Car Detailing Products

Car detailing products come in a variety of grades and classes. All are made to clean, polish or renew the surfaces of an automobile. Every nook and cranny, from the dashboard dials to the seats and exterior chrome have products designed to bring out the luster of the surface.

Chrome

Chrome polishing products remove rust and oxidation as well as bring out the shine of the metal. Some chrome polishes can buff out small scratches, while others are formulated to remove deep gouges. Read the label carefully when choosing chrome polish because stronger products can create small scratches when not used properly. Chrome polish comes in both cream and liquid forms and can also be applied to glass and mirrors to provide a protective coating.

Leather

Leather seats and dashboards should be detailed regularly to preserve their beauty and durability. Leather can become brittle and cracked if not cleaned and conditioned. Leather preservatives can help to maintain the leather's color and protect if from sunlight damage. Use non-drying leather cleaners to remove dirt and dust from the surfaces. Look for conditioners that include UV protection and that contain moisturizing ingredients such as mink oil or lanolin. Use separate rags for the cleaning and conditioning.

Wheels

Cleaning the wheels and tires not only helps to give the car a cleaner profile, it also can help protect the brakes and inner linings of the wheel base. Most wheel and tire cleaners are available in a spray that contains chemicals to work on the heavy dirt and grease accumulated on the surfaces. Wheel cleaners work best on a dry surface. Some require additional scrubbing with a brush, while others can be wiped off with a dry cloth. After cleaning, use a conditioner (such as Armor All) to bring out the black surface of the tires and provide a layer of protection from road erosion.

Wax

There are many types of waxes on the market, ranging from natural time-intensive paste waxes that are applied by hand, to liquid waxes that are easy to apply and remove with an orbital polisher. Some liquid wax products are mixed with ingredients that can remove small scratches. Both liquid and paste waxes deliver a high gloss. Paste wax tends to last longer, and while it may be more expensive, a tin of paste wax lasts longer than a bottle of wax.

Fabric and Carpets

Vacuuming the carpeting and fabric seats in a vehicle prevents dirt from being ground into the fabric. Fabric shampoos, similar to indoor carpet cleaners, can be sprayed on or brushed into the fabric to clean soiled fabrics. A stiff brush and shampoo will remove most stains.

Tools

The right tools help to get the most from a detailing job. There is a wide variety of brushes made to fit in every opening on the dashboard; buffing cloths that will add an extra sheen to a wax job; and microfiber towels that can dry windows streak-free. Detailing tools are available online through sites such as Auto Geek and in the aisles of most auto parts retailers.

Resources

• Auto Geek
• Armor All