How To Detail Your Car Like A Pro

We've all been there - your car is looking a little worse for wear after weeks of driving through dirt, dust and god knows what else. No matter how many times you roll through the automatic car wash, it's just not getting truly clean, am I right? As big-time car lovers, Dealnew.co.uk know the feeling of pride when our rides are gleaming so bright you can practically see your reflection. Well boys and girls, I'm gonna let you in on the industry secrets to get your car detailed like the pros. We're talking full-on showroom shine inside and out.

I'll walk you through everything step-by-step, from polishing out swirls and scratches to making your cabin smell as fresh as a new set of tires. By the time you finish here, you'll have all the tips and tricks to make your car cleaner than it's ever been straight off the lot. Sound good? Then what are we waiting for - let's get started!

Professional car care and maintenance helps keep your car running smoothly and avoid minor breakdowns.

New cars do not require regular maintenance like older cars. But that does not mean you should skip regular maintenance such as changing oil, spark plugs... This will help your car always operate in good condition.

There are many parts that need to be checked and maintained. However, here are the first items to list for professional car care:

• Engine oil

• Automatic transmission oil

• Check tire pressure and problems

• Engine coolant

• Electrical system

• Interior

Cars are very susceptible to damage when moving on roads and in bad weather conditions. Whenever you see symptoms or discover damage, drivers should immediately take the car to a professional car care facility to find out the cause and repair it immediately. Do not leave it for too long because it can cause damage to other parts.

Engine Oil

Check the oil level regularly and watch for leaks. Use the dipstick to check and park the vehicle on a level surface to get an accurate reading. If the level is low, top up the tank but do not overfill. Also, repair any leaks immediately.

Change your oil every 5000 km. Jack up your car and open the oil cap, then remove the bolt under the oil pan. This is the bolt that allows the oil to drain out, then you should locate the oil filter and replace it. 

• Pour the correct amount and type of oil into the oil reservoir, then replace the cap. 
• Different types of vehicles will require different amounts of oil. You should consult the owner's manual or service center to change the correct type of oil.

Check engine oil and other fluid levels with a toothpick

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Automatic Transmission Oil

The cylinder head on automatic transmission vehicles is usually sealed. If yours is not one of these, you can open the cap and check the fluid level while the engine is warm and running. Check the fluid levels in the reservoir and power steering pump at the same time.

Check Tire Pressure and Problems

Every tire should be inflated to the correct psi. You should check all tire pressures, including the spare, once a month and before long trips. Also, rotate your tires regularly to ensure even wear. 

Note: You should rotate your car tires every 8000 km.

Make sure your tires wear evenly, by changing them periodically

• Front and rear tires wear differently because the front tires do most of the braking and turning.
• With some tires, you can also swap them from side to side.
• If your tires have directional arrows on the shoulder, keep those arrows pointing toward the front of the vehicle, do not swap the tires to the other side.

Engine Coolant

According to experienced car drivers , coolant usually needs to be changed every 40,000 - 50,000 km (about 2-3 years). For cars that change coolant for the first time, it can be changed after about 50,000 km, but from then on, it must be changed at this frequency.

Moreover, especially in the summer, users need to check the coolant level regularly, if it is too low, they need to add more. At the same time, drivers need to check the cooling system to avoid leaks. 

Popular types of car coolants

Electrical System

Clean your battery system annually

The wiring system connecting the battery system can become corroded or dirty after a year of use, causing the current to be mixed. Remove both battery terminals and use baking soda to clean off the dirt. 

• Use a brush and mixture to clean all corrosion, dirt from the battery posts and metal connections on the cables.
• Wipe the battery posts clean with a damp cloth, then connect the terminals to the battery again.
• Connect the wires. 

Replace fuse when blown

If some of the lights in your car's interior are out, it's likely a blown fuse. Locate the two fuse boxes in your car. One is usually near your left knee when sitting in the driver's seat and the other is usually found inside the engine compartment. 

• Find the blown fuse and find a new one with the appropriate amperage. 
• The ampere rating of the fuse is written on it. Make sure the new fuse has the same ampere rating as the fuse you are replacing. 

Check and replace fuses in car

Replace spark plugs after 50,000 km

Open the hood and locate the spark plug wire running into the top of the engine, you should change the spark plug every 50,000 km. 

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Interior Care

A simple and effective traditional way that car owners can do themselves is to clean the interior after each wash and vacuum periodically. The items needed to prepare are two clean towels and warm water. 

Clean your car interior yourself after each wash and vacuum periodically

• Use a clean towel dipped in warm water, then wring it out and gently wipe the car's interior surface.

Note: Clean deep crevices thoroughly because this is where dust and dirt accumulate and is the source of unpleasant odors, including: seat cushion crevices, air-conditioning vents, dashboard recesses... or removable/removable locations such as: storage compartment lids, glove compartments or seat back pockets. This method can also be applied to felt parts such as felt seat systems, car ceilings,...

• Use a second clean dry towel to wipe again.

For cars with genuine leather interiors, car owners can buy car leather care chemicals to soften the leather surface. However, when the car interior needs professional care with specialized chemicals, each different material will need different chemicals to clean. For example, Sonax will provide chemical products to clean and care for leather/leather interiors, clean glass doors or clean and care for plastic surfaces…

Warning signs your car is having problems

Below are signs that you need to take your car to a professional car care facility as soon as possible.

• Dashboard warning light remains on
• The car has unusual vibrations.
• High temperature gauge
• The car makes strange noises
• Low pressure gauge reading
• The car tends to steer to one side or is difficult to control.
• Unusual use of oil or fuel
• Difficult to start 
• Leave oil or coolant behind when moving
• There is thick and unusually colored exhaust smoke.
• Leaking fluids under the vehicle, including oil, electrical and brake fluid, transmission or other fluids (air conditioning can cause water to leak under the vehicle)

Conclusion

The best way to take care of your car is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. In addition, don't forget to plan professional maintenance for your car every week, month, quarter, and year.

With the right products, tools, and techniques, you now have everything you need to detail your car like a professional. Take your time moving through each step and really focus on the problem areas to achieve flawless results. More than anything, enjoy the satisfying process of completely transforming your ride from dirty to dazzling.

Once you've wrapped up and your car is gleaming in the sun, feel proud that you didn't have to pay a detail shop to get it in show-stopping shape. Keep up the maintenance washes in between full details to keep your investment looking pristine. Down the road, you'll be the envy of other drivers with the sharpest-looking wheels around thanks to your newfound detailing skills. Now get out there and start shining - you've got a car to impress!

Dealnew offers many discount and promotion programs for vehicle-related services. You can find more promotional information from your favorite brands by searching on the search-box at Dealnew.co.uk.