RX8Club.com - How do You detail your car?

Most people understand the basics. Although I am far from an expert, there are some things I have picked up over a few years from detailing cars for dealerships.

TAKE YOUR TIME. If your car has been recently painted. Allow at least 4 weeks before waxing. This allows the paint to breathe, flex, and cure properly. You may apply "Glaze" as this is less suffocating to the paint than wax is.

1. When washing a car, do NOT let your wash-mit/sponge/rag ever touch the ground. If it does get a new one, that is clean, and continue washing. You will pick up grit off the ground and start making small swirls in your paint.

2. When drying, I like to use the California blades. They do an excellent job of removing water FAST before it has time to leave water spots. (make sure the blade is clean) If you are fortunate enough to own an air compressor, be sure to blow out all of the nooks and crannies. Any residual water can be wiped up with a clean towel or your favorite Sham. If you dont just open and close your doors, trunk and hood a few times and the water will most likely get blown out.

3. Before you start waxing, I agree clay is the best way to remove all the old wax and build up before applying multiple coats of wax. I suggest multiple because you are removing almost all of the protection from the clear coat surface.

4. If you plan to use rubbing compound/scratch removers...please do your research ahead of time. You can damage your paint if not done correctly.

5. Start small and work big. Work on one area at a time. Do not wax large areas at once. Break it up into sections if you need...hood, roof, drivers door, bumper, etc. You can use towels to help fill gaps between doors and hoods to keep the wax from leaving those dreaded white lines around the joints. Be sure to make gentle, overlapping circles using a good carnuba or synthetic wax. STAY OUT OF THE SUN. Place car in the shade and let surface cool. Usually the wash will cool the car down enough but it helps to keep the metal surfaces cool and allow the wax to dry correctly. If you get wax on plastic, its OK. I suggest using and old toothbrush and some cheap tire shine or plastic/vinyl conditioner that you can use to give the plastic its color back. You can also use this handy tool to run along your door seals and so on to extend the life of your seals.

6. Buffers/Polishers are great if you know how to properly use them. I would suggest doing research before using either one; Polishers especially.. as they can literally melt your clear coat if used improperly.

7. NEVER USE YOUR WASH RAGS ON YOUR WHEELS UNLESS YOU ARE FINISHED WASHING THE CAR. I think this is the single most common mistake people make. Use a separate rag or wheel brush (depending on your wheel finish) to handle the wheels. Brake dust is bad news for paint!

8. On the interior, use the typical cleaning products for the dash and carpets. If your windows are tinted via aftermarket shops, be sure to follow the care instructions as WINDEX can mess up the finish on some tints. Mild dish soap and water usually is the best choice.

Like everyone says, Have fun with it. Do your research. Its always rewarding to get a car that looks great.