Car Detailing Instructions:
You just want simple!

Trust me, I get it. You know your car could use some cosmetic care — a solid clean-up and a little maintenance — but you’re not trying to make a full-time job out of it. You want something simple, straightforward, and effective. 

And let’s be honest: you probably don’t have the time (or patience) to spend hours digging through endless reviews and conflicting advice from self-proclaimed experts online.

That’s exactly why having clear, no-nonsense car detailing instructions matters. No fluff, no confusion — just the essential steps to get your car looking great without the overwhelm.

Car Detailing Made Simple

I know there are many car crazy enthusiasts who actually look forward to spending an entire day washing and detailing their car, but you're not one of them...at least not yet!

"Darren, I can appreciate a clean car as much as the next guy, but I don't feel like sifting through the endless information trying to come up with a plan on my own. My head spins with anxiety every time I think about it. But I know I gotta do something to keep my car looking presentable."

Never mind the fact that the industry would have you think you need an entire garage full of detailing products just to keep a single car washed, cleaned, and respectable looking.

Chemical Guys 16 pc. Care Care Kit

Chemical Guys Care Car Kit on Amazon

The perfect gift for any car enthusiast — packed with everything needed to turn any driveway into a professional detailing bay.

• An Unforgettable Gift – This complete car wash kit is the ultimate present for car lovers, truck fans, and classic car collectors. It includes everything needed to achieve a showroom shine and keep that beloved ride looking its best.
• Foamy, Family-Friendly Fun – If a clean car makes you smile, you’ll love this kit. Packed with top-tier tools and cleaners, it makes washing your car fast, easy, and genuinely fun for the whole family.
• Expertly Curated Kits – Not sure which kit to choose? The HOL169MAX includes four extra chemical products over the HOL169, giving you the power to upgrade your exterior detailing and refresh your interior with Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant and Fabric Clean.
• Trusted by the Pros – Car enthusiasts around the world trust Chemical Guys for their premium products, expert advice, and unbeatable customer support. It’s more than just a brand — it’s a car care lifestyle.
• Designed for Pressure Washers – Hook up the included TORQ Foam Cannon to your pressure washer for thick, cleansing foam that makes every wash more satisfying. Unlike the HOL148 kit, this version includes the Foam Cannon instead of the TORQ Foam Gun.

Jay Leno's Car Care Kit

Jay Leno's Car Care Kit on Amazon

Bring home the ultimate shine with this 14-piece detailing kit, trusted by the pros and built for results.

• Complete 14-Piece Auto Detailing Kit – Everything you need to wash, coat, and shine your car or truck like a pro. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a first-time detailer, this kit makes the job effortless and satisfying.
• Swirl-Free Perfection – Keep your paint looking flawless with the included Grit Guard insert, designed to trap dirt and debris at the bottom of the bucket—no more micro-scratches or swirl marks.
• Packed With Premium Tools – From a heavy-duty wash bucket to high-performance detailing sprays, plush microfiber towels, applicators, and a soft wash mitt — every item is handpicked for peak performance and safety on your vehicle’s surfaces.
• Professionally Curated by Experts – Designed and assembled by the auto detailing specialists at Jay Leno’s Garage, this kit reflects decades of experience caring for some of the world’s most iconic vehicles.
• Effortless Shine, Every Time – Whether you’re prepping for a car show or just love a clean ride, this kit delivers a deep, lasting shine with minimal effort — perfect for every level of car care enthusiast.

Darren’s Tips: Choosing the right car care kit can be tricky — especially when no single kit includes everything you might need. After looking closely at the two kits I’m recommending here, you’ll notice each one brings a slightly different mix of products to the table. One might have tools or cleaners the other doesn’t, so it really comes down to what fits your needs best.

That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but here’s my advice: pick the kit that feels like the best combination for your world. It may not be perfect, but it’ll get you moving in the right direction, and that’s what matters most.

Sure, you could try to piece together everything individually — and some folks do. But that often turns into a time-consuming, expensive rabbit hole. That’s exactly why I’m a fan of bundled kits: they save you money, eliminate the guesswork, and give you a solid starting point for quality car care without the overwhelm.

Car Detailing Instructions:

Let’s keep this simple. If you’ve been thinking about stepping up your car care game, here’s what you really need to know:

• You’ve probably been on the fence for a while, knowing deep down that your car deserves better care — today is the day to take action.
• Remember: doing the same thing every day brings the same results. If you want a cleaner, healthier, shinier car, it’s time to change your routine.
• Think of this as a starting line, not the finish. One of these kits might be all you ever need, or it may open the door to a whole new world of detailing — but you’ve got to start somewhere.
• Either way, you're investing in more than just products. You're investing in pride of ownership, a healthier vehicle, and the undeniable satisfaction of a job well done.

Now let’s talk about what your car truly needs to stay beautiful, protected, and valuable over time:

• Dirt and sunlight are your paint’s worst enemies. Both degrade the finish over time and rob your car of that deep, clean shine.
• Dirt is also the #1 enemy of your interior. Add in UV rays sneaking through your windows, and you’ve got a recipe for faded upholstery and cracked surfaces. (Consider window tinting for extra protection!)
• Ideally, your car should be washed weekly. But let’s be real — life happens. Just aim for consistency and don't beat yourself up when the schedule slips.
• Always follow the directions on each product label. It ensures the best results and avoids costly mistakes.
• Apply wax every 3 to 6 months. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule here — opinions vary, and different products have different lifespans. Let your eyes and hands be your guide.
• Use a clay bar to decontaminate your paint before polishing or waxing. Do this the first time, and repeat only when your paint starts to feel gritty after a wash. Frequency depends on your local environment — some may need it every few months, others just once a year.

Bottom line? Don’t overthink it. Start with the essentials, build from there, and enjoy the process of bringing out the best in your car — inside and out.

Proper Steps of Cosmetic Car Care:

Want to get the most out of your car care routine? Follow these key tips to make every wash count.

• Aim to wash your car as often as once a week. Regular washes help preserve your paint and keep grime from becoming long-term damage.
• Never just hose your car off and let it air dry. This causes hard water spots, which can etch into the paint — often worse than just leaving the dirt on.
• Skip the gas station squeegee for anything beyond your windshield. It’s tempting, but that grimy tool is not a substitute for a proper wash. (You know better!)
• Wash your car in the shade whenever possible. Direct sunlight is okay if you're quick — just don’t let water or products dry on the surface. Work fast, work smart.
• Use a clay bar after washing your car. This removes bonded contaminants and prepares the surface for polishing or waxing.
• Only polish after claying — if you’re planning to polish at all. Claying first ensures a smooth, clean surface so your polish can do its job.
• Use all-purpose cleaners on your interior after vacuuming. Remove loose dirt and debris first so the cleaner can focus on the real grime.

Car Detailing Instructions Summary:

Because I still have people ask; here are the exact sequence of steps:

1. Wash car.
2. Clay bar car. (decontamination process)
3. Polish car (this renews/restores gloss and shine)
4. Wax car. (this creates added depth and gloss, while adding protection)
5. You may wash and wax your car only. Using the clay bar and polishing are optional. But if you decide to incorporate them into your detailing schedule, follow this exact sequence.

Like many areas of life, prevention is always better and easier than a cure. basic efforts of car care, done consistently will pay off greatly for you over the long term.

My goal has been to simply the basics and essentials of the cosmetic car care needs of your car with these car detailing instructions so you can not only preserve the beauty of your car, but help retain the resale value of your car.

I wish you much success!

Sincerely,

Darren Priest