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8 Beginner Detailer Mistakes That WRECK Rides

Have you ever seen someone trying to Hulk-smash their car’s imperfections with an all-purpose cutting compound or, better yet, using a drill attachment intended for bathroom tiles on their beloved paint job? 

Whether it’s due to simple ignorance or sheer stupidity, the human race does some pretty dumb things in the name of “efficiency” or saving a buck or two.

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Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a hilarious and cringe-worthy journey through the realm of auto detailing disasters that should be avoided like a door-to-door salesperson. And, while we’re at it, we’ll throw in some pointers on how to do the job right.

Not all heroes wear capes—some carry microfiber cloths.

You’re going to want to stick around to see what the #1 mistake is!

#8) Protectant Overkill in Odd Places

Picture this: someone gleefully applying oil-rich, shine-enhancing products to every nook and cranny of their car’s interior. While it may sound like a blast, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Greasy windshields and slippery steering wheels are not the kind of adventure you signed up for.

car interior protectant

Solution: Instead of turning your car into a mobile slip ‘n’ slide, opt for Torque Detail’s Intra Kit for an interior finish that’s clean, polished, and never greasy.

#7) Skimping on Protection

Skipping the protectant is akin to entering a battlefield without armor—just not a smart strategy. Torque Detail’s Redline Shine is the knight in shining armor your car needs. Don’t take our word for it; check out the reviews at the bottom of the product page and give it a spin. Once you do, there’s no going back.

Recommendation: Arm your car with Redline Shine, and watch it become the envy of the parking lot.

#6) Skipping the Towel Treatment

Leaving your car to air dry is like expecting a perfect soufflé without following the recipe—it’s wishful thinking bound to end in a mess. Towel off your vehicle immediately after rinsing to dodge unsightly water spots and etching minerals.

Pro Tip: Invest in quality microfiber drying towels to give your car the drying treatment it deserves.

#5) Chemical Chaos

Don’t let your car taste the rainbow of intense chemicals. Wheel cleaners and degreasers might turn your car into Gotham City with undetectable chemical trails wreaking havoc weeks later. Stick to pH-balanced car shampoo; your car, and the environment, will thank you.

Solution: Check out Torque Detail’s Purple Destroyer for those wheels and Foam Bomb for the best pH-balanced car wash shampoo on the market.

#4) Clueless Claying Habits

Clay bars are fantastic, but forgetting the clay lube is like skipping socks before shoes—it’s just not right. And, using any old lubricant might cause more harm than good. Clay-bar lube is the essential buffer that safeguards your car’s paint from the abrasive dance with the contaminants you’re trying to remove.

Recommendation: For a foolproof way to get the job done, check out Torque Detail’s Full Decon Kit. It has everything you need to give your ride the full clay bar treatment.

Glowing Radiant Shine With Deep Depth

Get 2+ Years of Protection With This Scratch & Chemical Resistant Coating

★★★★★ 

6k+ Verified Customer Reviews

Redline Shine is a 7H hardness polysiloxane ceramic coating that protects your vehicle from grime, contaminants & chemicals. You’ll get up to 2 years of protection even in the harshest conditions.

#3) Mixing Detailing Potions

Mixing chemicals in your car detailing routine is like conducting a risky experiment without a safety net. Your car’s surfaces may suffer unintended consequences, including paint damage and discoloration. 

Moreover, mishandling chemicals poses health risks such as skin irritation and respiratory issues. Stick to a single, well-formulated product from Torque Detail for both the safety of your car and your well-being.

don't mix cleaning products

Note: No tips here, just don’t do it, okay?

#2) Power Polishing Overkill

Imagine someone going full-throttle with an all-purpose cutting compound like they’re in a high-octane action scene. Spoiler alert: This is a bad idea. Aggressive compounds can wreak havoc on your clear coat or even the paint and primer. Let’s stick with the gentle stuff, shall we?

Proactive Approach: Save your paint (and your strength) by using Torque Detail’s Redline Shine, the best ceramic sealer on the block. Try it out, and you can thank us later.

#1) Gear-Grabbing Gaffes

When it comes to detailing your car, your choice of tools matters. Steel wool, kitchen scouring pads, and magic erasers may be kitchen heroes, but in the world of car detailing, they are the villains.

aggressive scrub tools

Steel wool, known for its power in the kitchen, is far too aggressive for delicate automotive surfaces. It can easily scratch paint, damage clear coats, and ruin the overall appearance of your car. On the same note, kitchen scouring pads, while effective on stubborn pots and pans, have no place on your vehicle’s exterior. They can cause micro-scratches and compromise the integrity of your paint.

Magic erasers, touted for their cleaning magic on household surfaces, are not a wizard’s wand for your car. These erasers also work by abrasion, which means they’ll wear down your clear coat and leave your paint vulnerable to damage.

Essential Kit: Get the full Decon Wash Kit with the wash mitt of your dreams included, and follow up the wash with the Gentle Glide Drying Towel for a flawless drying experience.

The Moral of the Story

In the grand spectacle of auto detailing, where missteps can lead to cringe-worthy outcomes, the importance of steering clear of these detailing disasters cannot be overstated. Your car is a prized hero and deserves meticulous care and attention. 

Glowing Radiant Shine With Deep Depth

Get 2+ Years of Protection With This Scratch & Chemical Resistant Coating

★★★★★ 

6k+ Verified Customer Reviews

Redline Shine is a 7H hardness polysiloxane ceramic coating that protects your vehicle from grime, contaminants & chemicals. You’ll get up to 2 years of protection even in the harshest conditions.

By avoiding these ridiculous and risky fads, you’re not just safeguarding your vehicle; you’re ensuring it maintains its gleam and grandeur for miles to come.

So, let this serve as a rallying call to embrace wise detailing practices. Bid farewell to protectant overkill, chemical chaos, and power polishing overkill. Instead, arm yourself with Torque Detail’s arsenal of specialized products designed to elevate your detailing game.

As you embark on your next detailing adventure, remember that the road to a pristine finish is paved with wise choices. Say goodbye to the days of slip ‘n’ slide steering wheels and chemical-induced chaos. Opt for the simplicity and effectiveness of Torque Detail’s solutions, and revel in the satisfaction of a job well done.

Happy detailing, and may your car always shine brighter than your neighbor’s!

  • Published on Dec 06, 2023