DETAILING: Steps To Washing Your Car

[Assassin]

STEPS TO WASHING YOUR CAR

 

 

General steps below:

 

1. Rinse car to remove loose grit, dirt, including wheels and wheel wells.

 

2. Apply car shampoo using a sponge or a wash mitt ....start shampooing and work your way from the top down, and rims last. Use a different sponge for the rims.

 

3. Rinse car....start from the top first.

 

4. Use chamois to dry car. I usually hold both ends of the chamois and drag it along the top surfaces to drain off all the water, its quick and fast and does not exert much pressure on the paintwork, thus lessens the chances of getting swirl marks. Move in straight parallel lines, in the direction of air flow, rather than in circles, to minimise circular swirl marks, which are more visible.

 

5. Open doors and wipe door sill areas.

 

6. Open boot and wipe boot sill areas.

 

 

Steps 1-6 should take about 45 minutes.

 

 

Additional Steps:

• Shake off dirt from car mats.
• Vacuum car.
• Clean windows with glass cleaner.
• Apply leather cleaner/conditioner to leather seats.
• Apply sealant/wax to car.

 

Points to Note:

• Try to wash your car at least once a week.
• Try not to wash your car under the hot sun. If you really have to, then during shampoo each area and rinse before moving on to another area. This is to prevent the shampoo from drying on the paintwork.
• Basic concept is to always work from the top areas first and move your way down. This applies to washing and drying.
• These are general steps, and you may vary the steps according to your preference.
• Time taken fro each step also varies from person to person.

 

 

 

You can also take a look at the Car Washing disccussion thread here -->

http://www.mycarforum.com/..._latest_reply;so=ASC

 

If you intend to clay bar your ride, it will be between steps 3 and 4. Here are the steps to the How To Clay Bar Your Car thread-->

http://www.mycarforum.com/...;;page=unread#unread

 

If you are wondering what kind of detailing products to use, you can check out the INTRO TO DETAILING PRODUCTS thread here -->

http://www.mycarforum.com/...;;page=unread#unread

Edited August 5, 2004 by Assassin