Spring Detailing

Now that May is nearly here, it’s safe to do your first Spring detail (if you haven’t already). Here’s a quick guide to rehabbing the paint after a long, cold winter.

1. Clean wheels and tires using a water-based wheel/tire cleaner. A water-based formula is safe on all wheels. Use a soft brush on the wheel face and a stiffer brush on the rubber. Be sure to use a long brush to clean the wheel wells. Mud and road salt have no doubt accumulated there. Rinse well and dry the wheels to avoid water spots.
2. Wash your vehicle, of course! Remove any road salt residue, dirt, and debris using a high lubricity car wash and a soft, clean wash mitt. Hose off the undercarriage to remove any salt or debris that has splashed on the underside of the vehicle. Dry the vehicle using a clean waffle weave towel, chamois, or a Metro Vac N Blo or Master Blaster.
3. Clean up rubber trim using an exterior cleaner. Before applying a fresh coat of rubber protectant, it’s a good idea to remove the old dressing along with any dirt and oils.
4. Now you can inspect the finish. There are likely quite a few water spots, swirls, and possibly some etching from a few months without a proper detail. The best way to remove them is with a polisher and a great set of swirl removers. One combination that has worked well for us is the FLEX XC 3401 VRG Orbital Polisher and Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0 and Wolfgang Finishing Polish 3.0. Read our complete polishing guide for tips and suggested products.
5. Polish metal surfaces to clean and brighten them. Flitz Metal Polish contains a protectant as well, so its an excellent one-step product for all metals.
6. Apply a wax or paint sealant. The sun is more intense in the Spring and Summer so prepare your paint with good UV protection.
7. Apply a quality rubber protectant to exterior trim and tires. Remember, multiple thin coats will bond better to the rubber and provide a more even finish.
8. Clean auto glass. If needed, use a glass polish to remove any water spots and etching. Once the glass is clean and clear, apply a glass sealant to prevent water spots and maintain the clarity of the glass.
9. Inside your vehicle, give the carpet and upholstery a thorough vacuuming. Use a carpet cleaner to remove any spots or spills.
10. Apply an interior protectant to vinyl and plastics, like the dashboard and door panels. The sun coming through the windows can dry out and fade these surfaces.

For detailed instructions and product recommendations, visit our Autogeek University for Auto Detailing Facts, Tips & Tricks.