Auto Detailing Products & Expert Advice

Keeping your car clean is about so much more than just maintaining its looks. Regular washing and detailing protect your investment and keep your vehicle in better shape for longer. But not all detailing products are created equal.

Knowing which car detailing products to use, and when to use them, is the difference between a surface clean and achieving a complete car detail.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of detailing products, what they do, and how to know which one is best for your car.

Hand Wash vs. Automatic Car Wash? Start Your Detail Right

A proper wash is the essential first step to auto detailing. Skipping the initial wash can drag dirt across your paint during detailing. Automatic car washing is convenient yet limited, because the brushes can carry grit from previous users. Touchless washes often leave dirt behind, especially Canadian winter road grime.

A hand wash lets you control pressure and often provides better results. For the best shine possible, use the two-bucket method: wet your wash mitt in a bucket of soapy water, wash a portion of your vehicle, then dip it into a bucket of clean water to remove the dirt. This prevents cross-contamination and scratching your paint with grit and grime.

The Car Detailing Products You Need for a Great Wash

• Rinse loose dirt with a conventional or electric pressure washer before touching the paint.
• Apply a foam cannon as a pre-soak to loosen remaining grime — a handy upgrade for avid DIY detailers, though optional.
• Scrub with a proper car wash soap or car shampoo and a wash mitt. Dedicated soap won't strip wax like dish soap or leave a film behind after rinsing.
• Use a dedicated brush for your wheels and tires to keep grit off the paint.
• Rinse with the pressure washer again to remove all the soap.

Best Detailing Products for Your Car’s Exterior

Once your car is washed, the real detailing process begins.

First, bring your paint back to its original shine by using a polish or compound. Polishes are used to correct light defects and give your paint a nice sheen. Compounds are more aggressive and best suited for deep scratches and oxidation.

Next, use a wax or ceramic spray to seal and protect your vehicle’s exterior. A hybrid ceramic or graphene option provides even longer-lasting protection.

After protecting the paint, apply a glass cleaner to your windows and mirrors.

And lastly, wipe tire shine onto your tires’ sidewalls, so they look as good as new.

While detailing your car can take a lot of patience and time, this process will help protect its exterior from the elements, give it a longer-lasting sheen, and possibly improve resale value.

Detail Interior Car Cleaning: What to Use Inside Your Vehicle

Interior detailing is just as important as exterior; however, it’s often overlooked. Here’s what you need and why:

• A vacuum with different-sized attachments so you can effectively get into the angles and fibres of your seats, floor mats, and tight spots.
• Upholstery and carpet cleaners work best for fabric surfaces and mats.
• Leather seats and trim should only be cleaned with leather wipes and conditioners.
• Fingerprints and other dirt can be removed by using interior glass cleaners.
• Automotive air freshener can get rid of any remaining unpleasant smells.

Having the right car detailing products on hand helps guarantee the best possible results and can make cleaning your vehicle not only efficient, but also enjoyable.

For the best advice and a wide selection of products for your detailing needs, visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store to speak with an automotive expert, or browse our full selection at www.NAPACanada.com.

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Not all cleaners are created equal. Learn which car detailing products to use — and in what order — to clean your car's exterior and interior properly.