The habits and materials that separate a car that ages gracefully from one that looks ten years old at four. Steal what's useful — or book us and we handle it for you.
Not every car needs a monthly wax. Match effort to how you drive.
Rinse off dust, bird droppings and pollen. Check tire pressure.
Foam hand wash, wheels and tires, streak-free windows.
Interior vacuum, dashboard wipe-down, refresh tire dressing.
Clay bar decontamination + wax or spray sealant.
Deep interior clean, leather / fabric conditioning.
Machine polish and ceramic coating renewal.
Never wash under direct hot sun — soap dries into spots. Use two buckets (wash + rinse) and a soft microfibre mitt. Wash top-down; wheels last. Dry with a plush microfibre towel to prevent swirl marks. A wax or spray sealant every 8–12 weeks adds a slick, protective layer that beads water and shrugs off UV.
Brake dust is acidic — left on hot rims it etches the finish. Rinse wheels first before they cool from driving, then apply a pH-neutral wheel cleaner. Dedicated tire brush for treads, softer brush for barrels. Finish with a water-based tire dressing (no silicone sling).
Clean glass inside and out with a dedicated automotive glass cleaner and a waffle-weave microfibre. Wipe blades monthly with a damp cloth — most 'streaky' wipers just need cleaning, not replacing. Apply a hydrophobic glass coating in autumn to shed rain.
Vacuum before you clean — grinding grit into fibres causes wear. For fabric, foam extractors lift stains without over-wetting. Leather needs a mild pH-balanced cleaner every 2–3 months, followed by a conditioner to keep it supple and prevent cracking. Never use household wipes on leather.
Skip glossy 'shiny' dressings — they reflect into the windshield. Use a water-based satin dressing on dash and door cards. For screens, dampen the microfibre first (never spray directly) with a mix of distilled water and a drop of isopropyl alcohol.
Cabin air filters trap pollen, exhaust and mildew — replace every 12k–15k miles. For lingering smells, an ozone treatment neutralises the source rather than masking it. Keep a small silica pack under the seat to control moisture in winter.
