The Detailing Syndicate

Right out of the gate, the name ‘waterless’ car wash is a bit misleading, as liquid is still used, just in moderation. Cleaning a vehicle without water sounds nice in theory; something that can be done quickly and conserve resources at the same time. But how does a waterless car wash work?

The root of a wash without water is using pre-mixed spray with high lubricity that can be wiped off lightly dusted vehicles. This is a fancy way of stating that a polish and chemical detergent is utilized to restore the exterior in between major washes and details. The spray is applied directly to panels on the car, and wiped off using a microfiber cloth. This type of rag limits streaking and unwanted lines. Occasionally shop towels are used in the process, but not if a soft cloth is available. Terry cloth or any surface that is extremely forgiving is what is ideal.

“The effect of a waterless car wash is a ‘dry shine,’ meaning in theory, if done correctly, very little residue remains from the spray”

The effect of a waterless car wash is a ‘dry shine,’ meaning in theory, if done correctly, very little residue remains from the spray. After the detergent is applied, it is a good rule of thumb to have it wiped before it dries. Similar to soap that rests on a plate in the sink, if not wiped in time it will leave an unfinished ‘film.’ This makes your car even harder to clean the next time.

It seems impossible to rub away chemicals the wrong way, but this is actually a real problem with waterless car washes. Each spray should be swiped the same direction with the towel. This not only provides an even finish, it better accumulates the dirt and grime you are trying to eradicate.

While a traditional car wash shifts debris from your automobile, a waterless process ‘works’ by the polymers included in the spray restoring each type of paint and finish it comes across. Of course this isn’t successful 100 percent of the time, but chemicals without silicone are advantageous more often than not. Silicone is a deceptive additive to car cleaners because when applied it looks great, however the problem is the particles embed themselves in the paint making its shine fade with every successive use. This is known as ‘drifting’ and should be avoided.

Most people wonder who a waterless car wash is for, as many assume it is not effective at fully cleaning a car. These types of washes are extremely important to vehicles exposed outside frequently, and serves as an ‘in-between’ solution before you get it thoroughly detailed. Auto detailers are experts at providing waterless car washes because they can match specific pre-mixed sprays that are created for your precise model. Additionally, professionals utilizing these polymers give most cars the best shine they’ve had since you drove it off the dealership lot. Is the waterless option the best option for your vehicle? Well, this is something you need to discuss with your detailer and will depend on factors such as your driving habits, general condition of your vehicle and your local climate. Waterless car washes can be a fast and an intelligent solution if you care passionately about your exterior holding up in the long term.

If pride or necessity has forced you to need your car waxed, you have undoubtedly wondered how often this exercise should be done to maintain the quality and appearance of your vehicle. When initially painted, a clear coat is put on top to ensure the integrity of the color itself. Over time this can be jeopardized for a myriad of reasons; exposure to the elements, damage to the vehicle, age, etc. Regular waxing puts protective coats on top of the previous ones, extending the longevity of your automobile’s aesthetic, as well as becoming maintenance to your car’s frame.

The frequency at which car waxing should be applied boils down to several variables. Is your vehicle commonly used in harsh conditions? What type of weather is your means of transportation parked and driven in? What is the model and paint job of your automobile?

“In most cases, a car should be waxed 3 or 4 times a year, depending on what your end game is. If restoration is your primary goal, this number should increase, whereas if you are merely seeking to maintain a coat, once every three months should suffice”

Waxing your car makes the surface area where applied slippery and resistant to dirt accumulation. It goes without saying that if you are in a terrain that has excessive dust up and kickback, this is going to be a routine activity that needs to be done.

Temperature plays an enormous factor in how often a car should be waxed. High heat or bitter cold can destroy more than your motor, with the exterior typically having no cover between it and inclement weather. In extremely hot locales, the paint job of your vehicle will fade and ‘brown out’ over time. Polish by waxing is, in essence, a sort of sunscreen for your ride. Cold climates are also not ideal for a car’s shine, as it causes paint to be brittle and subject to chipping, especially if in this temperature is for an extended period.

The initial paint job and model of your vehicle will also dictate when waxing needs to occur. The older the make the more pressing this task is. Additionally, certain companies emphasize their finish more than others. However, if you have an expensive car this does not necessarily mean you are in the clear for waxing.

In most cases, a car should be waxed 3 or 4 times a year, depending on what your end game is. If restoration is your primary goal, this number should increase, whereas if you are merely seeking to maintain a coat, once every three months should suffice.

A myth about this process is that a simple cloth and brand new wax can do the trick no problem. Waxing your vehicle should be an organized, fluid and carefully orchestrated exercise that the professionals handle with precision. While we all want to be in charge of our vehicle’s integrity, it is only proper detailing that allows for an even finish with the utmost attention to detail. If you are particularly interested in having your car’s appearance shine for some time, a thorough waxing intermittently throughout 12 calendar months can add years to its life expectancy. How often a car should be waxed depends on its stationary environment and if you are committed to having the job done to perfection.

You may already fancy yourself as an auto connoisseur, but everyone looks like the expert in the room when their vehicle is in top condition. It is when advanced maintenance is required that your detailing skills will be put to the test. Auto detailing is an arduous and potentially expensive task with a special need for focus and attention. But what are some tips and tricks to help you service your ride?

It’s All In The Brand

The first rule of thumb you should abide by if you plan to detail a car yourself is using the proper brand of detergent on both your interior and exterior. Make sure you know the type of upholstery in your cabin before you apply chemicals to rid it of dirt and scuffs. The wrong formula can stain or damage its appearance. The same is true before tending to the outside of your car. It is always wise to see what your make and model suggests online for your finish.

“Professional auto detailing is far less expensive than doing the job yourself because they already have all the necessary components in their arsenal”

Utilize Waterless Car Washes

A waterless wash, as you can probably deduce, is providing a clean without water. Using chemical compounds that can pull dirt embedded in your paneling, it is an effective way to actually clear areas instead of causing dirty streaks. Waterless car washes are far more extensive than just wiping a surface down with a cloth. Particular cleaners work wonders in providing showcase results in no time.

Buff Your Finish

This takes some experience, but there is a reason professional detailers frequently using buffing machines. This is because they are incredibly effective at restoring shine and priming your coat for a future polish. It is vital that you do not buff the same spot for an extended period of time, as this can ruin your paint job and completely undo the positive effects you were looking to achieve.

Utilize Hot Water Extraction

Carpet cleaners that can funnel hot water to clean your seats and carpeting are especially advantageous because they clean with a finite level of steam. Steam is a terrific partner in your corner of not just removing filth, but washing the area deep in to the fibers.

Degrease Your Engine

Grease accumulation on your engine causes overheating and limits the life of your vehicle overall. By applying a degreasing agent, it ‘cleans’ your engine and encourages it to run more smoothly. This should be done with caution however, as your ignition mechanisms and battery can be adversely affected by foreign solvents.

They Are Pros For A Reason

Maintaining your wheels is a fruitful and rewarding exercise, but can come at a cost. Unless you are a lifelong detailer, you probably do not have the appropriate assortment of equipment and products lying around to provide adequate results. Professional auto detailing is far less expensive than doing the job yourself because they already have all the necessary components in their arsenal. Furthermore, these experts are informed as to which types of solvents and cleaners to use depending on the model and make of your vehicle. If you have any trepidation about ruining your paint job, upholstery or engine, it is best to leave it to our pros, who with routine touch-ups can make the financial investment in your car worthwhile.

Auto detailing is a refined art, but an exercise that can be accomplished on your own if you are so willing. Even though professionals are more well versed in how to get the best out of your vehicle, there are some tips and tricks you can abide by to match showcase level quality as much as possible. So how can you start to auto detail like a pro?

“A rotary buffing machine can deliver outstanding results by ‘finessing’ out scratches and nicks…”

Clay

If you have detailing clay in your possession, you can begin the process to rid your car of dirt. Rubbing this substance over the paneling lifts impurities, similar to if you were using a piece of tape to remove hair from a couch. Debris sticks to the clay and it is gentle with paintwork.

Wash

After the initial clearing of unwanted dust on your exterior, a waterless car wash is in order. A wash without water is using specific cleaners and detergents without the H20 component (in most cases) to carefully remove dirt embedded in each automobile’s finish. This is done by placing the chemicals on the car and rubbing them gently in the same direction using a microfiber cloth.

Repair

Paint repairs can be done to your car with small brushes, and even a toothpick. With the application of a layer of clearcoat on the problem area, very fine sandpaper can prime the area for new paint. After the new coat is laid down, you can wax the surface to help it blend with the rest of the vehicle.

Restore

Polishing your vehicle is essential if you want to maximize the amount of shine your car exhibits. Dirt and debris limit this sparkle by absorbing light, in addition to covering your paint finish altogether. A rotary buffing machine can deliver outstanding results by ‘finessing’ out scratches and nicks. After buffing is complete, you can use a clean pad to wipe away the remaining compounds on the frame so residue does not linger.

Clean

Vinyl cleaners can eradicate scuffs and unwanted marks in your car’s interior, and compressed air will blow out debris from the cracks between your seats. Additionally, carpet cleaners with hot water extraction can service your foot mats.

Conclusion

It is a wonderful feeling to be in charge of your car’s maintenance, but can be a costly and damaging one if you do not know what you are doing. Professional auto detailers are recommended to routinely service your vehicle to restore its shine and luster and give character back to your ride. Acquiring detergents, cleaning equipment and clays can be costly and will hurt your wallet far more than having an expert handle things swiftly. While it is admirable to desire to improve the upkeep of your automobile yourself, things like buffing can be tricky without some experience. Potential problems like swirl marks, wax residue, and uneven finishes will not only make your car look worse, but ruin it for future touch-ups as well. Auto detailers are well equipped with the proper tools and chemicals to get the job done effortlessly with little change out of your pocket.

The word ‘detail’ in auto detailing is an apt description of the service, as the use of professionals ensures that nothing is overlooked when cleaning your vehicle. We have all been strapped for cash or short on time, so a simple car wash has its place, however if you are looking for results that are unrivaled, experts in this field are equipped to produce spectacular finishes over and over.

“What really separates auto detailing from car washes of your doing, or machine units you drive through, is that professionals bring out the best of whatever you are driving”

A Personal Touch

One of the several reasons having auto detailers handle your car vs. a car wash is the human aspect. Because real people are putting their blood, sweat and tears into the appearance of your vehicle, you have multiple sets of eyes able to spot potential problems or areas that need more improvement. Going through a car wash, either automatic or one you do yourself, may be a speedy exercise, but one that will not deliver quality and assurance your ride is fully cleaned. Even if you are handling the power washer with your own two hands, auto detailers are well versed in spaces on each vehicle that need additional attention and care. Moreover, they have access to the best cleaners on the market.

Car Washes Are Imperfect

Automatic car washes are as expensive as they have ever been, but are you really getting an upgrade from past iterations of the process? When you go through a rinse, even when paying upwards of $20, streaks and soap lines are evident for days after the fact. Auto detailers use a system to limit excess water and detergents from accumulating on your automobile. Car washes are almost counter-intuitive in the way they clear a surface, only to replace it with streaks that require your vehicle to get washed again. In addition, frequently hand washes done by owners themselves use so much water fading and eventual rust are inevitable.

Quality Is Better Than Convenience

What really separates auto detailing from car washes of your doing, or machine units you drive through, is that professionals bring out the best of whatever you are driving. Most of us take pride in our vehicle, and having one that sparkles and shines from intense cleaning is very rewarding. Auto detailing can make a claim that few car washes can: that upon leaving the service your automobile will look better than when you came in. Keep in mind, even ‘deluxe’ washes with waxes and finishes will never be as effective as an experienced detailer polishing and restoring your car by hand.

Conclusion

The reason the resources provided by auto detailers are invaluable is because they have the ability to deliver show-quality cleanliness and finish that simply cannot be achieved through a standard car wash. If you routinely have experts (like ours for example) detail your car, its retail value will increase dramatically as a result. Furthermore, it should be mentioned that regularly having your vehicle serviced better protects it from the elements, as the detergents and polishes detailers use deliver added coats of protection in addition to their beautiful shine.

In first hearing about it, a waterless car wash seems like an impossible method of cleaning to be effective, but upon taking a closer look at what it provides, there are few detractors to its proven track record. To understand whether or not they are a good or bad solution for your vehicle, it is wise to look at its potential upside.

Most people think waterless means the wash is devoid of liquid, but this is simply not true. Just as you use bacterial spray to clean counter tops and windows more efficiently than with water, the same is true of how a car can be done. Chemical lubricity applied to an automobile’s exterior can be more effective than H20 because it captures the dirt and polishes the spot it was previously inhabiting. If you have sprayed mud on the side of your car you have likely seen that days later the streak is still present. When professional car cleaners use a waterless wash they are ensuring that the particles and dust up is removed completely.

Another pro to performing a waterless car wash is that it is very Eco-friendly. It is estimated that 50+ gallons of water can be used on a standard wash, and this number skyrockets with the use of a power washer for its high projection rate. Waterless washing typically needs a bucket or less, often eliminating water almost entirely.

Waterless washes can also be more gentle on your car’s paint and bodywork. Using water is actually very bad for your vehicle, and is extremely rough for older models especially. The whole point of a car wash is to make it look better, and using water can actually cause more harm than good in some instances. With the use of a microfiber towel in conjunction with light spraying, your expensive paint job is handled as delicately as it needs to be.

Finally, a waterless car wash is valuable for consumers that are trying to get rid of stains. The compounds and lubricity of the chemicals in these types of cleanings are like using a bar of soap on steroids. Water is just a liquid, and can serve the purpose of clearing an area, but not necessarily cleaning it. The products used during waterless detailing are factory designed to restore quite effortlessly.

Ultimately the success of a waterless car wash depends on what you plan to accomplish with your vehicle. Using the garden hose may be convenient, but you get what you pay for (or don’t pay for) in this instance. You may think that spraying down your car excessively will rid it of its dirt and debris, but water washing is not *always* the absolute best solution to this problem. If you are seeking a more full proof method than just a wash, something like professional auto detailing may be just what your vehicle needs. Auto detailing is particularly effective if you have professional auto detailers (like ours for example) carry out their detailing on your vehicle on a regular basis. This promotes a healthy exterior that will last infinitely longer than just simply washing your car… whether that be with or without water.

Keeping your car clean is one of the most frustrating things on the planet, for it seems that even a week or two of neglect has your ride turning into a pig sty. For business vehicles and certain lifestyles that include frequent usage of a vehicle, restoring the inside of your automobile should be done once a month routinely, if not more. Not only does this keep it looking fantastic, some instances like company vehicles absolutely require it for sanitation and/or customer service purposes. Uber is an example of when it is a must to have your car looking its finest at all times. There are numerous ways on how to make the interior look new, and a few of them include:

Extensive Vacuuming

This is the most obvious quick fix to a dirty car interior, but can be time consuming depending on how bad the area is you are dealing with. Vacuuming a vehicle can be very difficult for all the nooks and crannies you need to get into, but going over the entire surface area in fine detail makes your car look good as new afterward. Extensive vacuuming should also be done over your heat and AC units to remove dust and foreign elements that are causing issues in maintaining the look of your cockpit.

Carpet Clean Your Mats

While a soapy sponge may seem quicker, it will not remove the deep rooted stains that have tainted your mats. If there is carpet on them, a cleaner you would use on the inside of your home works equally as efficiently inside your automobile. Shampooing the interior gets increasingly more awkward when handling the sides of the doors and hatchback area, if applicable. If you do not have a carpet cleaner, mats can be placed in the washing machine, though results are mixed as some pull the fibers from their roots.

Restoration Polish

Of course what the inside of your vehicle is comprised of will determine if you need a vinyl polish, or some alternative, but wiping the surfaces down eliminates dirt and debris as well as brings back its natural shine. If you are unfamiliar with what finish goes with what components, this area can be problematic. It would behoove you to do your research before harm is done instead of the illustrious shine you covet.

Replacement Panels

If the panels on your doors or dashboard are chipped or damage, swapping them out with original parts can make all the difference in the world. Obtaining replacements from the manufacturer is simpler than most people assume, however installation is a different story, particularly if you have an older make and model.

Conclusion

With safety glasses, dust masks, shop vac and leather preparation spray (among others), there is a lot that goes into having the interior of your vehicle look new. Though this can be done by yourself, if you are hoping for a more seamless transition from an older look to its previously healthy aesthetic, you may want to keep car detailing in mind. The expertise provided by our detailers eliminates a lot of problems by using all the correct materials in accordance with a meticulous and thorough cleaning regiment. Often times people on their own use the wrong products that damage interior components or make the cabin of the vehicle smell. With auto detailing, every aspect of the clean is handled with care from the ground up, promising your car interior will look as new as the day you purchased it.

Finding streaks on our car windows is a common, if not daily occurrence, and one that we want to get rid of swiftly. Since vehicles are exposed to the elements most of the time, keeping up the maintenance on these panes of glass is time consuming but necessary. Having the aesthetic of our windows to appear newer is something that can be achieved by vehicle owners if a few simple steps are followed accurately.

Thorough Washing

The first thing you should do if you want to make your car windows look new is give your entire car a bath. This can be done through an automatic car wash, by yourself, or through an auto detailing service. Streaks on the windshield and windows will likely still be present, but think of this process as a pre-soak for what is to come. Restoration is an important aspect to having windows appear to be in mint condition, but this cannot come to fruition until the surface is cleaned.

Glass Cleaner Finish

Soapy suds work well enough to clear problematic areas on your windows, but usually not strong enough to completely remove remnants of dirt or wear. Glass cleaner is specifically designed for this type of manufacturing, and provides a deeper scrub than spraying some soap on an area. Even though several products for glass are available in department stores, if you are going all out in making your windows look new, a finish after a car wash should really be left to auto detailers. The reason for this is these professionals use compounds specifically designed to bring windows back to their original state through lubricity and deep, penetrating chemicals that promote a flawless shine.

The Cloth Type Matters

Microfiber cloths should always be used on cars if you are passionate about maintaining their factory appearance. These cloths work efficiently on windows because they are softer and more forgiving to the surface. Rags and alternative wiping materials are frequently the cause of streaks on your glass because of the fabric they are made with. The pattern is responsible from water and cleaners not settling properly, and thus making windows look weathered. Microfiber cloths give an even wipe that make glass regions sleek and sparkling.

It’s All In The Wrist

In properly polishing your car windows, the technique at which you do so will directly correlate to how well it looks when finished. It is said by experts in this field that the washing and wiping using a microfiber cloth should be done first in a vertical fashion, and then in a horizontal line. Obviously the goal here is to eliminate runoff and lines of residue. In applying force on the window in this order of direction, it gives your automobile the best chance to have clear, transparent areas of glass.

There Is No Substitute For Pros

If you desire to make your car windows look new, acquiring the aforementioned materials and products can be the bridge to this destination. If you are a perfectionist, or care intently about getting a job done to the best of its ability, auto detailing has made this process into something of an art form. Using the best cleaners and chemicals, in addition to years of training on various sizes and shapes of windows (and cars of course), we are best equipped to make your car look like you just bought it off the lot.

We are all trying to save money in our pockets, and washing our car is something that needs to be done every time we turn the page on the calendar, if not more frequently. There are advantages and disadvantages to having it done by a machine or doing it yourself, but in the battle of auto car wash vs. hand car wash, who wins?

Price

The amount of money you want to spend on your car wash will determine which avenue you will pursue. Though relatively inexpensive, automatic washes can cost up to twenty dollars, depending on the extent at which you are getting it done. However just because you wash your car at home doesn’t mean it isn’t burning a hole in your wallet. Excessive water from a simple garden hose can run up your utilities bill, and supplies like sponges and detergents will need to be purchased as well. Most think they are ‘saving’ money doing it themselves, but statistically car owners use twice the amount of water than auto washes.

Effectiveness

Washing a car by hand can give owners increased control, but a more even clean is provided by professional car washes. Most hoses utilized at home simply do not have the appropriate amount of power and force to give your vehicle a thorough cleaning, but may be your only choice if you are in a pinch. Auto car washes are actually far more advanced than most give them credit for. The amount of water, soap and wax used are carefully measured and have been tested hundreds of times to ensure maximum effect.

Finish

It seems like a counter-intuitive thought, but a hand car wash is actually tougher on your vehicle than a machine. Unless you are experienced with how much detergent and water to combine, you can literally be rubbing the finish right off of your ride. Moreover, when done by hand, it is difficult to maintain a consistent and spread out shine that covers your entire vehicle.

Conclusion

An auto car wash vs. a hand car wash comes down to time, end goals and affordability. Presumably you are cleaning your vehicle because you want it to look in pristine shape, but the truth of the matter is car lot quality appearances are really only delivered by experienced auto-detailers. A simple spraying in your driveway can get rid of a little dirt, but professionals have the ability to systematically wash your automobile using top shelf detergents and products recommended for each make and model. Flawless results can be delivered with ease and make even weathered vehicles look new. Furthermore, if auto-detailers are given the freedom to wash your car once every couple of weeks, your paint finish will last years longer and better protect it from chipping and rust. Both hand and auto car washes are an inexact science, focusing more on convenience than perfection. With a trained eye and an established method of washing, auto-detailers not only vastly improve the appearance of a vehicle, but preserve its value as well.

Most people who are concerned with making their car look its best probably do not pay much attention to the dashboard. Instead, they focus on the wheels, the body of the car, the seats. This makes sense, after all, those are all very visible parts of the car. However, the dashboard is also very visible. This is especially true if someone gets into your car. Dashboards get dirty and they can crack. But, there is no need to worry, as you can very easily protect your car’s dashboard from getting damaged. In this article, we will explain some of the things that you can do to protect your dashboard.

“Tinting your windows can also help block out UV rays. However, tinting your windows also comes with a wide variety of other considerations, since you cannot just remove a tinted window whenever you feel like”

Threats you need to be aware of

For those who are not familiar with what can damage a dashboard, we are going to quickly go over the biggest threats to your dashboard. The most dangerous threat to your dashboard is sunlight induced cracking. The sun can dry out the material on your dashboard, which will lead to it becoming stiff and eventually cracking. This is obviously a bigger threat in places with more sun and higher temperatures.

How to protect your dashboard

Dashboard covers

Dashboard covers are a really simple, good way to protect your dashboard. They are often made of felt or a similar soft material. They come in a wide variety of colors and designs, so you should have no issues finding one that matches your car’s interior. The dashboard covers absorb the UV rays that would otherwise be striking your car’s dashboard. The UV rays from sunlight are what do the most damage to your dashboard. So, getting a dashboard cover can really help lower the damage caused by sunlight.

Sun shields

Sun shields follow the same idea as dashboard covers. They protect your dashboard by blocking UV rays. The main difference is that instead of covering your dashboard, you install the sun shields on your car’s front window.

Window tinting

Tinting your windows can also help block out UV rays. However, tinting your windows also comes with a wide variety of other considerations, since you cannot just remove a tinted window whenever you feel like.

Keep your windows cracked

A very simple solution you can try involves cracking your windows whenever you leave the car. Simply crack all your windows a tiny bit when you park your car. This allows a small amount of air to circulate throughout your car. This helps to keep the temperature inside your car lower. Do be aware of the accompanying risks though, do not do this in a rough part of town!

What to do if your dashboard has cracked or is about to?

If your dashboard looks pretty beat up or, even worse, it has already cracked, then you should bring it to an auto detailer. Auto detailers can help rejuvenate stiff or dried out material, which will prevent it from cracking. If your dashboard has already cracked, then a detailer will be able to fill the crack before it gets any worse. Cracks on dashboards can spread very easily, so it is important that you see a detailer right away if you notice even a small crack on your dashboard.