Written by : Unit--11 Team

Posted on : December 26, 2023

Mastering Professional Car Detailing: Beyond Basics

When considering the realm of car maintenance, the step beyond basic wash often goes unrecognised, underappreciated, yet it holds immense potential to extend the life and aesthetic appeal of a vehicle. An integral aspect of vehicle maintenance; a professional car detail requires a careful understanding of techniques that go beyond a mere soap and water scrub. Advanced car wash practices, meticulous interior detailing and vacuuming, along with systematic polishing and waxing can elevate the vehicle’s appearance to an extent which makes it almost indistinguishable from a showroom piece. Comparable to a spa day for the car, the combinative use of right tools, chemical agents and techniques can yield a transformative result, earning the admiration and envy of onlookers.

Advanced car wash techniques

Proven Car Wash Techniques that Your Vehicle Will Thank You For.

As a facility that has been around for over three decades, we here at Unit–11 have learnt a thing or two about washing cars. You see, when it comes to car care, the devil is indeed in the detail.

Now, you might be sitting there thinking, “Car washing? That’s doddle. Slap on some soap, give it a rinse, and Bob’s your uncle!”. But lad, you’re mistaken. There’s a lot more skill involved in car washing than you might think… and well, we’re here to spill the beans (inside knowledge, not your Heinz variety).

So, buckle up and let’s get your automobiles looking spick and span. Here are the top car wash techniques used by us professionals.

  1. The Two-Bucket Wash Method: This technique, matey, is as basic as a pint at your local. It involves two buckets: one filled with soapy water and the other with clean water. The idea is to wash your microfibre cloth in the clean water after each application of soap water. We swear by this method at Unit-11. It’s reduces cross-contamination and keeps your vehicle’s paint out of harm’s way.

  2. Use of Gtechniq Products: We are proud to pledge our eternal love for Gtechniq car care products. These chaps offer a form of protection that helps your vehicle retain its shine and gloss for longer. Consider their C2 Liquid Crystal for an unbeatable glossy finish.

  3. Pressure Washing: Good news if you like your elbow grease. When needed, pressure washing can work miracles in removing grime and dirt from those untraceable nooks and crannies. We recommend using lower pressure settings for delicate surfaces to avoid damage.

  4. Microfiber Towels and Mitts: At Unit–11, we believe in treating every car like a newborn. That’s why we only use microfibre towels and mitts which are super-schmoozing on your paint and don’t leave nasty swirls or scratches.

  5. The Big Finish: We’re no strangers to making a grand exit. So, after a good scrub, we apply Suntek Paint Protection Film (PPF). It’s like wrapping your car in an invisible bodyguard. It helps to guard against those pesky road elements that can damage your beautiful paintwork.

Let’s be honest, your car deserves better than a rush job with an old sponge and a bucket of lukewarm water. So, put some kettles on, roll up your sleeves and let’s get your car gleaming. But, should you be short on time or just fancy a professional touch, we at Unit–11 are always here to lend a hand and a smile, guaranteed. Because, as they say, proper car washing is an art… and we’re bloody Van Gogh!

A person washing a car with a sponge and two buckets of water

Interior detailing and vacuuming

Keeping Your Car’s Interior Spotless Like a Pro

Stepping into a fresh, clean, and fragrant car is an invigorating experience, and achieving this level of cleanliness is not as daunting as it seems. Armed with determination, the right tools, including quality Gtechniq products, and a few professional tricks up your sleeve, you can create a pristine haven in your vehicle. Welcome to the art of detailing from Unit–11, one of UK’s leading car restoration and detailing brands.

Firstly – Clear the Clutter

Professional car cleaners know that it’s not only crumbs and dust you need to worry about. A lot of us utilise our cars as mobile storage units, laden with all sorts of items that probably should not be there. Decluttering is the vital first step. Clear out any bits and bobs from cup holders, door pockets, and under seats. From there, you’ll have a blank canvas to work with!

Secondly – Vacuum

Once you’ve decluttered, you should vacuum all the reachable surfaces and beyond. Use attachments, like a crevice tool, to delve into the cryptic realms beneath and between your seats. Move the seats back and forth to reach all the hidden places.

Advanced airflow systems can be an unexpected ally in the battle against lint, dog hair, and stubborn dirt. Car detailers from Unit–11 often share their secret; placing the air conditioning system on full blast will dislodge trapped particulates from crevices – making them easy to vacuum up.

Thirdly – Cleaning the Dash, Console and Doors

The dashboard, console, and door trims often get overlooked – entrust these to a damp microfiber cloth. A tip; never spray cleaners directly onto these surfaces as they can infiltrate cracks, causing damage or leaving irritating residue. Rather dampen your cloth first with your favourite Gtechniq product and then wipe away the grime.

Finally – Upholstery and Carpets

Applying a quality upholstery cleaner from Gtechniq on your seats and carpets can breathe new life into them. Always test cleaners on a small, hidden patch first to ensure they don’t discolour the fabric. Rub gently using a soft-bristled brush, then wipe away with a microfiber cloth.
Don’t forget to leave your windows open for the car to air dry.

Once you’ve accomplished the professional-level detail clean, why not consider adding some finishing touches? A Gtechniq ceramic coating enhances your car’s exterior look, and a Suntek PPF protects your pristine paint job. But hey, we at Unit–11 are always at your service for these top tier enhancements!

By adopting these tips and investing in good quality products, your car can have that luxury, showroom shine inside and out. After all, they say your car is a reflection of you. So why not let your car reflect the best version of you, spruced up and ready to conquer the world.

A clean and organized car interior with car cleaning products laid out neatly

Polishing and waxing

How does a master detailer polish and wax a car, you ask? Well, sit back, grab a cuppa, and listen up. This ain’t rocket science, but it sure isn’t slapping paint on a wall either. Unit–11 has pioneered the process of how to perfect this over the last three glorious decades of automobile adoration, and it’s high time we shared the secrets of our craft.

Okay, let’s jump in. So, your car is spick and span, thanks to the rather fantastic techniques already discussed. Washed with the two-bucket malarkey, pressure washed, dried with those soft microfibre mitts, and spruced up with some top-of-the-line Gtechniq products. Good job, but you’re only halfway to victory lane.

What’s next on the agenda? Polishing, my fine friends. This process begins by checking for any defects before ensuring the car is bone dry. Unit–11 considers Gtechniq’s P1 Nanoscopic Polish the holy grail for such a task; it removes swirl marks or scratches as smooth as a hot knife through butter.

Apply the polish in a cross-hatch pattern using a dual-action polisher or rotary buffer (dependent on your hand’s steadiness). Begin with gentle pressure and a low-speed setting, gradually increasing both as the process progresses. Like fine wine, quality results take time, so no rush!

Rinse and wipe down the vehicle post-polish for a thorough clean. Only then can you move onto the grand finale – waxing. Not all car waxes are born equal. Honestly, after three decades in the game, the most reliable wax in our repertoire is Gtechniq’s C2 Liquid Crystal.

For this process, apply a thin layer of wax with a foam applicator, following the contours of the car, and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Once the wax is dry, buff it off with a soft, microfiber towel. Repeat for a second coat if you’re feeling fancy.

Remember, detailing is an art form, one that extends beyond polishing and waxing. It’s about the precise details, the meticulous attention to every nook and cranny of your vehicle. From the thorough de-cluttering of your car’s interior, the gruelling yet gratifying process of cleaning the dashboard, consoles and trims, to the strategic application of Gtechniq ceramic coating and a robust Suntek Paint Protection Film.

Mastering these processes may sound daunting, but fear not. At Unit–11, we’ve got decades of dedication under our belts, and we’re here to share that knowledge so you too can keep your car looking as flawless as a showroom centrepiece.

But hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, drop your keys with us. We’ll spruce up your car as though she’s fresh off the production line. With Unit–11 and the magic of Gtechniq products, your chariot will be the envy of every motorist on the M1. So get yourself down to Unit–11, where every car gets the VIP treatment it deserves. Be it polishing, waxing, restoring or anything in between, we’ve always got you covered.

A shiny car after being polished and waxed, reflecting the sunlight beautifully

Mastering the noble art of car detailing doesn’t solely reside in exercising advanced car washing, or thorough interior detailing and vacuuming, or even in utilising the right polishing and waxing technique. Rather, it lies in harmonising all those operations into a coherent, efficient process that ultimately rewards with a vehicle that exudes vibrancy and charm. It’s about creating a representation of oneself on the road. By understanding these methods, enthusiasts can not only offer their cars the treatment and care they deserve, but also imprint a bit of their individuality on their prized possession, turning a mundane act of maintenance into a hobby that brings joy, satisfaction, and a splash of elegance in the concrete jungle.