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(ARA) – When it comes to car care, one of the most expensive things you can do is get your car professionally detailed. It is a big job to carefully wash, wax, vacuum and condition a car, so professional shops charge hundreds of dollars to get the job done. With the right tools and a little elbow grease, detailing a car is something you can do at home for a fraction of the cost, and a lot less time than you think.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:
1) Wash the Exterior
The first step when detailing your car’s outside is to give it a thorough cleaning. A clean, smooth surface makes waxing easier and also provides a longer lasting shine.
Always wash exterior surfaces with clean, cool water and wash from the top down, rinsing frequently. Once you’ve eliminated contaminants from your vehicle’s surface, the next step in at-home detailing is the wax application.
2) Apply Wax
You may think of waxing your car as a long, tough process, but you can save time without sacrificing shine by using Turtle Wax ICE Liquid Polish or Paste Polish. The liquid polish is for those who want a fast wax job; the paste for those who want one that will last longer. Unlike traditional waxes, both can be applied in direct sunlight to practically any surface, including bumpers, plastic molding and trim, to shine up your car’s entire exterior without leaving any white powdery residue.
When applying wax or polish, it’s important to spread only a thin, even coat; then buff to a high gloss shine.
3) Maintain Vehicle’s Shine
In between regular wax applications, dust and other particles can build on your car’s surface. Using a spray detailer like ICE is a great way to remove light dust from the exterior surfaces and for easily maintaining your vehicle’s mirror-like shine. Because spray detailers are water based, they enhance your vehicle’s shine without harming the wax’s protective barrier.
4) Clean the Interior
Begin by cleaning the interior so the dust and dirt you brush out won’t settle on your soon to be pristine exterior. Start by removing the floor mats, vacuuming them, then treating stains and repairing any holes. Carpeting and upholstery and the seats should also be given a good vacuuming. If you have leather upholstery, dress the surfaces with a leather conditioner.
Next clean the dash. First wipe it down with a damp rag and then use blasts of compressed air to work dirt loose from the nooks and crannies. Cotton swabs can be used to clean out air vents and other tight corners.
For more information about Turtle Wax ICE car care products, or to find a store locator, log on to www.turtlewax.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Ice Liquid Polish and Ice Paste Wax are registered trademarks of Turtle Wax.