Detailing your vehicle is a must to maintain its good looks and protect its resale value. Experts recommend getting your car detailed at least twice a year. While you can leave the job to a professional, some drivers find DIY detailing to be an enjoyable task to do in their free time.
To properly detail your car’s exterior, there are certain items and tools you should have at the ready.
Must-Have Exterior Detailing Items in Your Garage
Before you start shopping for detailing essentials, it’s best to do your research and learn how to properly detail your vehicle. The process requires different tools and products for restoring your vehicle’s shine and good looks.
To help you get started, we’ve listed down some basic cleaning products that you should always have in your garage.
Buckets
Buckets are useful items to have inside your garage regardless of whether you plan to detail your vehicle or not.
You can use buckets to carry water or other items. Some buckets also have dirt screens that trap the dirt and grime at the bottom to prevent them from sticking to the sponge or polishers.
Brushes
Detailing requires you to use brushes to thoroughly clean certain components. There are a variety of brushes designed to clean different types of vehicle surfaces.
Some have extra-soft bristles that are gentle on painted surfaces, ensuring you don’t leave any scratches on your vehicle’s paint job.
Depending on how you plan to detail your car, getting task-specific brushes may be the best option. Some options include wheel brushes, wire brushes, tire spoke brushes, multi-purpose brushes, etc.
Vacuum
A good vacuum will make it easier to clean your car’s interior. Not only that, but you can use it to blow away leaves and other debris stuck to your vehicle. Having different vacuum attachments is important to get into small areas and vacuum the carpet well.
Another thing to have is an air compressor with an air gun and attachments, as they let you get into small areas.
Microfiber Cloth
A handful of microfiber cloths stored in your garage could be a lifesaver. These can be used to clean hard surfaces, such as your dashboard, windows, side mirrors, and more.
Microfiber towels do a great job of drying your vehicle and keeping it streak-free. They do an amazing job ensuring your car doesn’t have water stains caused by dried mineral deposits.
Cleaners
Nothing beats using all-purpose and dedicated cleaners to ensure you remove most of the dirt and grime on different surfaces.
Glass and wheel/tire cleaners are relatively easy to store in your garage since these cleaners come in bottles. All-in-all cleaners are convenient items you’ll often use because chances are you’ll have to wash your car at least once a month.
If your vehicle is wrapped, you should keep in mind certain cleaning tips and adjustments.
Polishers
Polishers are power tools that use mildly abrasive compounds to enhance the shine of your car’s paint.
While they can be quite expensive, polishers are worth the investment because they help prolong the lifespan of your car’s paint job.
Foam Cannon
Foam cannons or sprayers are an attachment for gas and electric-powered pressure washers. This device pressurizes soap and water in the tank to produce foam for loosening dirt and grime on your vehicle.
This attachment is useful because you’ll reduce the use of water and detergent as well as minimize the risk of scratches. It also makes cleaning your car easier and faster.
Wax
Car wax is a protective substance made of natural or synthetic materials. It adds a thin layer of protection to a vehicle’s paint, making it hydrophobic and easier to keep clean. You may choose from liquid, paste, spray, or colored waxes.
Tire Shine
Tire shine or tire dressing refers to products used on tires to improve their appearance. These help restore faded tires to a clean shine, prevent UV damage, and work as a finishing touch to a detailing job.
Spray Bottles
Spray bottles let you control how much water or cleaning solution you want to spray while detailing your vehicle, which could save you time from wiping off excess liquid.
Not only are they convenient to use, but spray bottles are also easy to store. You can keep a handful in your garage without worrying about space.
Detailing Kit
Perhaps the most cost-efficient way to stock up on detailing essentials is by buying a detailing kit. A basic kit will include cleaning cloths, car shampoo, wax, rubber or plastic protectants, and more.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
