CHAPTER 107: HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR DETAIL
Just so we’re on the same page, what we are calling a “detail” in this beginner series is properly cleaning and protecting your car. (Not correcting) Adding reflex, skin, and crème to the paint, and gelee to the rims is what we’ll call a detail. But since you’re not doing that every week, how do we maintain it in between these details?
01 | DETERMINE HOW DIRTY YOUR CAR IS.
Does your car need to be fully washed with soap, water, buckets, etc.... or is your car dusty? The best way to determine whether to wash or perform the Hydrate Method is to notice if the contaminants are easily removed by or from the water pressure (from a hose or pressure washer). If the water is pushing the dust away, then quickly perform the Hydrate method. If the mud and dirt are still visible after the heavy rinse, then you will need to perform a full wash.
02 | HYDRATE TRICK.
For someone who washes his or her car at least once a week, if not more, the AMMO HYDRATE trick is a game changer. Instead of breaking-out all your wash mitts, soaps, and buckets, all you need to do is heavily rinse down the dusty paint and dry it with Hydrate and a damp microfiber towel (as you would during a regular detail wash). During the wipe, rotate the towel so that as your wiping, you are rolling the towel back so the leading edge is not building up too much dust as once. You may use more MF towels with this technique as they become full of contaminants, but its considerably quicker and makes the paint look 10x better than spray wax alone, and it’s safe because you added a lubricant to remove the dust. Using just spray wax with no rinse water first is not as safe as a paint lubricant (Hydrate). Likewise, using spray for the entire car would deplete your detailing inventory very quickly with inferior results to the Hydrate Method.
03 | CLEAN WHEELS IF NEEDED.
Now, if you were really driving hard in a short period of time and the paint is only dusty, yet your wheels are gross, then simply add in your wheel cleaning process before you use the rinse and Hydrate trick.
04 | SPIT AND LATHER IN ARM REST.
Always keep your AMMO SPIT and AMMO LATHER in the vehicle at all times for on-the-go emergencies to your paint (bird poo) or interior (coffee spills, etc.) along with a MF towel. Having these formulas handy can prevent a stain from setting in and save your paint from a permanent etching.
05 | SEAT COVERS.
Leaving spare seat covers in the car can be a life-saver if you unexpectedly get dirty before you get in the car, or when you need to drop your car off for service.
06 | TAP YOUR FEET.
Get in the habit of always tapping your feet before you get into the car. This easy technique will keep your floor clean and you feeling good every time you get in.