Vehicle Maintenance During the Summer
Summer is the prime time for road trips, beach vacations, and all kinds of adventures. At Charlotte Performance, located in Charlotte, NC, we know how to keep your vehicle looking and performing its best throughout the season with our expertise in performance car tuning, aftermarket performance parts, and car detailing services. Here’s how to detail your car effectively while minimizing any potential issues associated with the summer heat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Summer Vehicle Detailing
- Choose the Right Time:
- Aim to detail your car during the cooler parts of the day, either in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the midday heat and direct sunlight.
- Utilize natural shade or use a gazebo or pop-up shelter to keep the vehicle’s surfaces cooler and provide shade for yourself.
- Prepare Your Chemicals and Tools:
- Prewash/foam cannon
- Car wash soap/shampoo
- Buckets (one for wash with soapy water, one for rinse with plain water)
- Wash mitt or your chosen contact wash medium
- Grit guards (for the bottom of the wash and rinse bucket)
- High-quality microfiber drying towels or access to warm forced filtered air
- Wheel cleaner and wheel cleaning mitt/brushes/tools
- All-purpose cleaner or interior cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Tire dressing
- Wax or paint sealant
- Applicator pads
- Polishing and buffing pads (if machine polishing)
- Clay bar and lubricant (for removing contaminants if claying)
- Vacuum cleaner
- Upholstery brush
- Soft bristle brushes (for vents and crevices)
- UV protectant (for interior plastics)
- Sunscreen and personal protective equipment (PPE)/clothing
- Wash the Exterior:
- Rinse the vehicle down to cool surfaces and remove loose dirt and debris.
- Carry out a prewash, either foaming or non-foaming, ensuring no chemicals dry on the vehicle’s surface.
- Use a separate wheel cleaner and brushes for the wheels and tires, working on one wheel at a time and fully rinsing before moving onto the next.
- Mix car wash soap/shampoo in one bucket and fill the other with clean water for rinsing.
- Use the wash mitt to gently glide across each of the vehicle’s exterior surfaces, starting from the top and working your way down.
- Detail the exterior in sections with frequent rinsing before moving onto the next section.
- Rinse the car thoroughly, ensuring all shampoo/soap is removed.
- Clean and Dress the Interior:
- Remove all rubbish/trash and personal items from the interior.
- Vacuum the carpets, seats, and floor mats thoroughly.
- Use soft brushes and upholstery brushes to clean vents, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Wipe down surfaces with an interior cleaner and apply UV protectant to prevent fading and cracking.
- Clean Windows and Mirrors:
- Use a glass cleaner and dedicated glass towels to clean the interior and exterior windows and mirrors. If the vehicle is hot, work quickly and methodically.
- Tire and Trim Care:
- Apply tire/trim dressing to the tires and trim to enhance their appearance and protect them from UV damage.
- Final Touches:
- Inspect your work for any spots you may have missed.
- Stand back and admire your freshly detailed vehicle!
- Consider Your Own Wellbeing:
- Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun’s rays while detailing a vehicle in the summer.
Additional Services at Charlotte Performance
At Charlotte Performance, we offer a wide range of services to enhance your vehicle’s performance and appearance, including:
- Performance car tuning
- Aftermarket performance parts
- Custom exhaust systems
- High-performance brake systems
- Engine tuning
- European car maintenance
- Sports car modifications
- Dyno testing services
- ECU remapping
- Luxury car performance upgrades
- Performance wheels and tires
- Suspension tuning
- Vehicle aerodynamics
- Track preparation services
- Performance driving courses
- Paint Protection Film (PPF)
- Audi upgrades
- Porsche upgrades
- Track support
- Window tinting
By following these tips and utilizing our professional detailing services, you can help keep your car looking its best throughout the warm summer months. Contact our expert team at Charlotte Performance in Charlotte, NC, to provide the proper care for your vehicle in any season and ensure peak performance and pristine appearance.
