Car detailing doesn’t always have to be an expensive exercise.
Some enthusiasts may spend hundreds or even thousands grooming their car.
However, there are many products out there which are fairly reasonable.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up five products which we feel detailing enthusiasts should consider putting in their kits.
1) Autoglym Super Resin Polish – $25
Every car detailing fan needs to have a good polish in his grooming kit.
The Super Resin Polish from Autoglym is relatively easy to use.
It goes on easy and only takes minimal effort to buff off.
Scratches and swirls are minimised and the resulting shine is impressive.
Just make sure you follow-up with a wax or a sealant to lock in the finish.
2) Meguiar’s Ultimate Polish – $24.50
Ultimate Polish is another easy to use product for car detailing.
When applied in thin coats, it spreads easily and in our experience, creates a very glossy finish.
However, you also need to quickly buff off any excess before it becomes streaky.
It’s best to work in small sections to ensure that excess polish is removed quickly before it sets.
3) Turtle Wax Power Out! Pet Mess Kit – $20.80
Car detailing is quite different for pet owners.
Hair, fur and dander will have to be vacuumed out.
But pet odours and stains are a strong possibility, too.
This kit from Turtle Wax is comprised of a hair lifter sponge, odour removal spray and all-surface cleaner.
It may not be enough for those whose pets are heavy shedders (dogs like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are notorious shedders!).
But it should be enough to at least get you started.
4) Auto Finesse Gloss Tyre Dressing – $23.90
Car detailing sessions aren’t complete unless you’ve paid attention to your tyres.
An easy way to get them to shine is by using a spray-on product like this from Auto Finesse.
For a more evenness, you can use a microfibre applicator to spread the product around more evenly.
Or if you’re in a rush, just spray it on and walk away.
Just ensure that you’re tyres are clean and dry prior to spraying!
5) Auto Finesse Iron Out – $23.90
Hard-core car detailing enthusiasts definitely need a product like this in their kits.
An iron-remover is critical to ensure maximum contaminant removal.
When the product reacts with iron particles, it turns purple (other products turn red).
This “bleeding” helps remove embedded iron bits from your paintwork and wheels.
Typically, areas such as lower body panels and wheels are full of iron particles.
When the body is free from contaminants, products such as polishes and waxes can better bond with your paintwork.
