How to Get Basic Car Detailing Equipment

Detailing your car is important to both the look and the function of your vehicle. While many car dealers and car washes offer auto detailing, you can save money and do the detailing yourself if you have the right products and equipment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine whether you want your equipment to be at a fixed place or mobile. This will depend mostly on if you are only detailing your own vehicles, or if you are going to detail cars to make extra money. Mobile products are best for the latter.
2. Gather or purchase the basic detailing equipment. This should include a vacuum cleaner (a shop-vac is easy to use), a small air compressor, a couple of buckets, spray bottles, sponges, wash mitts and some different sizes of scrub brushes. A ladder may also come in handy, depending on the size of the vehicles you are detailing. Also, consider a tool box if you have a truck so you can secure everything in the truck bed.
3. Decide on the products you will use. Mcguire's is one of the best auto detailing product lines and most often used professional auto detailers. Buy the basic products including car wash, chrome polish, car wax, water spot remover, scratch repair, wheel shine, engine degreaser and a couple of general cleaners that can be used on plastic and other accessory parts.
4. Add to your arsenal as you find the need. There may be specific surfaces or materials you come across that require a special cleaner. Only purchase these when the occasion arises, as this will help you save on start up costs.