Auto Detailing Life Hacks

Auto Detailing Defined

Many confuse the term "Auto Detailing" with "Car Washing." While part of detailing does consist of washing, it is actually just one component of many. A great explanation comes from www.dmv.org which states:"More than simply washing the exterior of your car with soapy water and a rag, or swiping the interior with Armor All and a vacuum, detailing means just what it says: focusing on and cleaning the tiny details of your car to take it from "clean" to 'sparkling like new.' "

A quicker car wash service, such as Capitol Shine's Quick Shine or Hand Wash package, serves to maintain a vehicle AFTER it has received a Full Detail. Most of the time, if a vehicle has never received a really detailed cleaning inside and out, a quicker wash will not help as much as it should.As an analogy, think of a new suit or outfit. To maintain a nice appearance, you can't always simply wash a suit or use a suit brush. Instead, you take it to your trusted professionals at the dry cleaners and let the experts there handle it using tools and chemicals you may not have access to.

Maintaining After a Full Detail

You've probable heard us caution our customers about visiting automatic car washes as they have the potential to not only undo the detailing, waxing or protective layer of your car, but can also cause serious damage to your paint by creating scratches and swirls (more on that here).What if you don't have the immediate time to bring your vehicle in for maintenance and need to quickly clean it up? Fortunately, there are a few tools that can help you out in this situation.

California Car Duster

A large brush specifically made for your car that won't damage the paint. This can be helpful when your car gains a layer of dust or pollen after a wash. Our friends at Autogeek expand on this tool here.

Microfiber Cloth

This is an easy item to keep in your trunk. Use it with some water to gently break up and remove bird droppings or bugs. Microfiber is easy on your cars surface, as opposed to materials like paper towels that can scratch! Autogeek.net states, "Microfiber is a man-made material that combines two fibers, polyester and polyamide. The polyester gives the material strength and durability, the polyamide allows the fabric to be tremendously absorbent and quick drying."

Compressed Air in a Can

You may already have this item in your office. A can of compressed air, generally used for cleaning keyboards, can help remove dust from some of the harder to reach places. While this will help remove dust and dirt from areas like your cup holders and console, the down side is that the dirt will end up on the floor of your car. Not worry, as we can take care of that with your next Wash + Vacuum or Interior Shampoo!

Protective Coatings

To further protect your car, you may decide to invest in something that can help prevent scratches and making cleaning easier in the future. Capitol Shine's Pro Line line of coatings provide a layer of protection unlike any other. Ceramic Pro, Opti-Coat Pro or Paint Protection Film (PPF) can help PREVENT scratches, fading, corrosion and more. If you would like to know more about ceramic coatings or to schedule a FREE estimate, please send us a message.To book your Full Detail, maintenance Quick Shine package or protective coating estimate, head over to our scheduling page or click the button below to make an appointment! Please schedule at least 24 hours in advance to ensure time and date.