At Pal Automotive Specialties, we know the difference between a good detail and a great detail lies in the small decisions you make throughout the process. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, keeping these Do’s and Don’ts in mind can save you time, money, and even paintwork!
DO: Use the Right Products for the Right Surface
Always choose the right product for the material you're working with. For example:
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Use Matte Mist on interior plastics and trims for a clean, OEM matte finish with UV protection to prevent further fading.
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Apply Wheel-Eze a Non-Acid, Alkali base formula on wheels to safely remove brake dust without harsh acids.
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Reach for SUDZ-Pro as your go-to PH Balanced shampoo. This will ensure safe cleaning without the risk of stripping any forms of protectants you have on the exterior.
DON’T: Use Household Cleaners on Automotive Surfaces
Harsh chemicals like glass cleaner with ammonia or all-purpose cleaners from under the sink can strip protectants, discolor plastics, or damage tints and upholstery.
✅ DO: Wash Top to Bottom
Always start from the roof and work your way down to prevent dragging dirt and debris back up over cleaner panels.
Use Sudz-Pro for a luxurious, PH-balanced lather that gently lifts dirt without dulling your finish. Use one layers as a contact-less wash
Work the soap in sections rinsing off your wash mitt between panels, ensures safe contact with your paint by removing dirt and debris from the mitt before it goes back onto the surface for another round of contact agitation.
🛑 DON’T: Wash in Direct Sunlight
Water spots, streaks and the sun go hand in hand. Try to wash in a shaded area or early morning/late afternoon to give your products time to work without drying too quickly.
✅ DO: Use Clean Microfiber Towels
Always use fresh, clean microfiber towels to avoid scratches and streaks. Dirty or contaminated towels are one of the top causes of micro-marring.
🛑 DON’T: Reuse the Same Towel on Multiple Surfaces
For example, don’t wipe your paint and then your wheels with the same towel. Have dedicated towels for glass, paint, wheels, and interiors, this will help prevent cross contamination of chemical products and/or reduce marring and micro-scratching.
✅ DO: Decontaminate Before You Polish or Seal
Using Iron-Pro to remove embedded iron particles and Citra-Kleen for a safe all-purpose clean can make a big difference before applying wax or sealant.
For a more manual option use a clay bar on the entire surface of the vehicle including glass. This may be a tedious task but the results are well worth the effort.
🛑 DON’T: Skip Surface Prep
Sealing dirt, grime, or bonded contaminants under a protectant defeats the purpose and can affect the performance of your product.
✅ DO: Protect All Surfaces After Cleaning
Once your vehicle is cleaned, don't forget to add protection. Use Bead-Pro for a hydrophobic boost adding a layer of protection to your freshly cleaned surface or Glass-EZE for a streak-free, tint-safe clean.
🛑 DON’T: Leave Surfaces Unprotected
Unprotected paint, trim, or wheels are exposed to the elements and degrade faster over time.
Auto detailing is as much about the process as it is about the products. With the right tools, techniques, and a little help from Pal’s in-house lineup, you can achieve professional results every time.
Whether you're building your own beginner’s kit or restocking the pro shelf, Pal Automotive Specialties has everything you need to detail smarter — not harder.
Need help choosing the right products?
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