Car detailing dos and don'ts

[Calendyr]

I am putting together a top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for maintaining your own car.

What would be your top 3 DOs and your top 3 DON'Ts when it comes to taking care of your car?

[custmsprty]

Don't use drive thru car washes.

Don't let your dealership give you a"complimentary" wash with their service or oil change etc.

[FOCUS.FREAK]

-Do two bucket method
-Do take proper care of microfiber towels
-Do use quality car care products from Auto geek! [emoji41]


-Don't mix towels for grunt work and towels for paint
-Don't use products that aren't paint safe like (toothpaste)
-Don't cheap out when it comes to polishers and pads

Jordan


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[mbkite]

Don't pollish too much paint off very easy to do

[Octopiston]

Don't miss a spot

[vanev]

Do's:
1. Perform a complete detail from the start.
Paint correction, coating, sealant, wax.
Will make maintaining the care and appearance of your vehicle infinitely easier and faster.

2. Budget for vehicle care.
$300.00/year ($25.00/month) will easily allow one to stock up on basic supplies to maintain the condition of the vehicle once properly detailed form the start.

3. Educate yourself.
Learn how to properly use products and tools in order to take care of your vehicle.
Too much damage is performed to most vehicles in attempts to clean them.

Don'ts:
1. Don't take your vehicle to a tunnel wash.

2. Don't wait weeks or months to clean the vehicle.

3. Don't attempt to keep up with the time and cost other detailers post in social media regarding detailing a vehicle.
The majority of it is "locker room" shop talk and not reality.

[TTQ B4U]

Don't Do: Car washes with brushes - EVER!
Don't Do: Wipe or let anyone just casually "wipe" off a handprint or spot of dirt off your car.
Don't Do: Don't "dust" your paint with a duster or rag. You'll micro-mar the hell out of it.
Don't Do: NEVER use a towel or rag or sponge or pad that has been dropped to the ground. Grab a new one.
Don't Do: Don't Wipe to dry, use the blotting method first. Leave all misc. details to the final wipedown with detail spray or frankenmist/spray.

Do: Add a bit of your favorite Rinseless Wash solution to your wash & Rinse bucket if you're doing a traditional wash
Do: Use separate wash media for lower panels, work top down and stick to a proven method.
Do: buy higher quality towels, rags pads and products, there is a difference
Do: Always be willing to learn and try new techniques and products
Do: #1 rule; enjoy the time and have fun.

[rlmccarty2000]

Don't take all advice as the Gospel (user experience will vary)
Don't use a wash tunnel that installs swirls and scratches on your clear coat
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Do spend as much on products as you feel comfortable with (it's your hobby/livelyhood)
Do get professional training/watch videos/read all forums
Do remove bugs and bird crap asap

[ducksfan]

From my experience, the biggest do or don't (depending on how you want to phrase it) is to not let detrimental compositions(e.g. bug guts or poop) sit for extended periods on your paint.

[JeffM]

do a baggie test!

dont use a bath towel to dry

[GSKR]

Make sure the lawn sprinklers are pointed away from your car.