The showroom
Drag to walk around the car. Tap a light to see how to care for it.
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Wheel cleaner breaks down the brake dust that car soap leaves behind. Work on cool wheels, and never leave it on longer than the label says.
Glass cleaner cuts the film that causes streaks and night glare. Choose one that is ammonia-free and labeled safe for tint.
Wash first, clay if the paint feels rough, then polish and protect. Polishing levels the clear coat a tiny amount, so it is the riskiest step and the one most worth handing to a pro.
Most swirl marks start during washing. Two buckets, a soft mitt and proper car soap keep grit off the paint.
Wash chrome with the rest of the car, then use a polish made for chrome on a soft towel. Keep it off the surrounding paint.
Yellowed plastic lenses cost you light at night. A restoration kit helps, but restored lenses may not match new ones, so replace them if they stay cloudy.
Mist your towel, never the dash, so nothing runs into switches or vents. Keep dressings off airbag covers, and skip greasy products that add glare.
Gauge lenses scratch easily. Use a soft cloth dampened only with water, and never spray glass or plastic cleaner on them.
This is the surface your hands touch most. Use a light wipe, and skip greasy dressings, which leave it slick.
Dampen your cloth, not the seat, and keep cleaner off the seat sides, where many cars have airbags. Check your owner's manual before using conditioner.
Vacuum first, then use as little liquid as you can. Damp carpet takes a long time to dry, and that is how musty smells begin.
Door panels mix materials, so use a gentle interior cleaner on a towel and a soft brush around the handles and switches.