Deep cleaning of your car exterior is an essential part of maintaining its aesthetic appeal and preserving its value. Whether you’re planning to do it yourself or work with a professional, understanding the basics can make all the difference.
In this article, from the expert team at Fresh Details in Milton, NY we will explore why deep cleaning your car’s exterior is important and provide a step-by-step guide to help you deep clean your car’s exterior like a pro.
Why is deep cleaning your car’s exterior so important?
Deep cleaning is essential for your car for several reasons, including:
Preserving the Paint Job
Our vehicles are continuously exposed to a myriad of environmental elements. Dust that settles on the car can cause minute scratches, pollutants from urban areas can react with the paint, and bird droppings have acids that can cause the paint to corrode. The combined impact of these factors, especially if left unattended for long periods, can cause the paint to corrode, lose its shine, or fade. Regular deep cleaning ensures that these contaminants are timely removed, keeping the paint in pristine condition and preventing premature aging of the vehicle’s appearance.
Maintaining the Car’s Value
A vehicle is an investment, and like any other investment, its value depreciates over time. However, how well a car is maintained can significantly influence its rate of depreciation. A car that sports a clean, polished, and unblemished exterior not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also holds a stronger position in the resale market. In contrast, a car with a neglected exterior, filled with scratches, dents, and faded patches, can considerably lose its resale value. Deep cleaning, therefore, isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about economic sensibility.
Enhanced Safety
One might not immediately link a clean car exterior to safety, but the connection is direct and crucial. Over time, dirt, grime, and other residues can accumulate on the headlights, reducing their brightness and range. This can be particularly hazardous during nighttime driving or in foggy conditions. Similarly, dirty mirrors can distort or hinder the driver’s view of the surroundings. Ensuring that the headlights and mirrors are clean and clear is not just about the car looking good, it’s about the driver being able to see well and make safe driving decisions.
How to deep clean your car’s exterior like a professional
For best results when deep cleaning your car’s exterior, follow these steps:
Preparation
As with all tasks, beginning with the right preparation sets the tone for a job well done. Before diving into the cleaning process, assemble all the necessary products and tools you’ll need for a thorough exterior cleaning. This includes microfiber towels, specialized car shampoo, a clay bar kit, quality polish, durable wax, a dedicated wheel cleaner, tire dressing, and an effective glass cleaner. Additionally, finding a shaded spot to work in is essential. Direct sunlight can cause cleaning products to dry faster than you’d want, leading to unsightly streaks or water spots on your vehicle.
Wash the Car
The first step is a basic yet thorough rinse of the car. This initial wash removes superficial dirt and prepares the car for a deeper cleanse. A car-specific shampoo is your best bet, offering the potency to clean without the harshness that can strip away the car’s protective wax. Starting from the top and moving downwards, lather your car section by section, using a soft sponge or a microfiber mitt. Remember to rinse your washing tool frequently to ensure you aren’t dragging grit across the paint, which could lead to scratches. Finish with a comprehensive rinse to wash away all the soap.
Clay Bar Treatment
Post the wash, the clay bar treatment elevates the car’s cleanliness level. This process tackles and removes contaminants deeply embedded in the paint, which a regular wash might miss. Begin by lubricating a section of your car using a detailing spray or the recommended lubricant from your clay bar kit. Move the clay bar gently across the lubricated surface, allowing it to lift away pollutants. As you work, regularly knead the clay bar, exposing a fresh surface. Any contact with the ground means the clay bar should be discarded, ensuring that no unwanted debris gets reintroduced onto the car’s surface.
Polishing
Polishing is the next step, a phase that helps in rejuvenating the car’s paint. Opt for a car-specific polish that promises to remove minor abrasions while bringing out the paint’s inherent shine. A dual-action polisher or a regular polishing pad works well to distribute the polish in even, circular patterns. Once you’ve covered the entire surface, a swift wipe-down with a microfiber cloth removes any lingering polish.
Waxing
Waxing not only bestows a gleaming shine upon your car but also acts as a protective barrier against environmental pollutants. Use a fresh pad or cloth to apply the wax in gentle circular motions. As the wax settles and begins to haze, buffing it with a separate cloth reveals a car that looks as good as new, shimmering in all its glory.
Clean the Wheels and Tires
Wheels often bear the brunt of the road, collecting brake dust and grime. A dedicated wheel cleaner is a savior in these situations, effectively breaking down and dissolving this accumulated dirt. For a thorough clean, a soft-bristled brush works wonders, reaching into the wheel’s nooks and crannies. After a good scrub, a rinse and dry set the stage for the finishing touch: a tire dressing. This product not only enhances the tire’s appearance, giving it a rich black hue but also conditions the rubber, keeping it in prime condition.
Windows and Mirrors
A car’s windows and mirrors deserve the same cleaning attention as the rest of the vehicle. With a reputable glass cleaner at the helm, spray a generous amount onto the glass surfaces. A lint-free cloth or even newspaper serves as the perfect tool to wipe the glass down, ensuring a streak-free, crystal-clear finish. Always initiate the cleaning from the top, moving downwards, ensuring every bit of residue is diligently removed.
Top quality car detailing and deep cleaning services in Milton, NY
If you’re looking for the best car detailing services in and around Milton NY, then there’s no better choice than Fresh Details. We serve car owners in Orange County, Ulster County, and Dutchess County and provide a wide range of car care and detailing services. Our expert detailing crew has decades of experience in detailing and restoring cars for our valued customers.
For more information on our exterior deep cleaning and detailing services you can give us a call at (845) 622-6845, or bring your vehicle down to our main location at 267 Ridge Rd, Milton, NY 12547. Contact us today to book your appointment and restore that showroom shine we all know your car deserves!