How to Get Your Car Gleaming in the Sunshine

Chances are, if you got caught up in the excitement for March’s new registration plate you’ve discovered that the ‘next-day-delivery’ culture we’ve grown accustomed to does not, as a rule, apply to cars!

Many models have long waited times, particularly if you want a specific colour and trim or extra equipment added. However, that little cloud of disappointment has a silver lining.

You might have been ready to hand your PCP car or trade-in back during those early snowstorms, caked-on salt and all – but if you want to know ‘how much is my car worth’ when it looks its best, April, May and June are the perfect months to get busy with the bucket and sponge.

Most car-buying websites such as Motorway tend to assume the car is presentable, but if you want to get the most for your car you can always try a private sale. In these cases, less than £100 and a sunny day spent prepping and cleaning your car could make the difference between offers that are thousands less and no clicks on the ad, and a quick sale for your asking price.

Washing Your Car

Choose a day when it’s not too hot, and start with some snow foam. Many different types are available, but for a quick and simple solution Demon Shine can be bought online or in most car parts shops such as Halfords, straight pipe, and it’s got all you need including a hose-attached snow-foam dispenser.

It’s at the cheaper end of the market and it works really well if you don’t have a pressure washer, or even, particularly high-water pressure. Soak the car, let the foam sit, and then rinse with clean water.

Don’t try scrubbing, just let it soften the muck; you can get the stubborn bits later. The aim is to move all the gritty, scratchy pieces away without pressing them into wash mitts or paintwork.

If your car has lived outside over winter, take time to open the bonnet and clean the leaves out as well, lift your wipers clear of the windscreen and carefully wipe them (have you replaced your wiper blades this year?), and just get the foam into the gaps where dirt may restrict water from draining away.

When it’s time to shampoo, a bucket with a grit catcher in the bottom is a great investment. Start at the top, and work your way down; if you have a particularly grubby car we’d have a second mitt or sponge for doing the sills, the bottom of the doors, and bumper/wheel arch edges.

You may find it easier to do a panel at a time but always rinse the mitt thoroughly if you’ve gone near the lower edges of the car.

Polishing to Perfection

All that effort was just to get the car clean – now you want it to gleam! If you’re not normally out every Sunday on the driveway with a hose and line of buckets (or, more realistically always in the queue for the local car wash) you can pick up complete car polishing kits of varying cost and perceived quality.

Top tips for a good finish begin with properly drying the car. You can use microfibre, chamois or even a large air blower, but don’t just let it air dry particularly if you have hard water. What you want to avoid is suddenly pulling a pool of water out from behind a headlight or piece of trim.

Wax the panels in shade on a warm day, and avoid getting the wax on black plastic trim or rubber screen surrounds. You can wipe it off but it may leave marks.

A coat of sealer will keep the shine bright for longer, but if you find the paint feels rough after you’ve washed the car you’ll get better results by starting with a clay bar, then polishing, then sealing.

Wax isn’t really a polish in the sense of, say, T-Cut or similar; you don’t want to abrade the paint or clear coat, you want to apply a layer of extra clear reflective surface, then polish that to a shine. Extra coats rarely do harm and can last longer, but are lots of effort if all you want to do is sell your car.

Once polished, clean the glass and wheels, get it to a nice location and take plenty of photos – copy what you see in reviews and proper advertising, not the Facebook ads with thumbs over the numberplate, and your car will stand out to the right buyers.

For a popular model, you’ll be surprised at how happy buyers are to get a genuine, clean privately-owned example for the sort of valuation the trade would give – and you’ll have more cash for your new car’s deposit.

FAQ

What’s the best time of year to clean my car for a sale?

Spring, particularly April through June, is ideal for cleaning your car. The weather is usually milder, and you can avoid the issues of winter grime and harsh summer sun that can affect the quality of your clean.

How often should I wash my car before selling it?

It’s a good idea to wash your car thoroughly just before listing it for sale. If your car has been dirty for a while, a detailed clean may make a significant difference in how much you can ask for.

Do I need special equipment to clean my car effectively?

While not strictly necessary, a snow foam dispenser, grit catcher for your bucket, and high-quality car shampoo can make the process easier and more effective. A clay bar and polishing kit will also help achieve a showroom-quality finish.

What’s the best way to apply wax to my car?

Apply wax in the shade on a warm day. Use a dedicated applicator to spread a thin, even layer over the car’s panels, avoiding black plastic trim and rubber areas. Once the wax is applied, buff it off with a clean microfiber cloth.

How can I make sure my car’s paintwork looks its best?

To achieve the best results, start by washing and drying the car thoroughly. Use a clay bar to remove any surface contaminants, then polish to restore shine. Finally, apply a sealant or wax for a protective and glossy finish.

Should I clean the interior of my car before selling it?

Yes, cleaning the interior is crucial. A tidy and fresh interior adds to the overall appeal and can significantly affect the sale price. Vacuum the seats and carpets, clean the dashboard, and make sure all surfaces are dust-free.

How do I take good photos of my car for a sale?

Choose a clean, well-lit location for your photos. Capture the car from multiple angles, including the interior, exterior, and any special features. Avoid cluttered backgrounds and ensure that the number plate is visible and unobstructed.

Is it worth investing in a professional detailing service?

If you’re not confident in your own cleaning skills or want to achieve the best possible finish, a professional detailing service can be worth the investment. They can provide a high-quality clean and polish that might help you get a better sale price.

What if my car has minor scratches or dents?

Minor scratches and dents can be addressed with a touch-up paint or paintless dent repair kit. If the damage is more significant, consider having it professionally repaired to enhance the car’s overall appearance and value.

How does the condition of my car affect its resale value?

A clean and well-maintained car generally fetches a higher resale value. A thorough wash, polish, and interior clean can make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive the car and how much they’re willing to pay.