While there are plenty of automatic and hand car wash shops all around Pennsylvania, for many proud certified BMW owners, an afternoon spent detailing their favorite vehicle is one well spent. Auto detailing is a fun and easy to do activity that will keep your car looking its best all year long.

INVEST IN GOOD TOOLS — If you are going to detail your certified BMW vehicle, the most important thing you can do is to invest in the right tools. Scratches are the #1 enemy of a car’s exterior paint job so minimizing the possibility of causing microscratches is a priority. Buy car wash products that will help you maintain your certified BMW’s finish by not scratching the paint. For washing, choose materials like lamb wool or cotton chenille and avoid natural sponges and microfiber as the materials can cause scratches to your paint finish. For drying, sheepskin chamois are soft, absorbent, and will not scratch the paint on your vehicle. You can also use a rubber squeegee to help speed up the drying process.

INTERIOR CLEAN UP — Work from the outside in, taking care of the interior before moving on to washing and polishing the exterior of your car. First, remove all clutter and trash from your certified BMW vehicle. Next, take a vacuum to the interior of your vehicle, making sure to get into any nooks and crannies. Clean your windows and glass covered components with a good glass cleaner. For the best results, use a glass cleaner that will not leave streaks and use a soft, lint free cloth or newspaper to wipe the glass. If you have leather interiors, wipe it down with a good leather cleaner and conditioner. For a finishing touch, add a clip-on air freshener to give your certified BMW a refreshing scent between washings.

EXTERIOR WASH — Wash you car well, taking care to use a soft, lambswool or cotton chenille covered sponge. Do not use too much auto washing detergent as this can be difficult to rinse off. Use a soft brush to clean your tires and wheels, taking care not to scrub too hard to avoid scratching the finish on the metal. Once you are done and have thoroughly rinsed your car, dry your certified BMW vehicle with a soft chamois.