Relatively cheap to obtain, the positive effects of using a clay bar on your car cannot be measured. Since it is a process that takes some time to be carried out methodically, it is a maintenance step that is frequently ignored by the masses. This is a huge mistake, as airborne contaminants that destroy the compounds in paint and causes it to flake can be removed with a routine use of the substance. But how do you use a clay bar on your car to generate the best results?

“To get the best results, rub your clay pieces in the same direction over and over until each ‘square’ has been serviced. It is easy to know if clay is lifting contaminants successfully because a clicking sound will become apparent”

Wash, Wash And Wash Some More

Before even using clay, use a power washer and rinse your vehicle top to bottom. For clay to have the desired effect, as much dust, grease and oils that can be removed initially will help exponentially later. Additionally, be sure that all the soapy suds from the wash are gone, as this residue will disrupt the progress of the clay bar.

Cut Your Clay Bar Into Numerous Pieces

Most clay bar ‘sets’ come with enough clay to divide, and an accompanying spray lubricant that preps the surface for its use. There are numerous reasons why you want to cut up the clay. For starters, when the clay begins to pull out impurities and sand, it will dirty it up, making it useless on other regions of the car. You also may drop your clay, in which case it should be thrown out immediately. If you are going to go through the effort of clay maintenance, it is prudent to be picky about how much surface area you utilize one piece with. Assuming you do not have enough clay to use over the entire body, fold it so you have as much ‘clear’ substance as possible.

Spray The Prepping Lubricant In Small Squares

It is beneficial to think of your car as square sections, as it makes it so much easier to rub the clay evenly and ensure a spot is not missed. Spray the lubricant as if you were filling one quadrant at a time. The lubricant serves as a smoothing agent to promise that the clay will glide with minimal resistance. If you do not have a lubricating solution, you should not use a clay bar because eventually it will stick and not work properly.

Consistent Strokes In The Same Direction

To get the best results, rub your clay pieces in the same direction over and over until each ‘square’ has been serviced. It is easy to know if clay is lifting contaminants successfully because a clicking sound will become apparent. This is sand and dried dirt adhering to the clay, or flaking off completely. The application of a clay bar is not complete until it is a smooth glide all the way around. If there is still stubborn resistance in some areas, use more lubricant, and if necessary, a fresh piece of clay. Most people do not realize that clay can also be used on the wheels to loosen problematic particles, but this should be done last so you can dispose of the substance afterward.

Conclusion

The incorporation of clay is just the tip of the iceberg in performing a full restoration and detailing of your car. If carried out by qualified, expert technicians, the showroom-level appeal of the automobile will be apparent in a single session. If professionals are used regularly, thousands of dollars of value can be added to your ride’s sticker price.