Now that the snow is gone hopefully...the winter slush mats came out last night. Now it's time for the annual spring detail...time to make it nice and shiny for at least a week.

I'm just happy it is not snowing today. I was going to wash the cars, but it is going to rain the rest of the week.

My spring detail involves finding muddy trails and getting a fresh coat of mud up the sides and on the hood

same here but I need to at least see it clean once...then all bets are off lol!

May I know your routine in detailing your Pat? Just wanted to get some new ideas.

May I know your routine in detailing your Pat? Just wanted to get some new ideas.

I once worked in the auto industry, so I know all about this stuff, and it has since ruined my life. I pamper my cars. What I suggest is:

* Since winter just ended and you probably aren't good at this yet, go get your car professionally detailed -- inside and out.

* Buy the Dual Action Polisher from Meguiars.

* Buy a microfiber wash mitt or sheepskin mitt.

* Buy two 5 gallon buckets.

* Buy a 4-5 microfiber drying towels. The "waffle" style ones work best.

* Buy a bunch of microfiber polishing towels, from Meguiars.

* Buy Ultimate Quick Detailer, Wheel Cleaner, Tire Shine, etc etc from Meguiars.

* Buy clay bar from Meguiars.

PROCEDURE:

1) Wash your car every week. This prevents particles from sticking to the paint. You need two buckets because one has the car wash (from Meguiars) and one has just plain water. It's the "two bucket" car wash system. You dip it in the clean water before going back into the soap.

2) After washing and drying, use Meguiars Quick Detailer, and remember to use it everyday if possible.

3) Polish, wax, etc ONCE A MONTH using whatever Meguiars product works for you.

This was a pretty rushed and simplified version, but if you do this, your paint will look "wet" and like mirror. It's incredible. Even if you take your Riot off road, you need to keep it protected.

I use a shop vac to get all the junk out of the nooks and crannies, a bucket of warm soapy water and one clean bucket of water, lots of elbow grease, I use those wash mitts and then shamwow towels to dry things off. Start to finish about 2 hours I use a car wash for the exterior (I live in an apartment complex) people get grouchy when washing in the parking lot. Stays clean for about a week then off to trails and repeat the process...