12. Tire Dressing
It's time to dress your tires. This is where personal preference comes in. If you like very shiny tires, then apply your dressing and walk away, but if you like a satin finish, come back and wipe off the excess with a rag. Eagle One's new Tire Detailer has the applicator right on the bottle and let us apply the gel without getting any of it on the rim.
Tech Tip
Quick Reference to a Great Shine
Washing
* Never use dish soap
* Wash from the top down
* Wash and rinse one section at a time
* Use a bucket with a grate at the bottom
* Wash at least once a week
* Hand-washing at home is always best, because you can control all variables
* Detailing spray is not meant to replace washing but works well for in between cleanings
Cleaning/Prep
* May be skipped if your finish is in good shape
* Clay your truck first before using a liquid cleaner
* Work one section at a time (wipe on, wipe off)
* Use a microfiber towel to remove product
* Do this step on an as-needed basis
Waxing
* Apply in a circular overlapping motion
* Use the finger test to determine correct setup time
* For a daily driver, wax 3 to 4 times a year
Wheels
* Know what kind of wheels you have (polished, clearcoated, anodized, and so on) before you choose a wheel cleaner for it
* If unsure, soap and water is safe for all wheels
* If using a wheel cleaner, let the wheels cool first
* Spray cleaner from the bottom to the top
* Use a soft nylon brush for any scrubbing
* Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots
Tires
* Scrub with vinyl/rubber cleaner before applying protectant to remove old dressing
* Use a foam applicator to apply product evenly onto sidewall
Interior
* Use products designed for specific interior surfaces (leather, vinyl, and plastic)-DO NOT CROSS APPLY
* Use detailing wipes for a quick dusting
* Small brushes and compressed air are perfect for the small areas
Know Your Towels
It's a good idea to write where you plan on using the towels with a pen. That way you won't inadvertently wipe your paint with the towel you used on the wheels.
The Final Word
Now that you know the basics of detailing, like someone with OCD, go out to your truck and get to rubbing. Next month, we are going to show you some more advanced cleaning tips like how to get a scratch out of glass, so you don't want to miss it.