Introduction

If you’re like most people, your car is one of your biggest investments. You may take it for granted, but if you treat it right, it will last you a long time. The first step to caring for your vehicle is learning how to properly detail it. Below are seven common mistakes that people make when detailing their cars:

Not using the manufacturer’s recommended cleanings supplies.

Another common mistake is cleaning your car with unsuitable products. You should always use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning supplies, as they have been tested to be safe on your vehicle and will not cause damage.

While you may not think that using harsh chemicals would be an issue for a car, it can actually be very harmful to your paint job over time. If you cleaned your car with a harsh chemical cleaner or waxed it too often without washing off the excess wax first, it could leave residue behind that dulls the surface of your vehicle’s paint job and makes dirt stick more easily in future washes. In addition, using brushes instead of sponges can also cause scratching if you aren’t careful when applying pressure and aren’t sure how well they’ll clean different areas of your vehicle (some spots might need more scrubbing than others). If you don’t want to risk damaging any part of your car while washing it at home with harsh chemicals or brushes then try using sponges instead! These items are much gentler on surfaces since they don’t create friction between two hard surfaces like brushes do (which causes scratches) but still provide enough friction so dirt comes off easily when rubbed against them.

Failing to thoroughly rinse off the car before washing

It’s the most important step in the detailing process, and yet it’s often the one that gets overlooked. When you’re finished washing your car, there should be no dirt or grime left on it. If you don’t wash off all of the soap before rinsing, then you’ll just be washing your car again and getting everything wet again.

Use a hose to spray off any remaining dirt or grime from the surface of your vehicle (we recommend using a high-pressure nozzle). Then use a sponge or towel to soak up any leftover water that has soaked into cracks and crevices (like door jambs). Finally, dry off those areas with microfiber towels or chamois cloths to make sure all traces of moisture are gone.

Scrubbing hard with a wash mitt

Using a wash mitt to scrub the paint of your car is a common mistake. According to the experts, it’s actually better to use your hand than a wash mitt because you can control the amount of pressure you apply and avoid scratching or swirling your paint. If you do decide to use a wash mitt, make sure it’s made with microfiber—this type of material won’t scratch up your car’s finish as much as other materials would (and if you need convincing about how important microfiber is when detailing cars, check out this article).

You’ll also want to use separate sponges for different parts of the vehicle. For example: one sponge for cleaning hard-to-reach places like under spoilers and around vents; another sponge exclusively for cleaning wheels; yet another one specifically for cleaning tires and wheel wells (the area between the tire and body).

Using harsh chemicals to clean interior elements

When cleaning the interior of your car, it’s a good idea to avoid using any harsh chemicals. While it’s tempting to reach for some kind of cleaning spray or liquid, this is not only unnecessary but will actually make your car dirtier in the long run.

Instead, you should use mild detergent and clean with a soft cloth or sponge. If you’re using a microfiber cloth (which we recommend), dampen it slightly with water before using it to clean the surface of your vehicle—this will prevent scratches on sensitive surfaces like leather seats and plastics. For really tough stains on upholstery materials like rubber mats or carpeting, try dampening both sides of a microfiber cloth before working them into the dirty area; this can help lift out stubborn grime without damaging anything else!

Using paper towels for drying

Using paper towels is a terrible idea. Paper towels will scratch your car’s finish, and they don’t hold water very well. Plus, you need to use a clean towel for each section of the car so that you don’t get paint swirls (which can be costly to fix). It’s much better to use microfiber towels instead of paper ones because they’re soft on your vehicle’s finish and absorbent enough to stop dripping water before it lands on your car.

To make sure you’re using microfiber towels properly, follow these steps:

• Use a clean towel for each section of the car. That way, it won’t matter which towel ends up getting dirty—you can just throw it away at the end!
• Wipe from top down rather than side-to-side. This will help prevent scratches from occurring as you go along with your detailing process!

Improperly removing product buildup from tires and wheels

The wheels and tires of your car take a lot of abuse, so they need regular cleaning. Using the wrong type of cleaner can ruin the rubber and lead to premature wear. Make sure you are using a tire cleaner that is safe for rubber, or even better look for one specifically made for your specific type of tire (radial, bias-ply etc.).

Also make sure that you rinse off all residue from the wheel and tires before applying any protectant or dressing products like waxes or polishes.

Forgetting to apply wax after cleaning

After you have cleaned your car, it is a good idea to apply wax. Wax helps protect the paint from UV rays, water beads off the car, prevents scratches and oxidation and makes the car look good.

Taking good care of your car will help keep it in good condition.

Taking good care of your car will help keep it in good condition. There are many ways to do this, but the most important thing is regular cleaning. You should clean your vehicle at least once a week. To clean the exterior of your vehicle, use a microfiber cloth or sponge with water and detailer. Wash the windows with soap and water while you’re at it so they’re clear when you get them wet later on; then rinse them off with a squeegee or towel before drying with another towel. After washing off any remaining dirt, apply waxes and sealants with a soft applicator sponge or brush for best results (and read up on how often you should do this).

Conclusion

By avoiding the mistakes discussed above, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a car that looks great for years to come. If you have any questions about these tips or need help with anything else related to detailing your vehicle, grab now the opportunity by ringing us today!