Car grooming is difficult, but not impossible to accomplish before the Lunar New Year.
Car groomers/detailers become very busy just before CNY.
Apart from preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year themselves, they usually also have backlog of cars to groom.
That’s because many drivers want to be driving a shiny car to visit their relatives. A new car is great, but a new and shiny one is even better.
If you’re trying to book an appointment with your detailer now, you’re probably out of luck. But that doesn’t mean you have to show up in a dirty car.
Here are five car grooming shortcuts for busy drivers.
1) WASH YOUR CAR WITH A WASH AND WAX SHAMPOO
This is by far the easiest way to give your car a “just waxed” look. In one step, you’ll be able to wash and “wax” your car.
But be warned: The layer of wax isn’t going to last very long. Wash and wax formulas are meant to “top up” existing layers of wax.
If you want enhanced shine and protection, you must use a paste or liquid wax.
2) USE A SPRAY WAX
You should only do this car grooming step after the previous step. Spray waxes are better than wash and wax shampoos. But they’re still not as good as dedicated liquid or paste waxes.
Still, a spray wax will let you add shine and protection in a fraction of the time. Used sparingly, you can detail your car in 15 minutes.
3) CLEAN YOUR WHEELS AND APPLY TYRE SHINE
There’s no use having shiny paintwork if your wheels and tyres are filthy. That’s like wearing a well-tailored Italian suit with a ratty pair of sneakers.
Proper car grooming means you clean your wheels and tyres with a dedicated cleaner while washing your car. Once the tyres are dry, apply tyre shine to make them glow.
Shiny wheels and tyres will enhance your vehicle’s overall appearance.
4) CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS
Dirty windows are akin to wearing smudged sunglasses with that sharp ensemble. Your car’s appearance and your outward visibility are both compromised.
A dedicated automotive glass cleaner and some lint-free cloths will do wonders. Make sure you wipe both the inside and outside.
5) CLEAN AND VACUUM YOUR INTERIOR
There’s no point in having a clean exterior if your cabin is filthy.
Car grooming should include spring cleaning the interior. Vacuum the carpets, wipe down the leather upholstery and toss out any rubbish. Clean out your boot if you have time.
Even if you don’t apply any detailing products to your dashboard and plastic trimmings, a neat interior is an impressive one. Especially if you have relatives to ferry.
Now, don’t go overboard with the air freshener and you should be all set!
How to clean your wheels properly
Should you choose a natural or synthetic car wax?
