Autopia Guide to Detailing: Introduction to Detailing

**Bobby G** · 11-10-2006, 04:23 PM

The term car detailing has a lot of different meanings.` To some, it means having their car washed and waxed.` To others, it`s a full cleaning and protection service, including having the interior shampooed and the engine steam cleaned.` To the car enthusiasts here at Autopia, a fully detailed car is a work of art to be displayed.` Whatever your intentions for detailing your car, this chapter will introduce you to the detailing process and terms commonly associated with detailing.

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</td></tr><tr><td width="100%">This beautiful BMW 2002tii belongs to Brad Bloomquist.` Brad restored the BMW back to original factory specifications and keeps it perfectly maintained and detailed.` The car is a daily driver, but it remains in showroom condition. </td></tr></table>

<h3>DETAILING EVALUATION</h3>The most difficult part of any new skill is knowing what to do first. Detailing a car is no different.` Ask any three professional detailers what to do first, and you`ll get three different answers.` So, perhaps the most important step of all is to evaluate the work required.

<h3>Paint Evaluation</h3>The first step in any detailing program is the evaluation of your car`s paint.` Take a quick walk around your car.` Do you see bug stains, water spots and tar spots, or is it completely free of contamination?` How does the paint feel to your hand?` Is it rough (small bumps), or is it smooth like glass?

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</td></tr><tr><td width="100%" valign="top">Even though the paint surface on this car was just waxed by the owner, running detailing clay over the hood reveals bonded contamination that waxing cannot remove.` This contamination makes the paint feel rough and allows oxidation to begin.</td></tr></table>

If your paint is smooth and free of contaminants, the only cleaning maintenance it needs is regular washing (30 to 45 minutes a week).` If the paint is stained and rough, it needs a good cleaning.` Clean paint feels like silk.` Cleaning your paint can take 30 minutes or 3 hours, depending on the level of perfection you want to achieve.` Detailers use a paint pre-wax cleaner (a special cleaner/polish) or a paint-cleaning clay to remove surface contamination.` It`s like exfoliating your skin to deep-clean the pores.

Once your car`s paint is clean, you can more closely inspect the paint for scratches, swirl marks and water spots.` All of these minor imperfections can be fixed with a good polish and some elbow grease (1 to 2 hours), and should be taken care of prior to waxing.` If you prefer, use a good orbital polishing machine for faster results.

If your paint has deep surface scratches (not scratched through to the primer or metal), you may need to use a scratch remover polish formula.` Most scuffs and scratches can be polished so they will no longer be seen or noticed (1 to 5 minutes per scuff or scratch).

When your paint is contamination-free and polished to a high gloss, it`s ready to be waxed (45 minutes to an hour).` Most cars will require deep-cleaning and polishing twice a year, whereas wax should be applied at least four times a year.` With proper care, the paint finish will remain in good condition for many years.

<h3>Tire & Wheel Evaluation</h3>Neglected wheels take a lot of care to bring back to life.`If they don`t receive regular washing and waxing, they will become pitted and develop black stains from brake dust and road tar.

Evaluate your tires and wheels.` Are the tires brown and dull?` Do the wheels have brake dust buildup?` If so, plan on spending 15 to 20 minutes on each wheel with brushes, tire and wheel cleaners, and a bucket of soapy water.

<h3>Interior Evaluation</h3>Once you`ve sized up what needs to be done on the exterior, you can turn to the inside.` Some people care more about the interior of their car than they do the exterior.` This makes some sense, as that is where we spend our time.` The condition of the car`s interior generally reflects how you use the car.

If you haul kids around, the inside of your car will likely have more dirt and stains than that of a businessperson who travels in a suit.` Likewise, if you drive a truck and use it for construction, you have a completely different set of cleaning needs.

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</td></tr><tr><td width="1000%" valign="top">The interior of this BMW needs a complete detailing.` It will take 4 to 5 hours to properly vacuum, shampoo and treat the interior so it looks and smells nice again.</td></tr></table>

Evaluate your car`s interior.` Does it need heavy or light vacuuming?` Is it dusty?` Does the upholstery need cleaning?` Is the leather dry?` Do you have stains or spills to clean?` How does the interior smell?` Is it musty?

A good interior detailing can take as long or longer than an exterior detailing.` If you vacuum regularly (twice a month), it takes no more than 10 to 15 minutes.` If you vacuum infrequently, vacuuming can take 30 minutes or more.` If you wipe down the interior of your car (3 to 5 minutes) each time you wash the exterior, keeping the dash and upholstery clean is a cinch.` If you wipe down infrequently (or never), cleaning the dash and upholstery can be a 1- to 2-hour chore.` Doing a little interior detailing maintenance every time you wash the car is a lot easier than trying to do a full interior detailing once or twice a year.

If you don`t detail your own car, consider having a full interior detailing once a year.` A full interior detail includes vacuuming and shampooing the upholstery, carpet and floor mats, as well as cleaning the dash, console and vents.` After cleaning, leather and vinyl dressings and fabric protection should be applied.

To maintain a full detail, have the interior vacuumed each time the car is washed, and apply dressing to the dash, vinyl and leather each time the car is waxed (every 3 months).` This is the minimum interior detailing that will keep your car in good condition.

If you plan to detail your own car, divide the work into manageable tasks.` It is a lot of work, and if you try to do it all in one day, you will likely never want to do it again.` Keep after the interior a little bit at a time.` Plan to do your shampooing and fabric protection in spring or summer, as nice weather helps speed the drying.

<h3>Dressing for Success</h3>A big part of the car detailing process includes applying dressing to those surfaces that can`t be waxed or otherwise protected.` As just mentioned, your dash and other vinyl and leather surfaces need regular protection.` Leather, vinyl and rubber dressings protect and beautify.` For best results, dressings should be used sparingly and frequently.

Many detailers go overboard with applying protectants and dressings.` Maybe they think that if a little dressing is good, a lot is even better.` Not so.` Porous surfaces, such as leather and rubber, can absorb only very small amounts of a dressing.` Typically the leather, vinyl, or rubber has absorbed as much as it can within 3 to 5 minutes of applying a dressing.` The rest of the dressing is waste and should be buffed off.` If the excess dressing is not buffed off, it simply creates a greasy mess that attracts dust and dirt.` For best results, dressings should be used sparingly and frequently.

<h3>The Devil Is in the Details</h3>The difference between a good-looking car and a great-looking car is in the small details.` If you take your car to a professional detailer, make sure he or she will take care of the small details before you give the okay to do the job.` Here is a 20-point detailing check list:

<ul>[*]Wash and dry exterior paint (20 min.)[*]Scrub tires and wheels (20 min.)[*]Clean and polish exterior windows and mirrors (15 min.)[*]Clean and polish paint (60 min.)[*]Wax or seal paint (45 min.)[*]Polish chrome trim (15 min.)[*]Clean door, hood and trunk jambs (10 min.)[*]Clean and dress rubber seals (10 min.)[*]Dress exterior trim, tires and vinyl top (15 min.)[*]Vacuum (2 min.)[*]Scrub or shampoo floor mats (15 min.)[*]Shampoo carpet (45 min.)[*]Shampoo or wash upholstery (45 min.)[*]Clean dash and console (20 min.)[*]Clean vents (10 min.)[*]Apply dressing to console, vinyl and leather (20 min.)[*]Clean interior windows and rearview mirror (10 min.)[*]Empty and clean ashtrays (5 min.)[*]Deodorize vents and carpet (10 min.)[*]Protect carpet and upholstery fabric (20 min.)[/list]

If you look at the estimated average time assigned to each task, you can see that a complete car detail is no less than a full day`s job.` Most professional detailers will charge between $250 and $350 to do this level of work.` If you have an expensive car or a neglected car, expect to pay even more.

<h3>SIMPLE TIPS</h3>Hear are some simple tips that will make detailing easier.

<h3>Keep Out of the Rays</h3>If possible, work in a cool garage or in shade.` Most detailing products do not work well on hot surfaces.` Washing your car in the sun is a sure recipe for water spots and streaks.

<h3>Work from the Top Down</h3>Your car is dirtiest on the bottom and cleanest on the top.` Washing from the top down keeps your wash water clean longer and helps to prevent swirl marks.` Dry your car from the top down, also, leaving your bumpers, rocker panels, tires and wheels for last.

<h3>Roll Lint & Pet Hair Away</h3>Invest in a $5 masking tape lint roller designed to remove lint from clothing.` These rollers are great for removing lint and pet hair from interior upholstery.` Lint rollers work equally well on canvas soft tops, too.` Roll away for a beautiful, lint-free top.

<h3>Hey, You,`Cool Your Jets!</h3>Never wash your car fresh off the road.` Cold water can severely damage hot parts, including brake rotors, exhaust components and your engine.` Let it cool for 20 to 30 minutes first.

<h3>More or Less?</h3>Have you ever wondered why the instructions on most hair shampoo bottles read "Wash, rinse, repeat"?` It`s pretty simple; they want us to use more product.` Most car care products are meant to be used sparingly, and the instructions will say so.` Let`s face it, most of what we apply, we wipe right back off again.` Use less and save money.` You`ll get the same results, maybe better.

<h3>Is It Foggy in Here, or Is It Just Me?</h3>That nasty film on the inside of your windows is a polyvinyl fog created by new plastics and vinyl.` As your car ages, the polyvinyl fog diminishes.` You can reduce the amount of polyvinyl fog created by using interior dressings and protectants sparingly, and wiping the dash and console dry.` On new cars, keep a window cracked as often as possible to allow the polyvinyl gasses to escape.` Use of a sun shield also helps.

<h3>Driving Topless Can Be Harmful</h3>Sweat, oils from your skin, lotion and sunscreen will soil fabric upholstery, and damage vinyl and leather upholstery.` If you drive scantily dressed, cover your seat with a seat cover, towel or an old T-shirt.` In addition to upholstery damage from sweat, sunscreen and lotions, driving topless brings additional wear from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which quickly causes fading and rapid deterioration of the materials.

<h3>Details, Details, Details</h3>You`ve just finished polishing and waxing your car until it glistens, but all of your hard work is overshadowed by white wax residue around your trim.` This problem is easily solved while the wax is still fresh by using a few shots of detailing spray and a detailing brush or towel.

<h3>Hey, Buddy, Keep Your Zipper Up!</h3>Be careful not to damage your car`s paint with zippers, belt buckles, rings and other jewelry.` Wear appropriate clothing and take off the hard stuff.

<h3>SCHEDULE</h3>The following chart offers an ideal detailing schedule for the car enthusiast`s "daily driver" car.` The chart is based on a 13-week period.` You can tailor this chart to meet your own particular needs.

<table border="0" cellPadding="0" cellSpacing="0" style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; TABLE-LAYOUT: fixed; WIDTH: 306pt" width="401" x:str><colgroup><col style="WIDTH: 143pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 6985" width="191"><col span="9" style="WIDTH: 11pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 512" width="14"><col span="4" style="WIDTH: 16pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 768" width="21"><tbody><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl2515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt; WIDTH: 143pt; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-width:1" width="191" >Detailing Task</td><td class="xl2515" colSpan="12" style="WIDTH: 147pt; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-width:1" width="189" >Week</td><td class="xl1515" style="WIDTH: 16pt; border-bottom-style:solid; border-bottom-width:1" width="21"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl2215" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt; border-top-style:solid; border-top-width:1"> `</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">1</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">2</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">3</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">4</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">5</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">6</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">7</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">8</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">9</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">10</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">11</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">12</td><td align="right" class="xl2215" x:num style="border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1">13</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl2315" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Exterior</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Wash Body</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Wash Tires & Wheels</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Detail Tires & Wheels</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> `</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> `</td><td class="xl1515"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> `</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Clean/Polish Glass</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Clean/Polish Vinyl Windows</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Detail Vinyl & Rubber Trim`</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Chrome & Polished Aluminum</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl2315" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Wax</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Carnauba Paste/Paste Glaze</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> `</td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Carnauba Cream</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> `</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Carnauba Liquid/Spray</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Polymer Sealant</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl2415" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Polish/Prewax Cleaning</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl2315" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Interior</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Vacuum</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Shampoo Carpet</td><td class="xl2615" colSpan="12">Annually</td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Shampoo Floor Mats</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Clean Leather & Vinyl</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Condition Leather & Vinyl</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Shampoo Fabric Upholstery</td><td class="xl2615" colSpan="12">Annually</td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Spot Clean</td><td class="xl2615" colSpan="13">As needed</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Dust Vents & Electronics</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515" x:str="X ">X<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">`</td><td class="xl1515"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> `</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> `</td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl2315" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt">Engine</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Degrease/Wash</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Rubber Protectant</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Spray Wax/Engine Shine</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Wipe Down/Dust</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515">X</td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl2315" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Miscellaneous</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Treat Door & Trunk Seals</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Detail Door & Trunk Jambs</td><td class="xl1515">X</td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Detail Wheel Wells</td><td class="xl2615" colSpan="12">Annually</td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr><tr height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"><td class="xl1515" height="17" style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt"> Detail Underbody</td><td class="xl2615" colSpan="12">Annually</td><td class="xl1515"></td></tr></tbody></table>

<h3>SUMMARY</h3>Fewer than 10% of all car owners detail their own cars.` Chances are you downloaded this guide because you want to learn more about caring for your car yourself.` That makes you a car enthusiast and a kindred spirit.` Most car enthusiasts find cleaning and waxing their cars rewarding, possibly even relaxing.