This article is designed to educate the novice on auto detailing and provide concourse quality detailing tips.

Auto detailing is the process of making an automobile look its best without major dismantling or repainting. But, detailing is much more than a quick wash and vacuuming. Detailing requires careful planning and methods. Today's car detailing is an art.

The following is an overview of proven professional tips and some little secrets learned over the years.

1. Washing
2. Wheels & Tires
3. Polishing
4. Waxing
5. Glass, Trim and Moldings
6. Engine Compartment
7. Other Show Details and Tips

• Always remove rings, watches and other jewelry. Be alert to belt buckles and rivets on jeans as all will scratch the paint surfaces.
• Never use soaps containing sodium or those high in alkaline content. Use only mild car wash soaps that are nuetral based (ph7).
• Never use household detergents as they can strip wax and burn the paint. Wax type soaps or hot waxes are not the cure for a dull unpolished suface. In fact, when combined with an oxidized surface loaded with contaminants, they may even make the car look worse after it has dried. Never use powdered car wash soaps. A single grain of powder, not completely dissolved can scratch the paint surface.
• Make sure the car is cool and in the shade.
• Do not use a high pressure stream of water because it can force dirt against the paint suface causing scratches, removing stickers, and peeling paint.
• Never vigorously scrub your car's finish to remove stains. If necessary, advance to a stronger cleaner for spot cleaning of stubborn stains.
• Start with wheels and tires they take the most time and effort. Use a tire brush to remove road grime.
• Keep the car cool and wet during washing. This simply allows you to wash it more efficiently and eliminate the possibility of the car wash soap drying on the paint and streaking. A cool surface allows you more time to dry it properly.
• Water spots are salt and mineral deposits left when water evaporates. These salts "bite" into paint. If they remain for any length of time, it is difficult to remove. Quality car wash products will provide a strong plating action to keep water spots from "bite" in paint. If the car already has numerous difficult water spots, they can often be readily removed with a soft terry cloth towel, with the spot dampened with a little white vinegar.
• Three table spoons baking soda to water will neutralize any acids in the wash water. Make sure all the baking soda is completely dissolved.
• Remove the license plate frames and the plates themselves. Also remove any easily removable emblems to wash behind them.
• Use a 5 gallon bucket for the wash process. This lets the dirt being rinsed out of the sponge or mitt to settle to the bottom of the bucket, instead of being re-applied to the surfaces.
• 100% cotton wash mitts and towels or high quality natural sea sponges are best for use.
• Do not use synthetic wash mitts as their fibers are to stiff and will cause unwanted hairline scratches on the finish.
• Always use a extra mitt for tires vs. a mitt for the underbody. Use fresh car wash mix and mitts for the body.
• Wash in a back in the forth method. Moving from front to back on the car. Massage the body in this manner will aid in the prevention of swirl marks. A circular pattern may cause spider webbing.
• A three (3) inch soft natural, bristled paint brush works well in washing around headlights, mirrors, window trim and emblems that a wash mitt can not reach.
• When using brushes, some can be cut to length. Always apply duck tape around the metal part of the brush to prevent accidental scratches.
• · An old soft toothbrush is a must on dirt from the lettering located on the tail and side light lens. That is the only place a toothbrush should be used as they will scratch other parts of the car.
• For drying - use thick terry cloth towels to reduce microscopic scratching. What about a chamois you ask? They are not recommended. A chamois is typically hard to keep clean. They can drag the dirt back across the paint. Chamois will also streak and hold grit and dirt particles.
• Cloth toweling can be put in the washing machine and dryer to be ready for next time. Normal laundering is adequate. Make sure the soap is phosphate free.
• Machine drying for toweling is fine. However, Fabric softeners are not recommended as they introduce unwanted chemicals into the cotton fibers.
• Dry the car in the same fashion as you washed. Use the back and forth method.

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