5 Common Mistakes In Car Detailing And How To Avoid Them

Some mistakes can cost you a lot of effort. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you do a better job. The same goes for car detailing as well. Getting your car washed through a regular car wash is easy and can wash off dirt and dust from your car. However, car detailing is a technical process that requires professionals.

No one is born with a thorough knowledge of how to clean a car. It requires patience, tricks, and practice to get the best final results. Efficient car detailing begins with realizing the mistakes you can make during the process.

Avoiding these mistakes can bring you the best results of your painstaking efforts of having your car detailed. Let’s learn about these mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Mistakes In Car DetailingWashing Your Car In Direct Sunlight

One of the most common mistakes people make when detailing their car is washing it in direct sunlight. You may have made plans about washing your car on a sunny Sunday, but that may not be a good idea. Washing your car in direct sunlight is not a good idea as the water and soap solution will dry up quickly. This ends up giving your car water spots that are hard to remove later.

That’s the reason why many car wash centers have shades where they wash their cars. Therefore, if you are planning to wash your car or detail it, it is recommended that you wash it in a shady area.

Similarly, you should wait for your car to cool down before detailing it. Deciding to detail your car shortly after you have driven it will result in your solution drying up.

Using The Wrong Type Of Car Wash

Using household detergents for a car wash is a big no-no. These cleaners contain harmful chemicals such as chlorine, bleach, and ammonia. Such chemicals remove grease stains and stubborn oil patches from dishes. However, using them to wash a car can affect the wax and shine of the car.

Detergents are marketed for which they are manufactured. You must choose a detergent that is specifically manufactured for the intended purpose. Always stick with the proper car care products that can maintain the wax, shine, and paint of your car.

Not Knowing How To Use Clay Bars

Clay bars are used in the car detailing process to clean dirt stuck in the car’s paint. However, using clay bars requires practice. Clay bars are abrasive, and using them frequently can damage your car which can lead to micro scratches.

Using your clay bars correctly becomes important to remove any dirt stains from your car’s surface. We recommend using it 3-4 times a year to give your car a clean look.

Wrong Use Of Wax

You may become fascinated by the shine of the wax upon first-time use. Many people make the mistake of pouring the wax directly onto the surface. This can result in dark stains and discoloration that are hard to remove even with a detergent.

Always use an applicator to apply wax on your car to avoid such results. Most waxes will come with a foam applicator that is soft and can apply the wax evenly.

Another mistake is the overuse of wax. Two layers of wax is enough for your car. One serves as a foundation and the other one as a backup.

Not Using The Right Cloth

Many believe that using an old cloth to wipe your car will work. However, this is not true, and you must invest in a good quality cloth to wipe your car after a wash. A microfiber cloth must be used that has the right ratio of polyester and polyamide. It won’t leave streaks on your car’s surface and will absorb the leftover water droplets instantly.

Avoid using chamois cloths. It doesn’t absorb well and can leave water streaks behind. Always use a fresh dry towel for cleaning. Using the same towel for drying up that you used while removing dirt can put the stains back on your car.

Final WordsIn the end, we recommend you read the instructions mentioned on the product for a better cleaning experience. Wash your car in enough light but away from direct sunlight so you can see what needs to be cleaned. Don’t be hard on your car, and use the right kind of mild products to clean it and maintain its shine.