[8695Beaters]

Car washes actually damage your paint. Never take your car there if you value it.

It's pretty simple, first off buy a new bucket, a car sponge, and some car soap (make sure it is specifically for cars. Some people use dish soap and that will scratch the paint). Take a magic marker and write "Car Only" on the bucket, so you don't put dirt or anything corrosive in it. Then fill it up with some warm water and add some soap. Rinse the car with a hose, wash it, and hose it off again. If you are really detail oriented, you would have a second bucket to rinse the sponge in before soaping it back up again.

Every 6 months or so, you should also wax the car. There are lots of waxes out there that can make just about any car in the world look good. If you can go for broke, by caranuba wax. I have used it and I must say it really does the trick. It actually made my 20 year old Integra shine again. It's expensive, but it will go a long way. You will also need an applicator pad (some wax kits will come with one) and a clean shop towel. Add the wax with the applicator, and wipe it off a minute later with the towel. Don't let it sit too long though.

If you have a white car, you can use baking soda to remove old tars and any other organic stains that are stuck on (my Integra had leaf spots from leaves sitting on the car and the color seeping into the paint. Even after 8 years on the paint, some baking soda wiped it all off). Don't try this on a car that isn't white, since it may fade the color. One day I will try this on my current Integra, because the paint on it is sacrificial.

That's about the bare necessities. You can buy a buffer, but that's only if you want a show car shine. There's also dozens of other car cleaners you can buy, but most of them are unnecessary. I would also invest in some vinyl/plastic cleaner, tire cleaner (sometimes the plastic cleaner will work too) and a metal/chrome shiner. You can use the chrome shiner on your exhaust tip and the logos of you car. It will also work on antennas ot any other metal parts you have on your car that are exposed. I wouldn't use it one engine parts though, since it may burn off (the muffler tip is cool enough not to burn, I've used it there). Oh and make sure the plastic cleaner is low gloss, or you won't be able to see out the window from the glare. And make sure you use some glass cleaner on the inside of the windows. I use a squegee before a paper towel. After vacuuming, you are ready for the car show.