As the British summer unfolds its warmth, MX-5 enthusiasts gear up to enjoy the season to the fullest. However, maintaining the pristine condition of these beloved cars is essential for an optimal driving experience. A clean MX-5 not only looks better but also enhances the joy of every moment spent behind the wheel. Here’s a comprehensive guide to detailing your MX-5 and getting it show-ready this season.
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Step One: Assess Your Approach
Before diving into the detailing process, it’s crucial to evaluate whether you have the time, tools, and inclination to do it yourself. Detailing should be a leisurely and enjoyable experience. If time is scarce or you lack the necessary equipment, entrusting the task to professionals is a wise choice. However, assuming you're ready to embark on the journey yourself, let's proceed to the next steps.
Step Two: Interior Detailing
Start by tackling the interior to prevent tracking dirt onto freshly cleaned surfaces later. Begin from the top down, dusting the dashboard and console with a microfiber cloth. Remove floor mats and thoroughly vacuum seats and floors. For leather seats, apply a leather balm to keep them supple and well-maintained.
Image credit @autoglmuk
Step Three: Wheel Care
Given that wheels tend to accumulate the most grime, it’s prudent to address them first. Utilize a wheel cleaner along with dedicated mitts and brushes to thoroughly cleanse them. For a more meticulous approach, consider removing the wheels to access hard-to-reach areas without compromising the paintwork.
Step Four: Pre-Cleaning
To tackle stubborn bugs and grime build-up, apply a pre-cleaner or tar remover for more stubborn road grim to the front and lower areas of the car. Allowing it to sit for a few minutes helps loosen debris, making the subsequent cleaning process more effective.
Image credit @juiced_5
Step Five: Snow Foam Treatment
Invest in a high-pressure cleaner equipped with a snow foam attachment. This step aids in breaking down stubborn dirt and eliminates loose dust, minimizing swirls on the paintwork, particularly noticeable on darker-coloured cars. Apply snow foam generously, let it dwell for a few minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with water.
Step Six: Two-Bucket Contact Wash
The contact wash is pivotal yet delicate. Opt for a high-quality shampoo to preserve the paintwork effectively. Employing two buckets—one with shampoo and the other with clean water—prevents cross-contamination and reduces the risk of scratching. Wash small sections at a time, rinsing the mitt in the plain water bucket frequently.
Step Seven: Decontamination
Inspect the paintwork for embedded debris such as fallout and iron filings. Utilize a clay bar to gently remove these contaminants, following the instructions meticulously. While not always necessary, cars exposed to daily driving or outdoor parking benefit from this step every few months.
Step Eight: Drying Techniques
Keep the car wet during the cleaning process and promptly dry it to avoid water spots. A high-quality leather chamois or drying towel works best.
Step Nine: Polishing
Polishing rejuvenates the paint and enhances its appearance. Whether opting for hand polishing or machine polishing, ensure proficiency to avoid inadvertent damage. If inexperienced with machine polishing, consider practicing on inexpensive panels to hone your skills before working on the MX-5. Ensure you saturate the polishing pad and use the correct grade of cut for your paintwork, that finish with the most swirls would require more work in the form of a medium/heavy cut first, followed by a light to enhance the shine!
Step Ten: Paint Protection
Shield the paintwork with a high-quality wax or sealant to prolong its pristine appearance. Regular application or reapplication, especially during harsh weather conditions, ensures long-lasting protection against environmental elements.
Step Eleven: Detailing Finishes
Attend to the finer details by applying tire shine, plastic dressing products for trim restoration, and cleaning the exterior windows. Avoid petroleum-based products for tire shine to maintain a polished look.
Image credit @autoglymuk
Step Twelve: Final Touches
Complete the detailing process with a finishing spray polish or ceramic spray product and a clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue or imperfections.
While detailing may seem laborious initially, achieving and maintaining a high standard makes subsequent cleaning routines more manageable and ensures your MX-5 stands out during show season.