4 Common Car Detailing Myths You Should Know

Whether it’s at a dealership or in someone’s private garage, car detailing is an important step to keeping a car fresh, tidy, and clean. As with anything, there are some persistent myths about car detailing that many people believe can actually cause further damage to a car’s exterior. Here are four common car detailing myths you should know to keep your car spotless.

Shiny Means Clean

Wrong! A shiny car doesn’t mean that it’s a clean car. In fact, don’t let a beautiful, shiny exterior fool you. Cleaning a car is important for removing dirt, dust, grime, and other filth. Making a car shiny does not inherently remove these issues, hence why properly cleaning a car is more important. That’s not to say you should use any soap or detergent to clean it. In fact, many people believe you can use dish soap or any basic cleaning detergent to get the job done. Just because a soap produces suds doesn’t mean it will effectively clean your vehicle. Use the right car-cleaning fluids to tackle that filthy exterior.

Clean It Any Time

Another pervasive detailing myth is that you can clean your car at any time. While it’s not a great idea to wait until your car is noticeably filthy before cleaning it, it’s also not a great idea to overclean it. Mainly, avoid cleaning it right after use or doing so directly in sunlight. Engine heat or sunlight can cause spotting. Wash your car in a cool, dry area using the correct cleaning fluids and a microfiber cloth. You’ll avoid scratching your paint and you won’t see unwanted dry spots.

Wax and Polish Are the Same

Again, wrong! Too many car owners believe car wax and car polish are synonymous. In actuality, there’s a noticeable difference between the two. Waxing a car protects the finish. It does not polish but instead gives the exterior a protective layer. Alternatively, car polish helps remove minor scratches and spots. Polish leaves the car shiny and new whereas wax can leave a matte finish.

Paint is Permanent

The final common car detailing myth you should know is that paint is permanent. Like all the other entries in this list, get this myth out of your head. Car paint lasts as long as you protect it. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Depending on where you take your vehicle, scratches, dents, dirt, and grime can mess up a vehicle’s paint. Car paint, even as a base layer, is never permanent. Fortunately, there are ways to further protect your car’s exterior and keep it tidy. At TouchUp Direct we carry the best auto body touch up paint for any vehicle, from large pickup trucks to small sedans. With many different applicators and paint codes to choose from, you’ll find the right product to give your car the finishing touches it needs to look like a hot new vehicle.