How to Achieve a Showroom Shine: Essential Steps to Make Your Car Gleam Before Selling

How to Get Your Car Gleaming in the Sunshine

Chances are, if you’ve been caught up in the excitement for March’s new registration plates, you’ve discovered that the ‘next-day-delivery’ culture we’re used to doesn’t apply to cars, as a rule.

Many models have long wait times, especially if you want a specific color and trim or add extra equipment. However, that little cloud of disappointment has a silver lining.

You might have been ready to hand your PCP car or trade-in back during those early snowstorms, caked-on salt and all – but if you want to know ‘how much is my car worth’ when it looks its best, April, May and June are the perfect months to get busy with the bucket and sponge.

Most car-buying websites such as Motorway tend to assume the car is presentable, but if you want to get the most for your car you can always try a private sale.

In these cases, less than £100 and a sunny day spent prepping and cleaning your car could make the difference between offers that are thousands less and no clicks on the ad, and a quick sale for your asking price.

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Washing Your Car

Choose a day when it’s not too hot, and start with some snow foam. Many different types are available, but for a quick and simple solution Demon Shine can be bought online or in most car parts shops such as Halfords, straight pipe, and it’s got all you need including a hose-attached snow-foam dispenser.

It’s at the cheaper end of the market and it works really well if you don’t have a pressure washer, or even, particularly high-water pressure. Soak the car, let the foam sit, and then rinse with clean water.

Don’t try scrubbing, just let it soften the muck; you can get the stubborn bits later. The aim is to move all the gritty, scratchy pieces away without pressing them into wash mitts or paintwork.

If your car has lived outside over winter, take time to open the bonnet and clean the leaves out as well, lift your wipers clear of the windscreen and carefully wipe them (have you replaced your wiper blades this year?), and just get the foam into the gaps where dirt may restrict water from draining away.

When it’s time to shampoo, a bucket with a grit catcher in the bottom is a great investment. Start at the top, and work your way down; if you have a particularly grubby car we’d have a second mitt or sponge for doing the sills, the bottom of the doors, and bumper/wheel arch edges.

You may find it easier to do a panel at a time but always rinse the mitt thoroughly if you’ve gone near the lower edges of the car.

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Polishing to Perfection

All that effort was just to get the car clean – now you want it to gleam! If you’re not normally out every Sunday on the driveway with a hose and line of buckets (or, more realistically always in the queue for the local car wash) you can pick up complete car polishing kits of varying cost and perceived quality.

Top tips for a good finish begin with properly drying the car. You can use microfibre, chamois or even a large air blower, but don’t just let it air dry particularly if you have hard water. What you want to avoid is suddenly pulling a pool of water out from behind a headlight or piece of trim.

Wax the panels in shade on a warm day, and avoid getting the wax on black plastic trim or rubber screen surrounds. You can wipe it off but it may leave marks.

A coat of sealer will keep the shine bright for longer, but if you find the paint feels rough after you’ve washed the car you’ll get better results by starting with a clay bar, then polishing, then sealing.

Wax isn’t really a polish in the sense of, say, T-Cut or similar; you don’t want to abrade the paint or clear coat, you want to apply a layer of extra clear reflective surface, then polish that to a shine. Extra coats rarely do harm and can last longer, but are lots of effort if all you want to do is sell your car.

Once polished, clean the glass and wheels, get it to a nice location and take plenty of photos – copy what you see in reviews and proper advertising, not the Facebook ads with thumbs over the numberplate, and your car will stand out to the right buyers.

For a popular model, you’ll be surprised at how happy buyers are to get a genuine, clean privately-owned example for the sort of valuation the trade would give – and you’ll have more cash for your new car’s deposit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Wash My Car to Keep It Looking Its Best?

Aim to wash your car every 1-2 weeks, especially if you drive frequently or if your car is exposed to harsh weather conditions. Regular washing helps prevent dirt buildup and maintains the car’s appearance.

Can I Use Dish Soap to Wash My Car?

It’s not recommended to use dish soap as it can strip away the protective wax and damage your car’s paint. Instead, use a car-specific shampoo that’s designed to clean effectively without harming the finish.

What Is Snow Foam, and Why Is It Important?

Snow foam is a pre-wash product that helps loosen and lift dirt and grime from your car’s surface before you start scrubbing. It’s important because it reduces the risk of scratching the paint by removing loose debris.

Do I Need to Use a Grit Guard in My Wash Bucket?

Yes, a grit guard helps trap dirt and debris at the bottom of the bucket, reducing the chance of scratching the paint when you rinse your wash mitt.

What Type of Cloth Is Best for Drying My Car?

Microfiber cloths or chamois leather are ideal for drying your car. They are highly absorbent and less likely to scratch the paint compared to regular towels.

How Often Should I Polish and Wax My Car?

Polishing can be done every 3-6 months, depending on your car’s condition. Waxing can be done more frequently, about every 1-2 months, to maintain a protective layer and enhance the shine.

What Should I Do If I Notice a Rough Texture on My Car’s Paint After Washing?

If your paint feels rough, it’s a sign that contaminants are still on the surface. Use a clay bar to remove these contaminants before polishing and waxing to achieve a smooth finish.

How Can I Avoid Getting Wax on Plastic Trims and Rubber Seals?

Apply wax carefully and avoid overlapping onto plastic trims and rubber seals. If wax does get on these areas, clean it off promptly to prevent any marks or discoloration.

What Are the Best Practices for Photographing My Car for a Sale?

Take photos in a well-lit area, preferably during the golden hours of morning or late afternoon. Make sure to capture the car from various angles, including close-ups of any notable features or imperfections. Avoid distractions like personal items or clutter in the background.

Is It Worth Investing in a Professional Detailing Service Before Selling My Car?

A professional detailing service can significantly enhance your car’s appearance and potentially increase its resale value. However, if you have the time and tools, doing it yourself can also yield excellent results.