How to detail an exotic vehicle yourself?
Owning a car that is wearing a badge from one of the world’s exotic automakers is an aspirational goal. Beyond simply costing more than a mass-produced model, exotic cars require more discipline when it comes to care and maintenance. Because the Prestige Imports team understands what it takes to keep these dream machines in tip-top condition, we routinely get asked how to detail an exotic vehicle yourself by our customers. Cleaning and detailing an exotic vehicle at home is not an insurmountable challenge, but it does require some special detergents and equipment. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.
READ MORE: Best ways to detail the interior of an exotic car
What should I use to detail my exotic car?
You don’t own a regular vehicle, so it stands to reason that you can’t use regular cleaning products to detail your vehicle. It is very important that you do a little homework before you start applying soaps and chemicals to your car’s highly specialized paint. Each manufacturer will have their own rules and suggestions for the best possible care of the vehicle – make sure you know them well.
Here are some of the products you should learn more about before bringing them home:
- Car shampoo
- Leather cleaner/conditioner
- Microfiber/lint-free towels
- Protectant shine spray
- Wash mitts
- Detailing clay
Washing strategies for your exotic vehicle
It’s just as important to wash your vehicle properly as it is to have the right gear. The automotive detailing experts at Prestige Imports use a specific pattern when they wash the customer’s vehicle. Their pro-tip involves washing from the top of the vehicle working down and starting with the front of the vehicle and working your way to the back. This is not only a very efficient way to wash the exterior of a vehicle, but it also ensures that you don’t scrub the dirt off a dry surface which is one of the worst things you can do.
Using waxes, sealants and detailing clay
Once all of the grime and dirt is properly removed from your vehicle’s exterior, it’s important to protect the paint’s finish. This means that it needs to be waxed, sealed or coated. The combination of heat and oxygen is the primary cause for paint oxidation and it’s terrible for your car. Waxes and sealants are absolutely crucial for preventing damage from environmental factors. Another tool you should be considering is detailing clay. When using the clay, it’s important to work the clay and apply light pressure to remove any remaining imperfections. Be sure to thoroughly read and follow the directions on any product you use.
If you have any questions about the best way to care for your vehicle, please reach out to Prestige Imports. You can also bring your vehicle to us and we’ll do all of the heavy-lifting for you.
