Car Cleaning Tricks and Tips
 

Spring is here and we all like to drive clean cars, inside and out. Post questions, tips, and tricks here!

Main reason I started this thread is becaue the bugs have started to get bad. Does anyone use a product on the windshield/front end/grill/mirrors that help keep the bugs from sticking? And tricks for getting them off?

I have a big 2500 pickup that is like driving a wall which catches everything.

No but my driveway is under a huge old oak tree and it drips sap on my car.
We don't have basements, so my garage is full of stuff.

I always use rain-x on my glass.

I keep the rest of the car sealed and waxed, and in between waxings I use detailer spray. The bugs come off quite easily, usually with just water.

I used to use Meguiar's Gold Class detailer, but I've moved on to this stuff, which is freaking awesome (and cheaper too):

Aero WashWax All
https://www.amazon.com/Waterless-Air...o+wash+wax+all
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Sap sucks. I waited for a hot day, wiped off what I could, then used rubbing alcohol to clean the residue.

I don't know how you guys deal with that. Every summer I drive from CO to MO to see my family and the front of my Jeep ends up plastered with them. It's like trying to get glue off.

I don't have a basement either. Clean out the garage and don't be a hoarder.
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See above. If you keep the surface coated with wax and sealant, the bug (or dirt or whatever) won't bond to the paint and they come off easily. It also helps to wash the car often to keep the bugs from baking on and really bonding.
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Step 1: Take to car wash

I had a friend that used brake and carb cleaner on his wheels. LMAO


DO NOT DO THIS

Do you wash your car, but it still doesn't look quite like it did when it was new and you can't figure out what exactly it is?

You probably need to clean your wheelwells. That makes a BIG difference in how the car looks. Clean them out with soap and water, and then spray some tire shine up in there. They'll take on a new looking black sheen and it will majorly improve the look of your vehicle.
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Heh, you'll eat your clearcoat.

Protip: Wax your wheels and keep them waxed and cleaned off with detailer. There is special wheel wax that stands up to the heat and road chemicals better than normal wax. If you keep them waxed, you can just wipe off the wheels with a microfiber cloth and a bit of detailer spray.
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Also, wipe down the inside part of the doors that aren't visible when closed. A lot of dust and dirt get up there and ruin the appearance.

OH YA BUT DAT CLEAR COAT DONCHA KNOW

Yes, great tip. A simple damp cloth works well for that. No special cleaners are needed. You can also do that space around the edge of the trunk and around the edge of the hood.

Lastly, don't forget to clean inside the gas door. If you don't clean it, water will get in there and drip out dirty water, leaving little dirt streaks running down the side of the car.