Although Memorial Day has come and gone and spring technically still has a few weeks left, we’re now entering a stretch where weather patterns are generally stable and free of the heavy precipitation that defines the winter months. And just as many households across the U.S. tackle “spring cleaning,” the same concept applies to vehicles — especially trucks that see regular use from November through May.
Harsh weather — in Southern California that often means rain and ash fallout from wildfires — can take a serious toll on a truck’s exterior paint and interior surfaces like carpet and upholstery, particularly if they aren’t cleaned often during the winter. Like many SoCal drivers, we’re guilty of skipping that maintenance. The main reason comes down to a familiar dilemma: the cost in time or money to clean the vehicle versus the likelihood of more bad weather undoing that work.
It’s a familiar story: one day our trucks are shining like new, and the next, after just 24 hours of rain or heavy weather, they look completely trashed — at least on the outside. For many of us, it feels more cost-effective to simply let the grime build up rather than waste time and money cleaning it again and again. Of course, that’s not exactly ideal, and if you’re even slightly OCD or type-A about your vehicle’s appearance, the sight can be pretty unsettling.
Our 2016 Chevrolet Colorado LT is a prime example. It hasn’t been washed, vacuumed, or detailed in roughly six months — simply because doing so would’ve been a lost cause during the bad-weather season. As a result, the once-bright white paint and black/gray interior now look worse for wear. The exterior no longer has that glossy finish and instead feels grainy and rough — almost like sandpaper.
Now that the April showers and May downpours are behind us, it’s finally time to give Rocky the attention it deserves. We’re taking our truck to Chinto Auto Detailing in Northridge, California, for some long-overdue pampering — and tagging along as Avi works his magic to restore the paint’s shine and deep-clean the interior from top to bottom.
While the photos capture parts of the process, the real story comes to life in the video that accompanies them, offering a closer look at every step of Rocky’s transformation.
Avi at Chinto Auto Detailing follows a tried-and-true process when it comes to exterior detailing, starting with the wheels before moving on to the body for a thorough wash. He uses hot water, a vehicle-specific cleaning solution, and a soft wool mitt (or rag) to safely lift away dirt and grime. For DIY detailers, it’s important to use the proper products — household dish soap and regular bathroom towels are too abrasive and can actually damage your truck’s clearcoat and paint.
After the initial wash, Avi uses cutting clay along with a spray wax that acts as a moisturizer. This step targets the deeply embedded dirt particles that regular washing can’t remove — the ones responsible for that gritty, sandpaper-like texture on the paint. As the clay glides over the surface, it lifts these contaminants out of the body panels, leaving behind a finish that’s exceptionally smooth, slick, and thoroughly clean.
After the clay treatment, Avi moves on to polishing — also known as “compounding” — a step that’s often mistaken for waxing but serves a completely different purpose. Polishing is designed to remove minor scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections from the paint. Using a polishing machine equipped with an applicator pad, Avi works an abrasive compound into the surface, leaving it ultra-smooth and ready for protection.
Next comes waxing, applied by hand, which restores shine and depth to the finish while forming a protective barrier against contaminants like ash, dirt, and hard water from sprinklers. For this, Avi uses Malco Imperial Paste Wax, a high-quality product made with natural carnauba for a deep, long-lasting gloss.
Detailing the truck’s interior starts with removing dust from the dashboard, seats, center console, door panels, and other surfaces. This is followed by vacuuming the seats, carpets, and floor mats. Avi then shampoos the carpets and fabric surfaces — with particular attention to the rear seat, which tends to accumulate the most dirt. Glass cleaning finishes off the main cabin work.
Once those steps are complete, an all-purpose cleaner and restorer are applied with microfiber cloths to refresh and protect interior surfaces. To wrap up the job, the glass is polished, the tires are dressed, and any optional paint touch-ups are done, leaving the truck looking showroom-ready inside and out.
While Avi uses chemicals and heavy-duty machines (buffers, etc.) that are specific to professional detailing, he suggests using Meguiar’s car-care products if you’re going about detailing a truck yourself. Here is a rundown of materials that are necessary for getting the job done:
- Water (cold/rinse and hot for washing)
- Water hose with nozzle
- Buckets
- Wheel brush
- Wool mitt
- Car/truck-specific soap
- Clay bar
- Polish (rubbing compound)
- Polisher and application pads
- Carnauba wax
- Wax-application pads
- Vacuum
- Interior shampoo
- Glass cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Tire dressing
- Tire-dressing application pad
FAQ’s
How often should I detail my truck?
Most experts recommend detailing your truck every 4–6 months. If you drive in harsh conditions — like dirt roads, salty winters, or heavy rain — more frequent detailing helps protect the paint and interior.
How do I detail my own vehicle?
Start with a thorough wash, then move on to claying, polishing, and waxing the exterior. Clean and condition the interior surfaces, vacuum carpets, and don’t forget the windows, wheels, and trim.
Is it good to detail your engine?
Yes — a clean engine bay can help you spot leaks early and improve resale value. Just be careful to cover sensitive electrical parts and use a low-pressure rinse to avoid damage.
What is the 3 step detailing process?
The three main steps are: **clean** (wash and decontaminate), **correct** (polish out imperfections), and **protect** (apply wax, sealant, or ceramic coating).
Is car detailing easy to learn?
It’s easier than it looks. With basic tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve professional-level results. Start simple and build your skills as you go.
Does detailing remove scratches?
Detailing can remove light surface scratches and swirl marks through polishing. Deeper scratches, however, may require touch-up paint or professional repair.
What is the 2 bucket method car wash?
It’s a safer wash technique that uses one bucket for soapy water and another for rinsing your wash mitt. This reduces the chance of dragging dirt across the paint and causing scratches.
How to quick detail a car?
Use a spray detailer and a microfiber towel to wipe down the exterior. This removes light dust, fingerprints, and water spots between washes in just a few minutes.
What is the order of detailing a car?
Start with wheels and tires, then wash and dry the body. Next, clay and polish the paint, apply protection, clean glass, dress trim and tires, and finally vacuum and detail the interior.
How to make a truck look clean?
Wash it regularly, apply wax or sealant for shine, clean wheels and tires, and keep the interior tidy. Dressing plastic trim and polishing headlights can also make a big difference.
How do you get rid of swirl marks?
Use a dual-action polisher with a quality polish to level the clear coat and remove swirl marks. Proper washing techniques help prevent them from coming back.
How long should a professional detail take?
A full interior and exterior detail usually takes 4–8 hours, depending on the vehicle’s size and condition. Paint correction or ceramic coating can extend the time to a full day or more.
What is the best car wax?
Synthetic waxes (sealants) last longer, while natural carnauba waxes give a deeper, richer shine. Popular choices include Meguiar’s Ultimate Wax and Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax.
Does color impact how often to wash your car?
Yes. Dark-colored cars show dirt and swirl marks more easily, so they may need washing more often. Light colors hide dust better but still require regular cleaning to protect the paint.
Can I detail a car myself?
Absolutely. With the right products and a bit of patience, DIY detailing can save money and deliver great results. It’s also a satisfying way to care for your vehicle.
Why does detailing take so long?
Detailing is more than just a wash — it involves deep cleaning, polishing, and protecting every surface inside and out. Each step takes time to do properly for the best results.
When to use detailing spray?
Use it between washes to remove light dust or enhance shine. It’s also great after drying a freshly washed car to add a slick, glossy finish.
What is the best time to detail a car?
Early morning or late afternoon is ideal. Avoid hot, sunny hours because heat can cause water spots, streaks, and quick drying that makes products harder to work with.
Is it OK to wash a car in the sun?
It’s not recommended. Heat can dry soap and water too quickly, leaving spots and streaks. Always wash in the shade or during cooler parts of the day.
Is car detailing worth the money?
Yes. Regular detailing protects your paint, maintains resale value, and keeps your vehicle looking its best. For older cars, it can make them feel brand-new again.
How do I detail my car for beginners?
Start with a proper wash and dry, then apply a spray wax or sealant. Vacuum and wipe down the interior, clean the windows, and use tire shine to finish the look.
What is the best car glaze?
A quality glaze like 3M Hand Glaze or Chemical Guys Wet Mirror Finish adds depth and gloss to your paint, especially before waxing. It’s ideal for show cars or special occasions.
How to deep clean a truck?
Begin with a thorough exterior wash, including the undercarriage and wheel wells. Inside, vacuum and shampoo carpets, clean upholstery, and treat surfaces with protectant. Clay, polish, and wax the paint for a complete finish.