Vehicle Maintenance Care & Tips

Professional Vehicle Care Guide

Congratulations on having your vehicle detailed and coated! To ensure long-lasting results and maintain that showroom finish, we've prepared this comprehensive maintenance guide. At R69 Ultimate Detailing, we're committed to supporting you throughout your entire detailing journey.

Initial Curing Period: The First 7 Days

After your vehicle has been professionally coated, do not wash it for the first 7 days. This curing period is critical for optimal coating performance.

What if it rains? Don't worry. Our DIY Detail & C6 Ceramics coatings feature industry-leading cure times. Your vehicle can safely contact water within just 1 hour of application. However, avoid washing with shampoos and surfactants until the full 7-day curing period is complete.

Emergency spot cleaning: If bird droppings or tree sap land on your vehicle during the curing period, gently soak the affected area with DIY Detail rinseless wash solution and carefully wipe with a clean microfiber towel. Never use water and tissue paper, as this will scratch the surface.

Ongoing Maintenance Best Practices

Whether you've had your vehicle coated or simply want to maintain its appearance, proper washing technique and premium products are essential.

  • Remove bird droppings and tree sap immediately upon discovery
  • Wash more frequently if parking outdoors
  • Use only high-quality detailing products and proper washing media
  • Avoid automated car washes and "Detail Shops" that use inferior products and damaging techniques

Warning Signs of Poor Washing Techniques

Many "Detail Shops" & car washes employ practices that cause more harm than good. Watch out for these red flags:

1. Skipping pre-foam treatment: Applying high-pressure water directly to a dry, dirty vehicle forces contaminants across the surface, causing marring and scratches. Always pre-foam first to safely lift dirt before rinsing.

2. Neglecting wheel preparation: Your wheels deserve the same care as your paintwork. Wheels should be pre-treated with appropriate cleaners before rinsing and physical cleaning begins.

3. Drying without lubrication: Using towels or air blowers without a drying aid (ceramic detail spray) creates friction that induces scratches and swirl marks. Premium products like Envie ceramic detail spray provide essential lubrication while adding gloss, protection, and slickness in a single application. Water alone is not a lubricant and will cause scratching during the drying process.

4. Using harsh chemicals: Aggressive degreasers may clean quickly, but they damage protective coatings and can cause white streaking or hazing. Low-quality shampoos lack proper lubrication and often contain inferior gloss enhancers that mask rather than maintain your coating's properties.

5. Poor quality tools: Cheap, dirty, or worn wash mitts and microfiber towels inflict more damage than they prevent. Professional-grade tools are essential for safe maintenance.

Our Recommended Approach

We exclusively use and recommend products that meet our professional standards, including:

  • Incredible Suds Car Shampoo: Provides exceptional lubrication and deep cleaning without compromising your coating
  • Premium microfiber towels and Incredible wash mitts: Designed to safely lift and trap contaminants
  • Envie Ceramic Detail Spray: Professional-grade drying aid that enhances protection with every use
  • All Clean All purpose cleaner for wheels and exterior

These are the same products we use daily to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Learn More

Visit our video library for detailed demonstrations of proper washing techniques, helpful tips, and common mistakes to avoid. We're here to ensure you enjoy the full benefits of your investment in professional detailing.

For questions or to explore our complete range of professional-grade maintenance products, please visit our products page or contact our team.