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

• Remove all unnecessary stickers as they distract from the overall appearance of the car in a show. Judges dislike them. Razors on glass is fine, but on paint use your fingernail, warm water. The warm water will moisten the sticker and make it easier to remove.
• Glass cleaners - Windex is fine but some people mix ammonia with water ( a capful per ½ bucket of water).
• Regardless of the glass cleaner used, never let the glass cleaner on the painted surfaces Protect the cars finish by laying towels on the surfaces prior to cleaning the glass.
• Do not overlook the trim - dressing. Apply this by hand.
• Anodized aluminum is fragile. Never use polish, as the slightest grit will surely remove anodization. Apply a very light coat of a protective liquid wax.
• Rubber moldings should be cleaned with soap and a toothbrush. Paint overspray and other stains can be removed with paint thinner. In some cases you may have to carefully use lacquer thinner to remove deep paint stains. Use extreme caution with lacquer thinner as it can quickly mar any paint or plastic surface. Then after the cleaning process dress the molding with your favorite brand of dressing.

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