Let’s face it: our cars deserve some occasional pampering too. They chauffeur us around at all hours and brave all kinds of weather conditions for us. Over time, our beloved vehicles can get worn and tired. Using a few auto care products occasionally can help to make our cars look and feel brand new again. 

While many of us are familiar with these car care products, a lot of us don’t know how to use them or what the difference is between them. How do you apply wax to a car? And what is the difference between a polish and a glaze? This post answers those questions by exploring 7 of the most popular products every car spa kit needs. 

Shampoo

No, we’re not talking about the same shampoo you use on your head. Car shampoo is a specialist soap designed for cleaning the bodywork of a car. Many people don’t realise that using regular soaps on a car can strip your car’s protective layer. Car shampoos are formulated to remove tough dirt and grime while being gentle on your paintwork. 

There are a few different types of car shampoos to choose from including heavy duty options for stubborn dirt, eco-friendly shampoos for green drivers and PH balanced shampoos for wax-treated or ceramic coated vehicles. Next time you treat your car to a soak, consider one of these shampoos.

Polish

A polish is the perfect remedy for getting rid of those pesky imperfections on your car’s bodywork – such as swirls, light scratches and other blemishes that seem to appear overnight. This product uses abrasive oils to smooth out the surface of your car. It’s like an exfoliant cream for your car’s skin.

Polishing is best done after cleaning your vehicle – use a cloth or foam pad, and apply the polish to your car in a gentle circular ‘buffing’ motion. Be careful not to polish your car too often as it will wear down the paintwork. 

Wax

Car wax is one of the most favored car detailing products. It helps provide a protective layer against bird droppings, UV rays and dirt. It also gives your car an eye-catching sheen. 

Wax is best applied after polishing your car. You should apply it in a similarly gentle motion, making sure that it is evenly applied. There is a variety of different car waxes available on the market made from different materials such as beeswax, carnauba and polymers. It’s up to you as to which wax you choose!

Glaze

While wax can give your car the wow factor, glaze can take this glamor to the next level. Think of it as the icing on the cake – it doesn’t just seal your car’s bodywork, but also enhances the paint’s depth and shine. It fills in all the tiny imperfections to make your car look as if it’s rolled straight out of the factory.

How do you apply glaze to a car? You will need a foam applicator pad and will then only need to apply 2 to 3 pea-sized drops of glaze to the pad before working it into your car’s bodywork. Some glazes are designed to provide a deep wet look, while others are simply designed to enhance the color. 

Wheel cleaner

When it comes to cleaning those rims, you may want to avoid using car shampoo and instead use a specialist wheel cleaner. Regular car shampoos can sometimes be too acidic to use on wheels (especially alloys). Wheel cleaners are PH-balanced and will remove dirt without causing any damage. 

This product is typically easy to spray on and easy to use. There are a few different wheel cleaners you can choose from, including specialist wheel cleaners for chrome wheels and painted wheels. 

Bug remover

Does the front of your vehicle look like it’s been in a bug battle? Yikes! Cleaning these critters off your car’s bodywork isn’t always easy, however a bug remover product can help loosen them up.

It’s worth shopping for a reputable bug remover – you want a product that’s strong, but not not strong enough to damage your bodywork. 

Leather conditioner

Finally, let’s discuss the interior of your vehicle. Leather seats can crack and fade over time. After cleaning your seats, consider using a leather conditioner to help reduce wear. This will keep the inside of your vehicle looking new, while also making it smell great.

You can explore a range of different leather conditioners online. There are also products that you can buy for cleaning and preserving other fabrics. Take your time to find one that is right for your car’s upholstery.