Professionally detailing a vehicle can help sell it.
When selling your automobile, give serious consideration to its cleanliness at presentation time. To an individual inspecting the condition of the automobile, a dirty vehicle--inside and out--suggests that perhaps other maintenance was equally deficient. This can hurt your chances of selling the vehicle. Preventing this is easy and doesn't necessarily involve paying professionals to detail your car. You can do it yourself.
Instructions
1. Wash the automobile. Hand washing the vehicle is better than simply running it through an automatic car wash. You can use regular dishwashing detergent or purchase specialized automobile cleaning solutions from any auto parts store.
2. Vacuum the car interior. To ensure a thorough job--and to save money--use a hand vacuum with a wide assortment of attachments. For example, use a small, pointy tip to clean awkward corners and crevices.
Pull adjustable seats forward then all the way back so you can reach areas rarely seen. Vacuum out all cup holders, air conditioning vents and pockets to eliminate excess dirt. Don't forget the back dashboard where the rear speakers are located. Open the trunk, wipe all metal surfaces with a towel and vacuum any carpet.
3. Shampoo the vehicle to eliminate major stains, signs of excessive spilling of liquids, and cigarette odors. If your interior still has a grimy look, consider having the seats, rugs, and carpet steam cleaned. This helps eliminate tough stains, caked-on mud and offensive odors such as smoke and fuel. Do not forget to clean the headboard.
4. Scrub and spray tires with a tire protection product. Customers can't inspect tires that are caked with mud. Thoroughly clean the rims with a soapy rag or towel to clean any brake dust. Use pressurized water or scrub the wheel wells to knock off mud stains. With an old toothbrush or scrubber, clean the holes where the lug nuts are located. You can also spray a specialized tire cleaner, found in most auto parts stores, and let it sit for a while to soften stubborn substances.
5. Clean the door jambs. Make sure the edges of the door are spotless. Use a rag or towel to clean both sides of the door edges including the joints where the door connects with the vehicle.
6. Wipe off the dashboard and other interior surfaces. Use your toothbrush, towels, and cotton swabs to clean the dashboard, console and other spots where there is vinyl or leather. Do not forget the steering wheel and air vents. For these surfaces, most auto parts stores sell sprays to prevent cracking and peeling.
7. Wipe all windows with window cleaner. Dry windows by using old newspaper.
8. Wax and buff your automobile. It is best to use an orbital buffer for easier application. Make sure that your vehicle is cool to the touch before waxing. Moisten the applicator pad before using a buffer. Remember to wax and buff the door jams and trunk/hood lids and edges.
9. Clean the motor to remove built-up oil deposits. Purchase an engine cleaner solution from an auto parts store or go to a do-it-yourself car wash facility to clean your engine.
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