Car Detailing Series

I was going to call it the "50 Not-so-easy Steps to Having a Clean Car (While Saving Yourself $200)", but that's a mouthful and a half.

Since my car is getting ready to hit the road again, it's time to wax-on/wax-off the damage three years of sitting has done. Over time, dirt, pollen, the sun, tree gunk, mouse droppings, and spider webs have camouflaged the bright red paint, and it's time to take it back from nature.

I figured that it would be worthwhile to give a decent step-by-step of a comprehensive auto detailing job, as well as provide product suggestions for getting the best results. Car detailing used to be a side job of mine, so I've acquired quite the collection of cleaning products and tools. I think that between my Dad and I, we have more car washing products in our basement than you will find stocked in your typical Super WalMart. He's even more intense than I am!

But beware: it is labor intensive! But the results are worth it, and you typically will only have to do an intensive detail twice a year.

Yes, you can pay $5 and go to the automatic drive-thru car wash, but only if you like the idea of your car being mercilessly beaten by giant dirt-filled towels. Swirl marks, scratches, broken antennas. I think they do more harm than good. But since when did hurt to spend some quality time with your car?

*Some apartment complexes prohibit hose-washing a car on their premises. Visit a friend or go to a touchless self-serve carwash (bring your own supplies if you wish) for washing.