Caring about your paint in my world means not turning one problem into another.

I chose the title of this article for a reason.  Many people knowingly focus on just getting the dirt and or dust off their paint, not caring about micro marring or even deeper scratches.  This content is not for you, and the message is likely not going to resonate with you.  It is nearly the same concept of someone accepting the consequences of scratches that come from automatic tunnel wash.

There is a category of car people that eagerly will read and gain some value out of it.  There are some people who say they do not care, because they do not (GET IT) understand the volume of microscopic damage is the reason their paint just does not pop any more.  For this crowd that may or may not ultimately care, this article is especially for.  I might make a difference in the way 10 percent of this demographic thinks.

For car people obviously it goes without saying you should NOT use a brillo pad or scrubby pad ever on paint.  You would be amazed how many people in the general population do and suggest using kitchen cleaning tools to remove bugs and sap.  Those people give advice in your social circle and on social media.  The first point is to not be so quick to take the advice of people.  Even on detailing groups or on YouTube be mindful and exercise some critical thinking.

Next concern, and the follow up question many of you may be in your head, “what should I do if I have this (bugs, sap, tar) on my car?”  If you are on the Detailed Image website, type (bug, sap, tar, waterspots) your problem and you will see several solid options.  Any of those products, assuming you read the directions, are safer and significantly more effective than scrubbing your car with soap.

Another, one of the most common problems. a lack of congruency in the way you care for your car.  You do everything right when it comes to washing your car biweekly.  You have the two bucket, quality mitt, you presoak the car and even dry the car carefully.  For some reason you think paint can only be scratched during your biweekly ritual.  Between washes, you make the mistake of dry wiping foreign substances with a microfiber towel.  The best example of this is on display at car shows.  Quick detailers are not meant to be used to wash your car.  I also see people who spend an incredible amount of money on the best pressure washers, filter systems, and the most expensive soaps.  But then, they never use a grit guard.  They will store a dirty wash mitt out in open space.  They allow their microfiber towels, knowing that is what is touching paint, to accumulate dust.  Afterwards they rationalize swirls and scratches are not a product of their habits.

Your ability to maintain the cosmetic condition of your car is a product of how you care for your car in your worst moments as much as your best moments.