Weekly Exterior Routine
Quick wash with a pH-neutral car shampoo, rinse from top to bottom, and dry with a microfibre towel. Never use dish soap — it strips wax and protective coatings.
Monthly Deep Clean
Clay bar treatment to remove embedded contaminants, polish to remove minor scratches, and apply a quality wax or ceramic spray for protection. This takes 2-3 hours but keeps your paint looking showroom-fresh.
Interior Essentials
Vacuum weekly, wipe surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth, and use leather conditioner on leather seats every 2-3 months. Fabric seats benefit from a fabric protector spray applied seasonally.
Perth-Specific Challenges
Red dust from country trips: rinse thoroughly before washing to avoid scratching. Coastal salt spray: rinse the undercarriage regularly. Bird droppings: remove immediately — they're acidic and damage paint within hours. Tree sap: use isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated tree sap remover.
Professional Detailing
A professional detail ($150-500) every 6-12 months is money well spent. It protects your investment and adds to resale value. Paint protection film (PPF) on high-impact areas is worthwhile for newer vehicles.