After 6 years in car detailing, there are a few things I really wish more car owners knew. A lot of people mean well, but they either don’t realise what damages a vehicle over time, or what actually gives the best results.
Here are 10 things worth knowing if you want to keep your vehicle in better condition for longer.
1. Good rubber mats are worth every dollar
If you work on the land, have kids or pets, or spend plenty of time at the beach in summer, a quality set of fitted rubber mats is a smart investment. They protect your carpet far better than standard mats and make cleaning much easier.
2. Not all ceramic coatings are created equal
There are ceramic coatings, and then there are ceramic coatings. Some are low quality and not worth your money. We use CarPro CQuartz and STEK Final Coat because they are proven, world-renowned products that perform properly. I’m not here to trash the opposition, but quality matters.
3. If you spill something in your car, deal with it fast
If you have a spill, the best thing you can do is get it sorted straight away. If it’s a small area, we can often shampoo it and extract the liquid with our wet and dry vacuum for less than $100. Leave it too long, and the spill can soak deeper into the material, deteriorate, and create a smell that spreads through the whole interior.
4. Change your air conditioning filter every couple of years
This is one of those simple things many people forget. Replacing your cabin air filter every couple of years is a smart move and can help keep the interior air cleaner and fresher.
5. Wax is fine, but it doesn’t last like a ceramic coating
Waxes can look great, but they don’t offer the long-lasting durability of a ceramic coating. High summer temperatures and frequent washing can shorten the life of most waxes even further. A good sealant, such as CarPro Reload 2.0, is often a better option if you want something more durable.
6. Brushes are bad news for your paint
Brushes of any kind are one of the worst things you can use on vehicle paint. That includes the brush-style car washes at petrol stations. They can leave behind fine scratches and swirl marks that dull the finish over time.
7. A proper hand wash is far superior to a petrol station car wash
Our Bronze Wash is far more thorough than a typical petrol station wash. We do not use abrasive brushes or harsh cleaners. We hand-clean the wheels, blast out the wheel arches properly, hand-dry and blow-dry the exterior, and finish the tyres as well. The difference is not subtle.
8. Tar buildup is a real thing on New Zealand roads
Because so many New Zealand roads are tar seal, tiny bits of tar regularly flick up and stick to the sides of vehicles. We remove this during a Platinum Valet. If you are removing it yourself, use a heavy-duty citrus cleaner and a soft microfibre cloth.
9. Bug splatter should be removed as soon as possible
After night driving, bug splatter on the front of your vehicle should be washed off quickly. It is corrosive and can permanently damage your paint and headlight surfaces if left sitting there too long.
10. We’re very good, but we’re not magicians
We take a lot of pride in what we do, and most of the time we can get outstanding results. But sometimes a stain in carpet or fabric is too deep or too old to remove completely without causing further damage. In our experience, around 90% of stains can be fully removed, but some are there to stay.
Stand by for Part 2 next week.
