Regular car detailing is extremely important if you wish to get the maximum potential out of your car. But it is important to remember that when it comes to detailing quality trumps quantity. The number of times you detail your car becomes unimportant if the job was not properly done at all times. Before going for professional help, you will obviously want to try your hand at professional level detailing. However, prior to testing your car detailing skills, gaining an accurate knowledge of the dos and don’ts is extremely important. So how do you detail a car? Take our car detailing quiz and test your knowledge while learning really important car detailing tips and tricks.
How do you detail a car?
(1) What is the first thing you should do before applying a car care product?
A. Remove all dirt and residue from the relevant area.
B. Nothing, it can be applied without prior preparation of the surface.
C. Car care products are overrated, I don’t use them.
Answer: A. Whether it is applying paint protection film, tire shine or wax, cleaning the relevant area thoroughly first is extremely important. Applying these products on an unclean surface will render the product useless, wasting your time and money.
(2) What type of a cleaning cloth should you use to clean your car?
A. A microfiber wash cloth
B. A terry cloth
C. Anything that is within my reach.
Answer: A. Always go for a microfiber wash cloth because they can absorb large amounts of water while giving a thorough and gentle clean. The best thing about a microfiber wash cloth is it can be used to clean any area of your car, whether it is the tires, the windshield, or the paintwork, without causing any damage. The wrong type of cloth, on the other hand, can cause significant damage.
(3) How often should you wax your car?
A. Every time you detail it.
B. Once every month.
C. I will perform the “bead test” first to determine if waxing is needed.
Answer: C. The bead test will easily determine if your car needs waxing: spread a little water on the car’s surface and if it doesn’t bead, then your car needs waxing. However, if your car’s appearance has significantly declined due to ingrained dirt, grime and oil or harsh weather conditions, then a wax will help you improve the car’s appearance.
(4) What are the advantages of steam cleaning the engine?
A. It reduces the risk of engine fires.
B. It helps you to identify fluid leaks.
C. There are no advantages. Steam cleaning is bad for the engine.
Answer: A & B. There are distinct advantages of using steam to clean the engine. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, it can also extend the engine life and improve its appearance. However, it is important to remember that if not done carefully, water can seep in and damage the electric system, air-intake system, and the ignition system.
(5) Is applying tire shine an important part of the tire detailing process?
A. Yes, it will give the tires a beautiful sheen while preventing damage.
B. No, hosing down the tires should be sufficient.
C. Only if I want to make the tires shine.
Answer: A. Yes, applying tire shine is extremely important, not only to make your tires look good, but also to prevent damage to them such as fading, cracking, and drying. Choosing the right product is important, whether you are going for a solvent-based or water-based product. Additionally, you can make your own at home.
(6) Should you use ordinary household cleaning products to clean car windows?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Plain water will do.
Answer: B. This is a big NO! Most household cleaning products contain ammonia and can damage other parts of your car if they come in contact with them. It is always better to go for a commercial cleaning product. Using plain water is not always effective when it comes to cleaning stubborn stains on car windows but it is better than using ordinary cleaning products.
Detailing is ordinary car cleaning taken to the next level. It’s important to have proper understanding of the products and processes involved when you detail a car, so keep reading our blog to learn the ins and outs of general car detailing and washing.
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