What Items Do You Need in Car Detailing Kits?

Are you shopping for a car detailing kit? These kits contain the essentials for vehicle detailing, such as car shampoo, wheel cleaners, glass cleaners, interior cleaners, foam guns, spray wax, tire shine, car tire brushes, microfiber towels, wax applicators, etc. 

Some auto detailing kits contain products used only for cleaning the exterior, whereas others contain items for interior detailing. There are kits that perform both functions. Have a look at the most common items found in car detailing kits.

What Items Do You Need in Car Detailing Kits?

Bucket

A bucket is an essential element for washing an automobile. It’s an important container you need to have handy between washes. Having two buckets is actually better than having a single one. The first one should be used for storing soapy water, while the second one for rinsing the washing mitt. There is no need for the buckets to be fancy, as their only job is to hold water properly. See this page for more information on washing a car by hand. 

Car shampoo

The most important item to look for in a car detailing kit is shampoo. By using this product, you provide the basis for the use of other products afterward. Car shampoos of fine quality are supposed to lubricate paint surfaces for dirt to be removed safely and no damage to be induced to the clear coat. 

Furthermore, these shampoos need to be gentle on all surfaces, including glass, plastic, rubber, and paint. Their role is to make autos pristine prior to applying waxing protection, clay bar, or polish paint. It’s of vital importance for vehicle owners to refrain from using dish soap, as this product isn’t designed for cleaning auto exteriors. Follow the instructions to use the right amount of shampoo, which is usually one or two cups per bucket. 

Wax

Wax is another indispensable item in car detailing kits, whose role is to provide high-gloss shine to your vehicle’s exterior. Car wax can be made from natural substances like beeswax, natural oils, and carnauba wax. Conversely, synthetic variants are usually made of complex polymers. The best method to spread the wax is by using a foam applicator, which comes with the kit. 

 

Regular car waxing is a must owing to its role in preserving the clear coat, which is the layer on top of the car’s paint. This layer enables paint protection from corrosive elements, such as rain, snow, tree sap, ultraviolet rays, street salt, etc. This link, https://www.timesnownews.com/auto/features/article/how-to-protect-your-car-from-harmful-ultra-violet-rays-during-lock-down/591755, offers useful tips for protecting your auto from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Some kits contain a sealant, whose function is similar to that of wax in protecting the paintwork from stains and dirt. Certain sealants last even longer than waxes while offering better protection. Nevertheless, these products could never provide an identical high-gloss finish. 

Grit guard

Another handy tool found in car detailing kits is the grit guard. It refers to a small plastic screen that’s placed in the soap bucket. Individuals should scrub their sponge against the plastic to eliminate the grit, which is likely to scratch their autos the next time when using a sponge to wash them. Some bucket models are equipped with a built-in grit guard. Others can be added to buckets later. 

Wheel cleaner

An indispensable item of every car detailing kit should be a wheel cleaner. Wheels are unquestionably the filthiest parts of every automobile, as they are covered in dirt and stains from pollen and oil. The most common forms in which wheel cleaners are found are sprays and foams, designed for easier application. 

In addition, a wheel brush would be nice to be included in the kit, given the difference it makes in the cleanliness of wheels. There is a variety of car detail kits used for different purposes. By using a wheel brush, dirt and dust will be removed from the places that are the hardest to reach. It’s an indispensable tool that provides autos with a nice and clean look. 

Wheel cleaners should be applied on cool, dry wheels and sit for 2-5 minutes before cleaning the surface with a wash mitt. Never spray them on hot or warm wheels. These cleaners are pH balanced and non-acid. They change color when coming in contact with brake dust. 

Clay bar

Clay bars are used in the removal of particle buildup, which couldn’t be removed even through a detailed wash. This compound allows auto owners to clean their bodywork deeply and leave it entirely spotless. Using such a bar requires knowing a particular technique. Therefore, most car detailing kits provide detailed instructions on how to use clay bars, particularly when combined with other products. 

Glass cleaner

Another item to look for in car detailing kits is a glass cleaner, which is helpful for cleaning the interior and exterior windows of your automobile. While window cleaning wipes are effective in window cleaning, anti-glare window cleaners are particularly designed for auto windows. Besides such cleaners, individuals can take advantage of window treatments, which are added after washing them. These treatments help water to roll off the surface along with road grime. 

Interior cleaning items

Car detailing kits include different products for interior cleaning. Interior cleaners can include leather and vinyl protectants, odor removal products, upholstery cleaners, and different wipes for reaching all crevices. These cleaners not only eliminate dirt but leave the surfaces shiny as well.

Washing and drying accessories

Washing and drying accessories include mitts, soft brushes, sponges, drying towels, microfiber towels, and wax applicator pads. Wash mitts are generally made with lamb’s wool that doesn’t scratch or damage the surface of the automobile. These can be made with synthetic and microfiber, which is far more durable than lamb’s wool. 

Sponges and brushes are used for interior cleaning and cleaning bumpers, fenders, and wheels. The largest number of kits comes with several microfiber towels, as these require frequent replacement. 

Final thoughts

Make sure the detailing kit you purchase serves the intended purpose. Not all car detailing kits contain the same products!