Porsches are perfectly detailed. Every last feature has been carefully thought out and implemented with taste. From the matching pinstripe alloys on the 911 to the alcantara steering wheel that screams less is more! We digress. As Porsche fanatics, it’s easy to get caught up in the design details, when we should actually be talking about the detailing. You know, as in how to clean it. In this article (did I mention the thinner window glass for that extra edge on track) we are going to take a closer look at some of the finer details of, Porsche detailing.
Okay, so we are going to assume that you already know the basics. Cool. Here are three things most people overlook when it comes to detailing.
1. Don’t Skip The Polish
Especially if this is the first time that you are detailing your Porsche. We can understand it if you’re maintaining the sheen by adding a new layer of wax over a car you thoroughly polished after its last wash. If this isn’t you, invest in a good quality polishing kit and make sure you first wash, then clay bar. And, finally, give the stallion a good polish before you get to the wax stage.
Yes, the saying does hold true, in life there are no shortcuts… Unless you’re Bill Gates, but we’re not discussing how to perfectly detail your PC.
2. Vacuum Carefully
It amazes us how many people miss the carpets when they are at the interior stage of a detailing. No, not the obvious ones, the ones underneath the floor mats. Take up the mats (there may be a rubber one in the trunk too) and show the carpets underneath some love. If you’ve got an older Porsche, you may need to get some carpet cleaner and give them a good scrub. You’ll be amazed at how much fresher the interior looks and smells afterward.
While we’re on the subject of interior and especially for older vehicles, it’s incredible how many people ignore the control knobs and cup holders. Overlooking these can lead to archeological discoveries of residues left by Starbucks circa 2013 which is definitely not the way to impress your significant other. In addition, most people use some sort of moisturizer, and that builds up over time on knobs. Get a soft toothbrush (charcoal type are the best) and some pH neutral interior cleaner and give the knobs and stalks a good clean. Follow it up with a damp microfiber towel to remove any residues of soap and top it off with a good quality interior spray.
3. Maintain Your Porsche
This is probably the most valuable bit of advice we’ve got. Doing a proper detail can take an entire day and you don’t want to be doing it every weekend (unless you’re weird, hey, we don’t judge).
Once you’ve done the heavy lifting, it is easy to keep your Porsche looking swazz by simply putting in a couple of hours every weekend. Sometimes it’s just the interior that needs attention. If you’ve done your polishing, giving it a quick wash is a breeze since the silky paintwork will shed grime quicker than you can say grandpa. Follow with a touch-less wash up with a wax and you’re on the money.
Pro tip: If a bird decides that your pride and joy isn’t quite up to snuff and adds some of their own decorations, clean it quickly. Bird poop contains lots of acids and will wreak havoc on the paintwork if left unattended for too long. The same applies to tar spots. They are a million times easier to clean off before they harden than afterward.
Remember these few tips and you’ll put the ‘P’ in perfectly detailed Porsche. Remember to show off your hard work! See you on the road or track.