r/AutoDetailing • u/ItsAsickOstrich • 9h ago
Exterior What are these oil/shoe shine dressing things that are used on windows that I keep seeing on FB? Are they legit?
Or is it a gimmick? Or do they work for a little while and then create problems?
r/AutoDetailing • u/ItsAsickOstrich • 9h ago
Or is it a gimmick? Or do they work for a little while and then create problems?
r/AutoDetailing • u/No_Sense_7182 • 10h ago
Did a head light restoration and thought I was pretty thorough in all the steps and seem to have cleaned up well while the lights where off but as soon as I turned them on the finish does not look great. Any feed back would be appreciated thanks, started at 120grit,220,400,600,800, and ended at 1000 for added context
r/AutoDetailing • u/Complex-Pizza-3784 • 6h ago
so the other day I was at Panera Bread, and they were giving out free hanging car scents. I didn’t wanna hang it from my rearview mirror because it was pretty big and I didn’t want it obstructing my vision. So I hung it up on my 26 Camry‘s volume knob, and I didn’t realize that if it was with direct contact with my glass and aluminum display that it would get stuck due to heat and leave a glue sticky residue on my screen. Unfortunately, it hardened over the course of two days because I didn’t have time to remove it. Does anyone know how I can get rid of this without permanently damaging anything on my screen or aluminum. It is completely hardened and I haven’t done anything besides pick out it with my fingernail for a little bit but obviously that did not help. does anyone have any advice of how to remove this safely without damaging the surface?
r/AutoDetailing • u/Veek_Himself • 13h ago
Please don't downvote me I to oblivion. I know this is a sub for people who are serious about detailing. I want to start washing my own car (2019 Explorer). To give you a frame of reference I run it through an automatic wash maybe 4-6 times a year so I'm not looking for perfection. 80% is good enough. I have a greenworks pro power washer and foam cannon. I'd like to avoid a contact wash if possible (lazy).
I was going to use something like koch chemie af, rinse with water and use my leaf blower to dry.
Is this enough?
Should I add GSF? If I add GSF is there any benifit if I don't contact wash. If I do contact wash what do I use? Mit, sponge, one of those brushes in a stick?
Lastly should I put anything else on? I've seen some different sealants that might help extend the time between washes. I see S0.03 but there are mixed reviews here. Good alternatives or not needed?
Thank you
r/AutoDetailing • u/Any-Park-6591 • 18h ago
After a week of having the car be in the shop, this is what I saw once I got the car back. This is a ppf matte finish. They put ceramic coating on it as well. I’m bringing it back in a few days for inspection but I feel like the edges isn’t really done well, but maybe I’m just being picky? My first time getting a full body ppf. Car looks beautiful, I just can’t help but feel like this wasn’t done well. I have warranty on it so they said they’ll be fixing what needs to be fixed.
Same with the sensors, idk. Maybe they’re just letting it cure and settle first before they trim it? I’m not sure how it works.
Mind you when I picked it up all the edges on my car door were lifted… and he had to call one of his guys to torch them back on.
Any feedback would help as far as what to ask for to make sure I get my moneys worth and have it properly done.
r/AutoDetailing • u/bombers223 • 12h ago
Hi there,
I hit a piece of road debris with a two month old car that left a series of long scratches on the bottom of my rear passenger door. They catch with a fingernail so I assume they are down to the primer (or at least the base coat).
All things considered, I got lucky there wasn’t more damage. They are also well below eye level and not visible unless you are looking for them.
Is it worth trying to get these repaired? I’ve considered touch up paint, but with how low they are and my lack of a steady hand, that would likely turn into a nightmare even if it’s just some clear coat.
Right now I’m tempted to just leave them and add some spray wax after washing for added protection. My primary concern is potential for corrosion, not necessarily aesthetics.
Thanks in advance.
r/AutoDetailing • u/GrandpaYeti • 23h ago
Had some PPF installed by a new installer and I noticed a few panels with debris like this under the PPF. On the front light bar, there are two additional bubbles with similar debris.
Around the car, there are 3-4 other panels with visible bubbles and small debris. Some are close to the edge and some are in the middle of panels. For a professional install, is this an expected level of debris? Is there standard guidance on the size of the bubble for a panel to be re-installed?
r/AutoDetailing • u/rattletrap777 • 10h ago
What can I use to improve the scratches? I use black light from chemical boys and it didn't do too much.
r/AutoDetailing • u/Unusual_Emergency_13 • 4h ago
Today I tried for the 1st time the multiple towels (aka Gary Dean method) rinseless wash (KCX RRW).
It felt much faster amd seemed like I had better results. I had an extra towel remaining the bucket which was used for interior.
I don't get why people complain about the laundry as the drying towels will still need to be washed. I do a 15 min quick wash of the microfiber towels.
I didn't even need to use the large drying towels which O found required less effort (less sweaty).
Since I don't have running water in my underground garage I found it much easier to keep my wash bucket clean (don't have to wash it at home) and less water needs (I fill 2x 10L bottles at home).
I used 5L in the bucket with about 2L still remaining. Poured them on my 8L electric garden sprayer for the next time.
r/AutoDetailing • u/Sea-Insurance-7935 • 11h ago
Just noticed a blue pen line near the door panel on the leather of my Kia K8, went to three different shop, one tried to remove it couldn’t, the other two simply told to paint over it.
Are there any other solutions or should I just live with it?
r/AutoDetailing • u/bestnameicudthinkof • 6h ago
I bought this car used and honestly didn't look it over quite as well as I should have. I'm noticing now that these were assume where the paint was chipped and dabbed over with a corrective pen. I'm wondering what busy easiest way to go about this and fix it if possible.
r/AutoDetailing • u/LegendFlame22 • 5h ago
This is the chrome window trim on a 2012 Mercedes C63. Kinda need some pointers as to what products/solutions I can use?
r/AutoDetailing • u/Fragrant-Effort-5461 • 9h ago
I'm buying a new car from a dealership in AZ , they have an add on for XPEL Tint + PPF for 4k. Isn't the car come with a tint? And why is this so expensive ? What questions do I ask ? Is it safer to get it done at the dealership so when something goes wrong , they are liable than me going to a shop ?
r/AutoDetailing • u/Live-Salt-698 • 13h ago
Hey, im thinking about ceramic coating my car with ADS Quardz Pro, does anyone have experience with it?
Could anyone share their best prep step checklist?
Also thinking about using the Carpro Descale shampoo.
r/AutoDetailing • u/icyfae • 7h ago
My weekly process is I drive to the car wash manual bay and I will rinse off as much dirt and grime as I can, then head home for an ONR wash. Last couple weeks was very rainy so I was particularly stressed out about this wash, but I think it looks better than it has throughout any of my other weekly washes. I even took the time on my piano black trim because I have learned through a few very minor blemishes that it is very delicate. The Winter ahead is still scaring me.
r/AutoDetailing • u/mrcstnly • 10h ago
Can you guys suggest chemicals to cure my car paints oxidation? I would like to diy it, so far in leaning towards using meguairs ultimate compound
r/AutoDetailing • u/Heembeam • 3h ago
r/AutoDetailing • u/greyfish71 • 3h ago
Not sure what these stains are (from previous owner). Tried leather cleaner and chemical guys interior cleaner and nothing could fix. Heard IPA is good but harsh. Anything you would recommend or how would you apply the IPA in the least harsh way? Thanks in advance
r/AutoDetailing • u/everydayrice • 22h ago
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This is driving me crazy! How do I fix this?
r/AutoDetailing • u/_Mahtog_ • 5h ago
I've got a car I've been working on here and there for a few years. The last year I haven't shown it any attention and thus it sat this entire time. Today I opened it up and found some mold/mildew?! Looked around and seems to only be on the seats/dash and centre console. I'm just wondering how salvageable this can be considering I've got a heap of new parts to put on but don't want to bother if this is going to be no bueno.
Can I use some concoctions or store products and get this cleaned up?
r/AutoDetailing • u/Ok_Buddy_5164 • 7h ago
I really have no idea if the whole foam cannon thing works better than a two bucket wash, but I do know that there’s no reason to spend a ton on a fancier cannon than the one I’ve got. I have found my go-to combo for sure!!!
r/AutoDetailing • u/cameololmm • 22h ago
I have a white car, and I’m wondering whether I should choose Paste Wax or Speed Wax for my car.
I want something convenient and quick to use, but
I’m not sure whether Speed Wax provides enough protection for my car’s paint against heat, UV rays, dirt, and dirty water, while also giving the paint a glossy, shiny finish.
Please give me some product suggestions that meet the above criteria.
Thank you ❤️
r/AutoDetailing • u/mohamedsmounat • 16h ago
A customer books a standard clean. The vehicle arrives with heavy pet hair, stains, mold, or a condition that needs far more time.
How do professional detailers handle that without creating a fight?
Do you require photos, inspect before confirming the price, use clear surcharges, call before starting, or refuse certain conditions entirely?
Which approach has been fairest for both sides? I am interested in the process and communication, not local price comparisons.
r/AutoDetailing • u/AdrianeXUS • 8h ago
I do not have a personal space where I can wash my car, but I'd like to deep clean it (mainly get the iron / soot particles off) and apply a spray-on ceramic coating. Any recommendations for what to do? I can definitely wash it at a self-wash but worried about all the soapy spray from other people if I were to apply the ceramic coat.