsthatsometimesrequirecuringwithultravioletlight.

Glass Polishing

Overtime,mostwindshieldsdevelopsmallwhitespotscalledmicro-pitsfromsandanddebrishittingtheglassathighspeed.Windshieldscanalsobescratchedbythemetalframesofbadlywornwiperblades.Thesetypesofdamagecanberemovedorminimizedusingapowerbufferandspecialglasspolishingpadsandcompoundsavailableatautopartsandotherstores.However,thisisatime-andlabor-intensiveprocessthatrequiresspecialprecautionstopreventdamagetotheglassandadjacentvehiclesurfaces.Mostglassprofessionalsrecommendwindshieldreplacementratherthanpolishingunlesstheglassisunavailableorprohibitivelyexpensive.

Windshield micro-pits are caused by airborne debris striking the glass at high speeds. Image: Autogeek

Endnotes 1 Howtodetailyourcarandgiveitamakeover,Consumer Reports,http://bit.ly/1ZL86tx

2 http://bit.ly/1tsgUe3

3 www.wheelcollision.com/wccmtd.html

4 www.rimrenew.com/faq.html

5 OzoneSolutions,How does ozone remove odors,www.ozonesolutions.com/journal/2009/how-does-ozone-remove-odor

6 ShouldYouRepairItorReplaceIt?MSN Autos,http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435992

Automotive Technology Update — Car Cleaning and Detailing

© 2016 American Automobile Association, Inc 20AAA Confidential

To Learn More

DETAILING GUIDES3M – Detailing Manual Systemhttp://bit.ly/1rlKCze

Autoglym Car Care Guidehttp://bit.ly/1o2w6I1

Best Auto Detailing Tipswww.best-auto-detailing-tips.com

Detailed Image – Auto Detailing Guidewww.detailedimage.com/guide/AutoDetailingGuide.pdf

Detail Supply Outlet – Professional Detailing Manualwww.detailsupplyoutlet.com/pdf_files/educational_lit.pdf

Furious Shine – Ultimate Detailing Guidewww.furiousshine.com/FuriousShineUltimateDetailingGuide.pdf

Griot’s Garage – Detailer’s Handbookhttp://bit.ly/1rlK0K6

James – Guide to Detailing & Customizing www.guidetodetailing.com/detailing-101/detailing-treating-trim

Meguiar’s – Detailing Guidehttp://bit.ly/1ULHEOX

Mothers – Detail Guidewww.valleyvettes.ca/technical/Mothers_DetailGuide_0_All.pdf

MEDIA SITESAngie’s List – Car Washes and Auto Detailingwww.angieslist.com/research/car-washes-and-auto-detailing

Car Talk – Car Cleaning Tips from a Pro www.cartalk.com/content/car-cleaning-tips-pro-4

Popular Mechanics – 10 tips to clean and detail your car like a prohttp://bit.ly/1yUyq69

Consumer Reports – Car Wax Buying Guidewww.consumerreports.org/cro/car-wax/buying-guide.htmhttp://bit.ly/1ZL86tx

Edmunds – How to clear foggy headlights www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-clear-foggy-headlights.html

For Dummies – How to Touch Up Your Car’s Paint Job http://bit.ly/1gtZo0B

Car Cleaning Guru – Underbody Cleaningwww.carcleaningguru.com/underbody-cleaning

PROFESSIONAL SITESCar Britewww.carbrite.com

Detail Kingwww.detailking.comwww.detailking.com/landing-pages/ozone-generators

Dent Wizardwww.dentwizard.comhttp://bit.ly/1OlpVi7

International Detailing Associationwww.the-ida.com

Ziebartwww.ziebart.com

DETAILING SUPPLY SITES3M – Car Care Productswww.3mauto.com

3M – Paint Protection Filmhttp://bit.ly/1YlXouH

Aquapelwww.aquapel.com

Autogeekwww.autogeek.net

Autoglymwww.autoglym.com

Autopia Car Carewww.autopia-carcare.com

Biocide Systemswww.biocidesystems.com

Black Magicwww.blackmagicshine.com

Chemical Guyswww.chemicalguys.com

ClearMaskwww.clearmask.com

Detailed Imagewww.detailedimage.com

Eagle Onewww.eagleone.com/products

Glass Sciencewww.glassscience.com

GlasWeldwww.glasweld.com

Griot’s Garagewww.griotsgarage.com

HandStands/Lexolwww.handstands.com

Liquid Glasswww.liquidglasspolish.com

Meguiar’swww.meguiars.com

Motherswww.mothers.com

Nu Finishwww.nufinish.com

RainX – Glass Water Repellentwww.rainx.com

Simoniz USAwww.simoniz.com

Swissvax www.swissvax.us

Swissvax – Detailing Videohttp://bit.ly/25XHdpX

Turtle Waxwww.turtlewax.com

Wolfgang Car Carewww.wolfgangcarcare.com

Zymolwww.zymol.com