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How to Detail Your Car and Save Money

How to Detail Your Car and Save Money

A dealership or carwash will charge you from $50 to $90 to detail your car. Why not do it yourself and save money?

There is no reason you can’t detail your car yourself, if you are willing to apply a little work and elbow grease. A properly done detailing at a dealership or car-wash will run you from $50 to $90 so why not save yourself some money. A good detailing includes;

  1. An exterior wash: Use detergents and water to remove dirt, grease, wax and any other product on the surface of your car.
  2. Subsurface waxing followed by surface waxing and polishing to restore the finish to the best finish possible.
  3. Clean and polish all the chrome and other metal on the surface with special attention to bumpers,hub caps,wire wheels, flashing, and trim.
  4. Remove tar,grime,and grease from the underside of the car and from the exhaust system, axles, and suspension system.
  5. Paint touch up to repair minor areas of chipped or scratched paint to prevent corrosion.
  6. Remove and shampoo all floor pads and detachable fabrics.
  7. Vacuum all of the interior with special attention to pockets and crevices.
  8. Dry clean to remove stains,spots,and grime from seats, walls, and other areas covered by fabric.
  9. Clean and restore all areas covered in leather or simulated material. Do any minor repair such as regluing.
  10. Clean and polish all metal in the interior. Minor repair such as dents and scratches.
  11. Clean and polish all plastic parts and surfaces. Minor repairs.
  12. Clean all windows,mirrors, and light fixtures with detergents and glass wax.
  13. Spray to eliminate or neutralize odors and freshen the interior.

If you don’t have refurbishing materials, never mind, Just wash, wax, and polish the exterior, clean the interior and mirrors. Your car will still look fresh and immaculate.

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Responses

15 Responses and Counting...

  1. Mr Ghaz

    April 19, 2009

    Wonderful ideas! ..That was great advices about how to save money on car..Thnx a lot for sharing

  2. Debra.

    April 19, 2009

    Great and very useful tips in times like these! Good article, Ruby!

  3. Luffy12

    April 19, 2009

    thanks for the info

  4. Christine Ramsay

    April 19, 2009

    That sounds like a lot of hard work, Ruby, LOL. I am so glad I haven’t got a car of my own any more. great tips.

    Christine

  5. Kate Smedley

    April 19, 2009

    Very good tips and very relevant for cost savings.

  6. Evelyn M Carter

    April 19, 2009

    Enjoyed you suggestions and information, but, how do you remove tar, etc from the undercarriage of a vehicle? I any event a helpful write. Thanks for sharing.

  7. Joe Dorish

    April 19, 2009

    Always change my own oil and stuff too, saves money.

  8. Jack Castle

    April 19, 2009

    After painting my own car this isn’t too far fetched.

  9. Alexa Gates

    April 19, 2009

    great ideas.. but for my sanity’s sake i think i might be better having a pro do my car… it’s only a few touch ups but i dont have a steady hand with a brush or anything…great ideas though1

  10. PR Mace

    April 19, 2009

    Good advice and tips to save a little money and still have a fine looking car.

  11. Inna Tysoe

    April 19, 2009

    Good advice.

    Inna

  12. Ruby Hawk

    April 19, 2009

    Thank you one and all for your time and support. As always I appreciate everyone of you.

    Evelyn, you can buy the cleanser at Advance Auto Parts or any auto supply store. my grandson has been cleaning his classic mustang and he has it shiny as a new penny.

    It is a job to detail your car but after you buy your supplies you can get several detailings from them, your car will look sharp and it will save a good bit of money. But if you are like me you just run your car through the wash every once in awhile and give it a good vacuuming. I’m not fussy.

  13. Dee Gold

    April 19, 2009

    wonderful advice as always

  14. Jo Oliver

    April 19, 2009

    i always do my own. Great advice!

  15. CutestPrincess

    April 19, 2009

    Very well written piece..you have honestly made an effort…

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