Springtime Car Care Wipes Away the Winter Blahs

How could we possibly talk about more cleaning? After a year of hiding from the germ-infested public, nursing our sanitizer-chapped hands, you’d think we’d give it a break. But spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to address the layer of gunk Old Man Winter left on your vehicle.

Road salt and mud know no bounds. They’ll stick to anything, anywhere — and it’s high-time we tackle it. The good news? The products on our list don’t inflict the same eye-watering torture you’ve endured all COVID long from alcohol-based cleaners. In fact, we chose to focus mostly on tools this year, and turned to our friends over at Chemical Guys for some quality solutions.

Last year, we covered a number of exciting car care products, deep-diving buzzy new ceramic coatings. All the usual suspects can be found there: Mother’s, Meguiar’s, Adam’s Polishes, Chemical Guys, and more. And to be frank, those products are still as excellent this year as they were last. So check it out HERE.

Chances are, you have at least the basics in your arsenal: a good bucket, some wash mitts, microfibers, sponges, and an elixir or two — not dish soap. Heck, you might even have a few trick gadgets on the docket too, like a polisher or shop vac. And maybe you even know your way around the majestic clay bar.

However, even if you’re rocking a complete setup, there’s likely room for an upgrade or two. We rounded up some quality tools that make a valuable addition to any cleaner’s collection — and will help give that ride the deep-cleaning it needs now more than ever. All items on this list are readily available to the weekend warrior, so no need to fear professional instructions and high-end prices.

So, what do you need to wash away 2020?

TORQ Foam Blaster R1

Fans of Chemical Guys know the gentle-but-strong cleaning power of Mr. Pink Super Suds Shampoo. It’s a formula that quickly attacks dirt and grime without harming the wax and sealant protecting your paint. While the scratch-free washing action makes it a favorite among many owners, it’s Chemical Guys’ foam-blasting gun that we feel is the real selling point here.

The TORQ Foam Blaster R1 is designed to attach directly to your garden hose, allowing you to harness the power of Mr. Pink’s sudsy goodness with no need for a pressure washer. Quite honestly, this tool is a must-have for peeling away the winter’s leftover gunk without damaging your paint — especially if you don’t have access to costly equipment.

“The idea behind the R1 is to produce mounds of suds,” explains the company. “This helps minimize the amount of friction, rubbing, and scrubbing on the vehicle’s surface that occurs during a traditional wash. The R1’s three interchangeable water pressure tips adjust the pressure settings to produce the ultimate amount of velvety, frothy suds each and every wash.”

Expand your detailing tools with…

The Absorber. This handy shammy from CleanTools is perfect for drying your car after the final rinse. It offers superior absorbency, ensuring your paint is ready for sealants and wax. Better yet, with proper care, The Absorber will last for years, providing plenty of bang for your buck.

Ultra Bright Inspection Light

Seeking a tool that will show you just how bad a job you’re doing? All jokes aside, everyone needs a good light — especially when detailing. This powerful but compact inspection light is an excellent addition to any toolbox. It’s slim (about 7 inches long), and features two light modes, meaning it’s way better for the job than the light on your phone. Pinpoint imperfections in the paint with the 150 lumen LED strip, or shoot a focused beam at tight spots in the cabin with the single 130 lumen LED.

On top of that, the Ultra Bright features a built-in clip that lets you hook it onto your visor or other overhead objects, allowing you to keep both hands at work. Use it anywhere and everywhere, then simply plug it in for quick recharging.

Expand your detailing tools with…

Power Cone 360. Sure, complex body lines are nifty. They also do a great job of keeping you from polishing every surface of your car. Great for those knuckle-busting jobs, Mother’s Power Cone 360 reaches into those tight spaces and applies the polishing power that your fingers simply can’t.

Creeper Professional Bucket Dolly

No one likes a sloshing bucket that leaves your calves and ankles drenched. Chemical Guys’ Creeper Bucket Dolly is the ultimate solution. Simply throw your 3.5 to 7 gallon bucket into dolly, tighten the heavy-duty screws, and take your detailing mobile. Five durable wheels glide over uneven surfaces, and allow for versatile 360 degree turning. Plus, with 300 pound weight capacity, pop a lid on that baby and you’ve got yourself a place to sit!

Expand your detailing tools with…

Hot Wheels Car Care Bucket. This complete detailing package comes with everything you need to get started. Yep, that includes the bucket! Pro tip—you’ll always need more than one bucket for fresh and dirty water. Otherwise, you’re sure to leave plenty of love swirls on your vehicle’s exterior.

Metro Vac N’ Blo 500

If you’re anything like me, the interior of your car gets pretty crusty. In the Great Northeast — and plenty of other regions — it’s nearly impossible to keep mud and rocks out of your cabin throughout the winter. And, let’s face it, that old and tired shop vac has seen its day.

If you need a good vacuum for your car, Chemical Guys has you covered. The brand actually carries a total of three different vacuums that you can view as good, better, and best. The Metro Vac N’ Blo 500 is the “good” option. Affordable and powerful, it comes with a 19” flexible hose and all the attachments you need to get the job done. On top of that, it’s a handheld model that’s easy to manage — making it a portable solution for a variety of cleaning jobs.

Expand your detailing tools with…

Whole Car Air ReFresher Odor Eliminator. Soft surfaces have a knack for trapping smells. This Whole Car Air Freshener from Meguiar’s works to neutralize those odors by stopping them at the source.

TORQX Orbital Polisher

As with vacuums, Chemical Guys offers up three different polisher kits — also arranged in a good, better, best lineup. The entry tier sets you up with a powerful dual action polisher that sits comfortably in the hand, making it perfect for any detailing situation. However, we recommend stepping up to the “better” option. For only $30 more, Chemical Guys throws in quality polishing compounds and some heavy-duty attachments. (Act fast though, we’re not sure how long that excellent price point will last.)

Expand your detailing tools with…

Touch-up Paints. A buffer can work wonders, but sometimes your exterior needs a miracle. With the press of a button, you can restore your car’s original paint using AutomotiveTouchup’s paint products. From precision paint pens to aerosol cans, these products offer quick and easy color-matching. 

Does your vehicle need more than a little sanitizing TLC? Be sure to check back soon, as we’ll break down some of the necessary products to take that cleaning job the extra mile — addressing more difficult touch-ups and restoration jobs in the process.