A Continually Evolving Hand Book of Car Care
Automotive detailing like most art forms has its basic principals and procedures. But like most trades and art forms it’s the experienced technician who knows the very best products to use, pared with his magic bag of tricks that will quietly produce the most stunning looking finishes in the crowd. However if you were to ask that technician how that special look was achieved he would most likely just shrug his shoulders.
For that very reason this section of our web site is dedicated to all the magic bags of tricks you and I are willing to share with our fellow enthusiasts. This is a living document that will be periodically up dated. So check back often, we can all benefit from others finely tuned bag of Tips & Tricks.
If you have a Tip or Trick you are willing to share, please forward it on to info@moonshinestore.com Please be aware that we reserve the right to edit or not use your submittal.
Proper Washing Techniques Part 1
Why should I wash?
Proper and regular washing is the single most important step in automotive cosmetic maintenance. I can not emphasize enough the importance of this procedure. It is by far the most important, even taking precedence over polishing and waxing. Using quality automotive products and practicing good techniques will make your car care experience manageable and maybe even enjoyable. If executed properly, this single preventative step will keep your car looking fresh and new for years.
It is a fact: it doesn’t matter whether your car is a trailer queen or a daily driver, your vehicle is constantly exposed to all types of elements, such as environmental contaminants, oils, silicones, salts, bird droppings, road tar, paint, gum, carbon, jet fuel, hard water and dust. They will find their way onto all your car’s surfaces and, over time, these corrosive properties will severely dull and scratch your vehicle’s paintwork and finishes. Even plain old dust has corrosive properties about it. If left to sit on your beautiful finishes over an extended period, dust will severely dull the paintwork.
Some car owners have a misconception of the purpose of a Quick Detailer (QD) product. Quick Detailers were not developed with the intention of being your primary method of cleaning your vehicle’s exterior. These products were developed, just as their name says, for quick detailing, and to be used for quick maintenance in between washes. This allows you to immediately beautify or clean off contaminants when washing may not be immediately possible. QDs offer instant gratification, but with repeated use without washing, they will leave your finishes with an ever increasing film buildup, thus dulling your paint finish and attracting airborne contaminants. Remember, QDs are terrific if used as they are intended, but they are definitely not a replacement for properly washing your vehicle. If you truly want your car to look the very best it can, you must start with a good old fashioned bucket of water and car shampoo or cleanser.
And how about your tires? If you think your paint has a lot of exposure to contaminates, can you imagine what your tires are subjected to? Perfection is in the details. For the best overall look, you have to clean the rubber just as you clean the wheels--with precision.
Proper Washing Techniques Part II Coming Soon