How to Keep Your Car Looking Great for Longer

Achieving the perfect detail is what fuels our passion and drives the creation of new products, as well as the ongoing refinement of our current range. But what are the absolute essentials for maintaining that fresh, polished look for longer? Check out some of our top hints, tips, and tricks below to keep your car in pristine condition:

Stage 1 - WASH

The wash stage is crucial—probably the most important step in maintaining your car’s finish. It's during the contact wash that you're most likely to introduce swirl marks into the paint, something you definitely want to avoid unless you're prepared to machine polish every few months. Thoroughness is key, but that doesn’t mean using excessive force. Instead, focus on using quality products. And don’t forget, washing your car regularly is just as important for keeping it in top condition.

We’ve all skipped a wash here and there when the weather’s bad or we just don’t feel like it, and missing the occasional week is no big deal. However, the longer you leave dirt on your car, the more likely it is that some areas will accumulate heavy grime that requires stronger products to clean. At that point, a good polish may be necessary to cut through stubborn stains or soot buildup, especially around the rear of the vehicle.

Stage 2 - DRY

Detailing sprays are perfect for maintaining that hard-earned shine. During the drying process, try using a quick detailer to help dry the car. While it might seem counterintuitive to use a wet product for drying, it actually enhances the finish and gives you a smoother result.

Stage 3 - WAX

It's essential to keep your wax and protection layers, such as sealants, topped up. Auto Finesse's top dog, James, recommends waxing his car every two months. “I don’t want the protection to wear off completely before I reapply,” he explains, “because then I’d have to start over with the entire detailing process, including the decontamination stage.” Auto Finesse waxes are designed to protect against the elements, so neglecting to reapply them within their recommended durability period undermines your hard work. Two layers every two months should suffice and will also make subsequent washes and detailing easier.

While one layer of wax or sealant provides adequate protection, applying two layers ensures an even coat across the entire vehicle. When applying wax, remember to wait at least three hours between layers to allow the first layer to cure properly. This time may be slightly reduced in warmer conditions, but it’s safest to wait the full duration. Additionally, avoid waxing any vehicle when temperatures are below 6 degrees Celsius or above 35 degrees Celsius.

Our final tip is to apply two layers of tire dressing. The first layer serves as a protective barrier, while the second layer acts as a finishing touch for added shine.

It’s also crucial to remember that even if you’ve purchased a new car, it’s not flawless. You can’t expect it to remain looking pristine for months without regular washing. New cars require attention right from the start to establish a solid foundation for protection. Typically, this involves a machine polish. While it may seem excessive to machine polish a new vehicle, many cars sit in large factory parking lots or storage before they’re picked up. Additionally, with a significant number of cars being transported by train—especially in Europe—rail dust contamination is a common issue.