After a long winter, chances are your car looks a little worse for the wear. Even if you wash it regularly, months of salt, dirt, and grime can still accumulate in places that aren’t touched by a drive-through car wash. And the interior likely has its share of dirt, crumbs, and coffee stains, too.
Having the right auto insurance is one way to protect your ride, but taking the time to do a thorough cleaning is another. (Read more about what road salt does to your car.)
To get your car looking as good as new, you need more than just a car wash. You need a full detailing job.
What’s auto detailing? It’s essentially a very thorough cleaning of your car — inside and out — that restores it to near showroom condition.
If you hire a professional, a full interior and exterior detail can cost hundreds of dollars. But if you have a few hours to spare, you can detail your own vehicle from the comfort of your driveway.
To wash and detail your own vehicle, you’ll need some basic supplies. You may already have most of what you need at home. But everything else can be purchased online or at your local auto parts store. And keep in mind that when purchasing supplies, you’ll have plenty left over for more detailing jobs in the future.
Before you get started, here’s a list of what you’ll need.
Now that you’ve assembled your tools, it’s time to get started with your exterior detailing. Before you start, make sure your car is cool to the touch and isn’t parked in direct sunlight. Excess heat will dry out many of the detailing products, leading to less-than-optimal results. Here are the steps you need to take:
The exterior of your car looks as good as new. Now, it’s time to tackle the interior. Here are the steps you need to bring back that new car smell:
After putting in a few hours of hard work, now it’s time to step back and appreciate the results. Your car looks as good as new, and you can take satisfaction in knowing that you did it all yourself. At Erie Insurance, we understand the pride you take in your car. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to help you protect it. To learn more about auto insurance from ERIE, contact your local agent today.
Haven’t heard of us? Erie Insurance started with humble beginnings in 1925 with a mission to emphasize customer service above all else. Though we’ve grown to reach the Fortune 500 list, we still haven’t lost the human touch.
Contact NorthGroup Insurance today to experience the ERIE difference for yourself.