After you are prepared and ready to go you can now start washing the automobile. For those who have a pressure washer, you are off to a better start than those that don't. A pressure washer is a great investment not only for detailing but for performing other chores around the house as well. Although I didn't include in the list of things to have, as it is not absolutely necessary for doing a good job, but it does make life a lot easy and further reduces the risk of scratching the paint.
The first step in washing is giving the rims and tires a quick spray with non acid wheel cleaner for the rims and a good APC for the tires. A word of caution, some APC's have been known to brown tires, it is always best to test any product out before liberally spraying anywhere on the automobile. I have also stated the used of non-acid wheel cleaner as those containing acid, if regularly used can cause premature failure of various brake system parts (ie rotors, pads and calipers). After all the rims and tires have been sprayed, let the chemicals dwell and it is time to start cleaning the door jambs and hinges. The door jamb is the surface that is between the door and the interior than tends to collect a lot of dirt and grease form the exterior.
Spray some APC liberally on the door jambs and any grimy spot along the way. The reason for attacking the door jambs now rather than after the car has been washed is that all the hard work cleaning the outside will likely have to be done again as the dirt and grime from the door jams will spill out on to the exterior paint. Let the mixture dwell for a few minutes then agitate with a soft bristled brush of microfiber towel. Once the paint starts to look clean again rinse liberally with water by hose or power washer and towel off to ensure the area is clean.
After the door jambs are clean, you can then see to the wheels. Give the rims and tires another shot of water with the hose and agitated the chemicals with a wheel brush for the inner rim surface, a soft bristled brush for the outer rim surface and agitate the tires with a stiff bristled brush. Depend in the condition of the rims and tires, it may take more than one attempt to get them clean. Rinse the wheel and respray with chemicals again and continue of to another wheel. Once you have done the three wheels you can attack the dirty ones again, following the same steps as before, agitate and rinse.
Once the rims and tires are clean, you can then put on your favourite tire dressing. Tire manufactures tell consumers to stick to water based dressings as the solvents in solvent based dressings are said to leech out the UV protectants that are manufactured into the tires. Taking out these protectants could lead to premature tire failure and so it is suggested that consumers stick to water based dressings. Some dressings are said to have UV protectants in them, thus helping extend the life of the tire rubber so this may be something to consider when picking a tire dressing for your vehicle.
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4 comments:
I know this may be a silly question, but when you say to rinse the door jams liberally with water, after spring with APC, what precisely do you mean? Do you have a spray bottle of water? You aren't using the hose, are you? TIA.
with the hose, I will make the instructions a little clearer, thanks for the feedback
If you are using the hose, how do you avoid getting the interior seats and floor wet?
you spray with the nosel point outwards and give it a quick shot throught the hinges, you get minimal if any water anywhere inside the car. It is actually easier to use a pressure washer than a garden hose it just takes a alittle practice
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