So you want to know what you need to maintain your car after you have it reconditioned and corrected. There are a TON of products on the market, so I will just give you the list of things that I carry with me on every single job I go to on a daily basis. I would never want to be without any of these things, as each type of product has its use in different situations. I get asked all the time after I do a correction job, so here is a brief breakdown of the category of product, and uses (some double up):
Car shampoo that will not strip protection
Quick detailer with protection ability – door jambs, wheels, paint
Quality micro fiber towels for drying, QD, glass, door jambs, wheels
Glass cleaner – glass, sap deposits if fresh, clean paint prior to wax
Wheel cleaner
Tire Dressing with applicator pad – some used on trim as well
Upholstery cleaner
Leather conditioner
APC – interior, tires, wheel wells
Degreaser – tires, wheel wells, pre-soak prior to wash (Dont let it dry, and rinse very thoroughly)
Trim dressing – some used for tires as well
Metal polish – exhaust tips, grills, window trim, door handles, water spots
Carnauba wax with applicator – paint and wheels
Wheel and interior brushes
Vacuum – interior obviously, but under the hood as well
Interior protectant – can be used on trim on the exterior as well sometimes
So let’s say you have me come out and correct the car, get it looking like new, and you want to maintain it yourself between polishings from me. Quite honestly, that is the best idea other than having me out every month like some of my clients to always make sure the car is spic and span for those weekend cruises up the coast, or carting your potential clients around town! The above list will allow you to wash your car weekly, and wax the car monthly. This way, your car will always be protected, and washings will become easier and easier over time because you will be in a routine and the car will not stay dirty, therefore requiring less work in the end!
I could list certain products, but there are so many personal preferences, it would be hard to do…smell of each product, order size, level of shine, budget, etc. If there is something you might like to know about, ask away!