How to; How do I maintain my cars just waxed appearance?

[exceldetail]

How do I maintain my cars appearance?

All too often, I’m asked this question! This is often more difficult, then your once over detail. You’ve spent an entire weekend, washing, polishing, and rejuvenating your cars paint. You stand back, and admire your laborious work, then it hits you. What do I do now? How can I possibly keep it this way?

Your first step in maintaining that like new appearance, will more then likely be your attempt at cleaning it on the weekends. Try to devote ample time for a job well done, instead of it being done twice. Have your favorite washing items, like sheepskin Washmits, buckets, maybe a Grit Guard, Waffle Weave Drying Towels, and a safe auto wash soap. I don’t recommend washing every few days, as theres no perfect known way, to wash without the possibility of introducing wash induced scratches and marring. Some things may just never be solved! But you can greatly reduce the chances of those things happening, by using a little common sense, with some of the above items on hand in good shape. Make sure to see our “Proper Washing Techniques” thread to refresh your skills, or if your just starting to discover the wonderful hobby of car care.

Quick/Instant detail solutions have greatly reduced cleaning frequencies with today’s automobiles. If they’re used properly! Please don’t use them as a traditional wash routine substitutes, as that is not within there ability. There simply designed to remove very light dust, fingerprints, and fresh, light environmental stains. They may or may not contain Carnauba, Polymer’s, or silicones, which are all safe for today’s auto surfaces in proper concentration. Make sure you use a quality spray, as well as clean, quality polishing towels. Buy what fits your needs and budget. Use after washes for additional slickness and protection, and as a quick in-between cleaner. Remember, they’re not wash substitutes. Any protection Quick/Instant Detailers provide is very short term, but worth every bit.

You may also want to consider using Spray Waxes or Spray Polymer Protectants. These are best used bi-monthly to re-establish fresh protection on your previously protected surfaces. They’re very economical, and offer substantial protection vs. a Quick/Instant detailer. Do not confuse the proper use of the two. Quick/Instant detailers can provide lubrication to help in removing light contaminants, whereas the Spray protectants should be used on clean surfaces only.