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Tip #6: Avoid scratches -- soft surfaces only.
Scratches are the enemy of a paint job. Not only are they unsightly, they allow contaminants to get under their surface, further eroding an area until paint eventually fails. Big scratches are obvious -- but even tiny scratches are dangerous. Use the softest possible materials when you detail your SUV. Never use scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper to remove dirt from paint. Soft terrycloth is great. Many professional detailers have migrated to microfiber, a synthetic material that is highly absorbent, very soft, and very consistent.
Tip #7: Flip that rag.
A good detail job can be wasted through false economy. Don't try to make that rag or towel go farther by using it over and over. You won't see a good professional detailer passing a dirty rag over a clean surface. Flip your rag over frequently, and use a clean surface to dry, wipe and polish with. When a rag's clean surfaces are used up, flip it aside and pick up a fresh one. Otherwise you're just moving contaminants and dirt from one part of your SUV to another.
Tip #8: Less is more.
One clear sign of a bad detail job comes a week later. The formerly glistening dashboard now looks gluey, and is sticky to the touch. Somebody forgot Tip #8: Less is more. Using too much vinyl dressing, like Armorall (http://www.armorall.com), is worse than using none at all. Vinyl, leather and rubber can only absorb so much dressing before they become saturated, and additional dressing sits on the surface. For the first day or so, it looks great, with that wet look we all admire. But then the surface dressing attracts dust and dirt, mixing together to become a sticky mess. Use dressing sparingly, and dust surfaces regularly with a soft cloth or static brush.
Tip #9: Use quality, automotive formulas.
It's time to detail the SUV. Should you grab some dish soap, a little Lemon Pledge and a spray bottle of Fantastic, and head out to the driveway? Absolutely not. Automotive surfaces require specially-formulated cleaners, polishes and waxes to achieve the longest life and best looks. Look in the pro detailer's kit, and you'll see pro-level sprays, liquids and solids. Luckily, pro-quality formulas abound at your local auto parts store and on the web. Several manufacturers sell full line professional interior and exterior systems to the public, like Meguiars and Mothers, or you can mix and match your favorites from various companies. Buy the best that you can afford, and keep it simple.
Tip #10: Start gently, then get more aggressive.
Before you attack that stain with a harsh solvent and a wire brush, try a light mist of distilled water and a soft sponge. Before you hack away at that dried bird dropping with a putty knife, try leaving a hot moist towel on the surface for ten minutes. Before you blast that spot of rusty chrome with a power grinder, try gently rubbing with a soft, wet cloth. You may be surprised how effective a little patience, a little light pressure and a little plain water can be. If the gentlest methods don't work, gradually increase the aggression. Use a gentle cleanser first. Use the mildest chemicals, the softest abrasives, gradually working up in grit until the problem disappears. You can always get tougher with a problem -- the trick is not to make things worse while trying to make them better.
Detailing can be a great way to bond with your SUV, and to make your investment go farther, longer and better. Hopefully these tips will help you and your ride along the way.
