Rinse off the dirt before washing a car. Any dirt that is rubbed into the surface can cause scratches. Dish washing detergents are designed to strip grease and grime, and they will actually strip the wax from your car. Use a product specifically designed for washing cars. More...

A water spot is a mineral deposit that is left behind on the surface of the paint after the water has evaporated. A spot sits on top of the surface of the paint. The deposits may cluster around the edge of the spot, leaving a noticeable ring. More...

Parking under large trees can result in unwanted deposits of a sticky substance on the car. Most people assume this is tree sap, but the real culprit is far more likely to be insect honeydew, excreted by aphids or scale insects that infest the leaves and branches. More...

Make sure you are familiar with your wheel cleaner and/or degreaser. It is extremely easy to damage particular finishes. Rinse first or depending upon the chemical, it can be sprayed on a dry surface. Some wheel cleaners can be sprayed on a dry surface. They work by having a chemical reaction with the brake dust. More...

Wash the car so it is free of dirt and contaminants. Run your fingers over the hood and roof. Does the surface feel smooth? Can you feel tiny bumps? If you feel rough grit or tree sap, you should first remove the grit, bug stains, water spots, etc. More...

After thorough vacuuming, wipe down seats with a damp towel. Spray a diluted solution of Leather Cleaner and Condition section by section. If the leather is smooth, the only item necessary to wipe off cleaner would be a soft absorbent towel. If the leather is grainy, use a flat iron brush, brushing in all different directions and then towel dry. More...

In the hands of a professional, a buffer/polisher is the best detailing tool of them all. With this tool, a professional detailer can wax, buff and polish a car very quickly, achieving a "new car shine" on most car finishes. More...

Get the right tools for the job. We have info on the tools you need, from buckets and sponges to rotary and orbital buffers. More...

Your vehicle is a haven for airborne contaminants, exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke and bacteria. Tobacco smoke is one of the most difficult smells to remove from a car. The smoke permeates everything, including the foam rubber used in seat cushions. More...

For carpet stains, try spot powder first or foaming carpet cleaner. As a last resort, try a solvent. Start from outside stained area and work inwards so the stain does not spread. If product is sprayed on stain, it can spread causing a real dilemma. More...

Road oil and tar can be removed with cooking oil. Dampen a soft, cotton towel with a little cooking oil and you can rub the tar away. Be sure to wash and wax the area after you remove the tar. There are also special products designed to remove road oil and tar.