Print
According to a driving survey by the American Automobile Association, drivers rack up the most mileage in summer months. Whether it’s a family road trip, beach outing or scenic weekend drive, more summer driving means more gunk from road tar, tree sap and bug splatter.
And with the road debris baking on your car paint in hot temperatures, a standard wash simply isn’t enough to clean and fully restore your car’s shine.
”Summer road trips coat your undercarriage in sticky tar and mud. It traps moisture and speeds up rust,” said Larry Kosilla of Ammo Auto Care. ”Contaminants like tree sap and bird droppings are also corrosive in UV light. You have a 24 to 72 hour window before permanent damage occurs.”
Larry Kosilla, founder of AMMO Auto Care, brings over 14 years of hands-on detailing experience working on everything from everyday cars to high-end exotics.
He shares the following expert suggestions to renew the look of your vehicle this summer.
Step 1: A Thorough cleaning
Rinse your vehicle thoroughly using the two-bucket method. One bucket is for soapy water and the other for rinsing your mitt to prevent grinding grime into your paint.
Use products designed specifically for washing vehicles–they have the right pH to clean without stripping your car’s protective coating. Wash from top to bottom, rinse frequently and dry with a clean microfiber towel, which readily remove residue but are gentle on painted.
Step 2: Does Your Paint Feel Gritty?
After the wash, run a clean hand across the car body. If it feels bumpy or rough, the surface contains bonded contaminants such as brake dust, tree sap and bug goo.
Kosilla is also the chief instructor at the Ammo Training Academy, a comprehensive masterclass that teaches professional detailing techniques and the business skills needed to turn it into a profitable venture.
According to him, using a clay bar is essential “even if your paint feels smooth, you’d be surprised how much bonded debris remains.”
He advises using a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants that dull your paint’s shine and compromise the effectiveness of wax or ceramic coatings.
For Kosilla, “Claying is a non-negotiable step before polishing or waxing.”
Krosilla emphasized reading product directions before applying a clay bar to assure proper use. He offered the following suggestions:
- Use car wash soap or spray wax to lubricate car body.
- Glide clay gently over the surface.
- Knead clay as it collects debris.
- Focus on hood, bumpers, roof and lower panels.
- Touch surface for smoothness.
Kosilla recommends washing the vehicle again after claying to remove leftover debris that could weaken the protection of the wax or coating. ”Skipping the follow-up washing step traps impurities under the wax or sealant and leads to paint damage,” Krosilla said.
Step 3: Don’t forget wheels and tire
Start with a full rinse to remove surface dust and debris.
Follow up with a cleaning spray to break down stubborn grime. Steer clear of household cleaners because they corrode aluminum, stain paint and damage the car’s coating.
Select a cleaner designed specifically for automobile wheels. Make sure to read application directions before applying. Wear protective glasses to help prevent break dust and other contaminants from splashing onto your eyes.
Avoid scratches by using a cleaning brush designed for wheels. Move the brush around the nooks of your wheel.
Do your wheels still look grimy? You may need more than one application to return the shine to extremely soiled wheels.
After the final rinse, apply an auto wax to help prevent contaminants from adhering to wheel surfaces. It also makes clean-up easier next time you wash your vehicle.
And for tires?
Wash tires with an auto wash solution and use a tire brush to remove loosen grime. As with wheels, avoid household items that could damage rubber.
Cleaning tires removes road grime and tire “browning,” the natural occurrence that occurs when resins leach out of rubber. Rinse all traces of the cleaner and remaining grime. Dry the tire surface with a towel.
A note of caution: Never use the same soapy solution and soiled cleaning rags on other surfaces of your vehicle. Wheel and tire contaminants damage painted surfaces.
4: Add a Layer of Wax Protection
When it comes to lasting protection, Kosilla leans toward ceramic-infused waxes. They hold up better than traditional waxes against UV rays, water spots and contaminants.
Kosilla uses the following technique when applying a coat of wax:
- Ensure the car is dry and cool to touch.
- Apply the ceramic wax with a foam applicator.
- Give wax time to dry.
- Buff with a clean microfiber towel for a glossy finish.
Always follow the instructions for ceramic-based waxes and wheel cleaners. Knowing how to use them helps your car get the proper protection and best results for a showroom shine.
Step 5: Polish Your Chrome if You’ve Got It
Does your vehicle have chrome bumpers, door handles or mirrors?
Give them a perfect finishing touch with a chrome polish that removes oxidation and surface stains.
Kosilla offers chrome care tips for restoring shine without scratches:
- Wipe with a damp microfiber to remove dust.
- Apply polish and rub in circles.
- Buff with a dry towel until it shines.
- Seal with protectant to prevent oxidation.
”Maintaining a clean car–especially before or during summer road trips–helps prevent damage from bonded contaminants like bugs, grime and road salt,” said Larry Kosilla, who has noticed vehicles that look sharp on the outside generally are kept in good operating condition as well. ”That level of care sends a strong signal to buyers and elevates resale value.”
Copyright © 2024 by Sensible Driver. All rights reserved.