The car is detailed...Now what?

[05PhillyStang]

I completed the first detail of my new car about 3 1/2 weeks ago (pictures coming soon). I wash about once every 7-10 days. Quik Detail constantly and Spray wax after every 3rd to 4th wash.

I'm wondering what would be some good steps to follow to keep my car looking its best until the next detail. I figure I'll detail 3-4 times a year, adding the "in between" steps listed above. Is that enough? I know you can't just say, "detail x times per year." Therefore, I will use the tips I learned on this site to evaluate my paint's condition and will determine at that point whether a detail is needed or not. For the sake of this particular thread, I am referring to the paint. I know there are other steps like wheels, tires, ineterior, eng compartment, etc. I take the proper steps to maintain the appearance of all of those items, but for this thread, I am discussing just the exterior paint.

What do you guys do to MAINTAIN that "just detailed" look?

[Mosca]

See sig (courtesy of Mike)!

[JeffM]

I dunno...my wifes car gets neglected alittle, my truck sees more wax than a pair of skis in aspen....

But, if i can force myself to leave the outside alone, i work on the littler things. I vac the carpet, squirt the dash, wipedown the rubber mouldings/trim/seals, wax doorjambs, squirt wheelwells, polish my rims, dress the tires over and over, hit the glass, wipe down my bedliner, the list goes on and on.

If your like me, you have a little project to do at all times hehehe.

[Murr1525]

Well, like they said, if you want it to look just waxed, it better be just waxed. But on another note, one good way to keep a car looking good is to keep up with all the little nook and crannies, trim, interieor, etc. Inbetween my 'full details' is when I will use some ColorX in the doorjams, trunk lips, etc, all the spots that have paint, but are sort of on the interieor. Cleaning a litle deeper into the hinges, and hard to reach areas. Also cleaning the interior inbetween. Spend a little extra time on wheelwells. Spending 10 minutes on a small thing will keep up your looks, and make your full details shorter.

[05PhillyStang]

Great replies fellas. I always try to to pay attention to the "other things" like wheels and interior vacuuming, but I guess I could always do a little more. It would definitely make the "full detail" that much easier if there was just a little dirt rather than caked on grime on somthing like a hard to reach door hinge.

The thing that bugs me the most when I do the "full detail" is that I always find something that could be better. I am never satisfied. But I guess that's good because I'm constantly improving upon my work.