No time!

[HealthyCivic]

Now I work full-time and also go to school 4 times a week. So unfortunately, I have almost no time for detailing anymore! It's no fun seeing water spots sit on my car and not be able to do anything about it.

But I always remember Mike Phillips saying that part of car care is simply knowing what's possible and what isn't - a daily driver is a daily driver and you can't expect it to look like a show car. So I've realized that the important things in my life right now are work, school, friends, and my girlfriend and between all of this, it doesn't leave me much detailing time until break or vacation!

Anyone else experience this? Back when I had more time, I used to think "wow, how can people not keep up their finish like me!?" but now I know, haha! This is why I haven't been on here nearly as much lately.

[ColonelCash]

Re: No time!

I'm with you 100%.

[Andrew C.]

Re: No time!

While it won't help against water spots and other bigger pieces of debris, I'd suggest getting a California Car duster and doing a quick once over your car in the morning and after you drive anywhere and once you park at home. Constantly using it to remove the light dust will prevent the dust from building into thicker dirt and your car will stay cleaner looking longer.

[john m.]

Re: No time!

I know exactly how you feel! Ive been extremily busy with school this semester and I dont even want to say how long its been since I washed her last!

What makes me mad is that my apartment complex was supposed to build a car wash so I could take my buckets and stuff over there but they never did so I have to wait til I go home...only it rains when im home atleast one day or it will rain monday!

I think there is supposed to be one day of good weather this weekend, I may just **** it up and do a full detail cuz she is soooooo dirty

[speed3blackmica]

Re: No time!

very true..sure i can make my car look like a show car. but i cant stop the brake dust, bonded contamination, nore the rain from leaving water spots..daily drivers are ganna get beat up nothing you can do to stop it..just keep your car looking its best and keep yourself happy with it. sometimes all i need is a simple wash and interior cleaning to keep me happy for a while

[Superior Shine]

Re: No time!

I disagree. Proper maintenance can be done quickly if done often. If all else fails farm it out to a pro detailer.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: No time!

How long does it take to do a quik detail and exterior glass. A half hour at most? There seems to be at least that amount of a time window to get the car done. Just my 0.02

[Alex C.]

Re: No time!

I agree. Cleanup is a breeze on even a weekly kept vehicle.



I do have my days though.

[William_F]

Re: No time!

Trying to squeeze in a few minutes here and there for upkeep is a lot easier than having to tackle a lot of detailing chores in one sitting.

The car I had been babying for 6 months was totaled about a month ago and I just brought home its replacement. It is far below the standards of what will make me happy in terms of condition of paint, stains on upholstery etc. I worked 2 1/2 hours on it yesterday and barely made a dent in all the things I need to do.

I had taken for granted how easy it was to keep up my car because it was kept up all the time. It's a chore, but I'll be done soon getting it in shape and from there, it won't be hard or take long to keep it up.

[Matt Majeika]

Re: No time!

It's all about finding a balance. I personally can't stand to see my vehicle dirty, so i MAKE the time every couple days to touch it up when needed. I have a lot of priorities - keeping my car looking good as new isn't in the top 5, but it's certainly important. It's all about finding that balance...

[Ganesa]

Re: No time!

Im all the way with you.. I just graduated from college in December and began working full time since December 10th, and have found it very hard to find enough time to spare and maintain my car. And I just hate to see my car being dirty, but just haven't found the perfect way to balance my time, not only that I miss being online at MOL discussing with fellow Detailers around the World.

Most of my time now is being spent on Work and my just recently fiancee..
My work begins from 0800-1700 (i usually do overtime until 1900), and maybe the worst part about it is that my work is 2hours drive from my home. So Im pretty exhausted when I arrive home at around 2100-22:00. And on a Saturday I sometimes work half a day, while the other half i spend with my fiancee. then on sunday im all exhausted and just want to rest and get ready for a monday work.

I do enjoy my work, and very grateful of having my work. And I would never leave my car in the hands of others to carelessly take care of.

I too used to think "How could people not properly take care of their car with all the swirls, water spots on their paint"... I guess karma do exists :]

[john m.]

Re: No time!

^same with me, I know I have the little time a week, but my schedule is weird and im still trying to adjust to it. The time I do have it will rain the next day, or its to dark to do anything LOL

[HealthyCivic]

Re: No time!

Well, that's just the way life is. I mean, it IS true that keeping my paint clean isn't the most important thing. That's just being mature. It's a hobby, but that's it. Right now I'm having to deal with full-time work, school, homework, keeping my living area clean (which is more health-related so it comes first), spending time with my friends, and spending time with my girlfriend. And in the future, kids will come first.

And when all of the above is done, I'm often tired out and just want to sit and relax since I don't get to do that too often.

The good part though is that I have the knowledge now, I learned about Meguiar's and I know that if I really wanted to, I could restore my car's finish in a few days. I'm the kinda guy that enjoys spending a day or two on my car. I've done it in the past even when I've taken care of it. For some reason, I actually LIKE working on 1 car for 8 hours straight. Plus, I know that when I do have time or when I retire and I'm bored, I can detail. Or if I'm ever in a pinch, I could do it for money!

But don't get me wrong, as soon as I take some time off and I can fit it in there, there is DEFINITELY a couple big detailing sessions coming. I'm definitely ready to do a wash-clay-paint cleaner-wax!