Detailing your car may seem like a tedious chore now, but did you know it can actually make you money in the future? Washing, waxing, maintaining the interior - all of these steps actually keep your car's resale value high, ensuring that you get the MOST bang for your buck when you sell or trade in down the road. Our Orlando auto service team gave us a step-by-step guide to help you efficiently and effectively detail your car to keep it in the best shape possible - check it out.
Five steps to take when you detail your car
Step #1: Wash the exterior. Always use the right products when you detail your car - dish soap can actually do damage to your paint over time. You can shop the Toyota of Orlando parts store for the right supplies.
Rinse your vehicle, soap it with a sponge, and then rinse again. Use a clean sponge and if you drop it, be sure to get a new one - any sand or dirt stuck on the sponge can create tiny scratches in the paint.
Step #2: Scrub the wheels. A lot of people forget about cleaning the wheels on their car but they're one of the dirtiest elements! Use soap, a scrub brush, and clean water to get them sparkling again. And throwing a little tire shine into the equation when you're done will get things looking brand-new again.
Step #3: Dry + wax. You should dry your car by hand with a microfiber towel if you want to avoid getting water spots, and don't forget to squeegee the windshield off. Once it's dry, it's time to wax! Wax is critical when you detail your car because it'll protect the paint, ward off moisture, and also give your car a glossy shine that makes it look like-new again. Choose a mid-quality wax (our Orlando Toyota parts team can help you choose one) and wax in the shade for the best results. Remember, wax only goes on the body of the car - you shouldn't apply it to glass or plastic. When you remove the wax, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Step #4: Clean the windows and windshield. Don't forget about the glass! Whether it's nose marks or finger marks (or both), having clean glass not only makes your ride look great but also gives you a clearer view of the road. Use the right cleaner, though - using a cleaner that's not formulated for cars can damage the tint on your windows.
Step #5: Wipe and vacuum the interior. Don't forget about the interior! We recommend that you wipe down all leather, plastic, or vinyl surfaces with the right cleaners to keep them clean, shiny, and moisturized - this will help prevent cracking and fading in the heat. You should also vacuum the entire cabin, removing the floor mats and getting in between the cracks of the seats. Further, you can use a small, clean paintbrush to clean out nooks and crannies, cupholders, and A/C vents so everything is dust-free. Finally, remove all trash from your car and clear out any unnecessary clutter.
Toyota of Orlando can get you the info + supplies you need today!
Have questions or need supplies to detail your car right? We've got all of the above. Call us today at (407) 298-0001 or shop now at our store - we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.
Comments