Sure, detailing your own ride is a great way to save some cash while keeping your ride in showroom shape - but most Autopians I talk to agree there`s a lot more to it than that. Check out our 8 reasons why detailing is not only good for your ride, but good for your soul.
Now that`s a term all of us are familiar with. Most of us have had the hard lesson of passing off a job or service to someone else, only to be left with two things...a receipt and regret. That`s why at Autopia we`ve built our business on making the best tools, products and knowledge available to the masses.
While I was organizing my tools for an upcoming detail, I started thinking about why exactly I was looking forward to washing a car. Although I`m an admitted super-optimist, I don`t normally get in a better mood when I have to do something considered by most to be "work".
Here are my 8 reasons why it`s great to detail your own ride.
1.) Retain Your Vehicles Value
For many of us, our vehicle is one of the biggest monetary investments we`ll make. Whether you purchased a vehicle to simply get from point A to point B, or went over-budget to purchase that special ride; chances are you spent a good chunk of change on it. Regular car detailing can keep the value of your ride high. So if you ever decide to sell or trade your car, you can not only expect a higher demand; but a higher return on your investment.
We all love seeing those rides that are getting harder and harder to find - in great condition. Those rides didn`t just magically take care of themselves, it was a labor of love from a dedicated owner. Even entry-level cars can reap the benefits of regular maintenance.
2.) It`s Rewarding In Many Ways
Sometimes it`s a nod at a red light, sometimes it`s another trophy for the trophy shelf, sometimes it`s just keeping that reputation for being that person who always keeps their stuff in perfect condition. Whatever your reason, a lot of us feel a sense of accomplishing for keeping our rides in tip top shape. If you take pride in your ride, then you`ll be rewarded for keeping your ride clean.
3.) ???? - You Decide (Giveaway)
Help us out with Reason #3 to detail your ride for a chance to WIN! Just post a reply in this thread with your favorite reason to detail your ride to be entered into a random drawing. THREE lucky winners will be selected on July 4th 2016 to receive mystery gifts after the cermonial Autopia drum roll has been posted
4.) Brings Family and Friends Together
Most car guys I talk to are always looking for another reason to enjoy their car or motorcycle and are happy to help a hand, especially with someone who shares their passion. Detailing your own ride is a perfect opportunity to invite over a buddy for a few drinks and help each other work on your cars on a Sunday morning, or presents a chance to teach your son or daughter the joys of doing their own maintenance on their vehicles. Either way, it`s a chance to help each other out, to bond, to teach and to learn. I don`t remember a lot of things from my youth, but I can still remember the way our garage smelled. Helping my dad work on his 69 Corvette is something I`ll always remember.
5.) It Can Be A Source Of Income
In the world of detailing, your biggest investment will be tools. Luckily, most tools are actually not a requirement and the basics can be done by hand. One thing I learned pretty quickly is that products seem to last forever. So a single bottle of wax can turn into a very efficient profit. When the economy took a turn for the worse on 2007-2008, I was fresh out of college and couldn`t find a job. I ended up going door to door in my neighborhood washing and waxing cars with a Meguiar`s Gift Box I purchased from Wal-Mart. One thing lead to another and I eventually scored a job detailing boats for a large company and the rest is history! I see a lot of Autopians here who start detailing their own rides and are eventually asked to detail a friends or family member or coworkers vehicle. Next thing they know they`re finding a few extra bills in their bank account and everything start paying for itself.
6.) Exercise
Something I hear from a lot of new detailers is "this is a lot of work!". Washing and waxing a car can turn into a serious calorie burning session. Studies have shown that on average, people burn between 600-1000 calories per wash and wax session (avg 4 hours)! And I bet those numbers are on the low end, considering how intricate detailing can get. Some detailers I know are never too shy about turning a full bucket into a few bicep curls, or performing a few push ups before getting off the ground. Starting the day with a calorie burning session is just another reason to detail your ride. Just make sure to stay hydrated!
7.) Healthy Hobbies Are Healthy
“Work hard, play hard.” Anyone with goals and aspirations knows the value of hustling during their working hours. However, work-life balance is important, which means that in addition to working hours and time with family and friends, you should have some hobbies. Studies have shown that taking time for things you enjoy can actually recharge your batteries in a way that`s very different from a good night`s sleep. Whenever I find myself feeling sluggish or "in the dumps", I always try to clear time for some of my hobbies; especially detailing. Starting the day or ending the day with good music and a clean ride always gets me in a better mood. Detailing is also something that can be done by kids and adults, so it`s a great hobby to share with a significant other, family member or friend.
8.) Regular Maintenance Is The Easiest Maintenance
Keeping a car clean can seem like a monumental task, and it can be...but only if you let it get out of hand. One of my favorite quotes from detailing legend Mike Phillips is "Regular maintenance is the easiest maintenance", meaning as long as you maintain your vehicle regularly; you`ll never have a monumental task to face. While detailing your car, it`s also a great opportunity to check the other type of maintenance items on your car like the oil, windshield wiper fluid, tires, brakes, etc etc.
Thanks for reading!
