Thank You for Choosing Driven Aesthetics
Your vehicle has been reset, protected, and brought back to its best. The hard part’s done.
This page is designed for those who want to keep their car looking great long after the detail. Whether you’re new to proper car care or looking to build better habits, this guide helps you understand how to maintain that “just detailed” look with the right professional techniques and products.
Some people see their car as just transportation and that’s perfectly fine. But for those who see their car as something more and starting their detailing journey. This page is for you.
Here, you’ll find easy to follow tips, recommended products, and routines tailored to what your car just received at Driven Aesthetics. A clean car isn’t just a one time thing. It’s a lifestyle.
What’s This Page For?
✅ The Do’s & 🚫 Don’ts
1. 🚫 Don’t use automatic or brush car washes.
Those spinning brushes trap dirt and grime from previous vehicles, leaving behind scratches, marring, and swirls. If you must, use a touchless car wash as a last resort. Then follow with a quick detail spray and microfiber drying towel. JUST ONE AUTOMATIC CAR WASH PASS CAN UNDO EVERYTHING!
✅ Do: Wash by hand whenever possible using the two-bucket method and a clean microfiber mitt. This reduces swirl marks and keeps your finish looking freshly detailed.
2. 🚫 Don’t assume a ceramic coating or ceramic spray sealant is invincible.
These products protect and provide lasting benefits, yes. But they don’t make your car bulletproof. They can’t stop rock chips, scratches, or neglect. Proper washing, drying, and maintenance are key for lasting performance — not the product alone. Without care, even the best coating will lose its performance and lifespan early.
✅ Do: Maintain your coating or sealant with proper washing and periodic maintenance sprays. Treat protection as a system, not a shield.
3. 🚫 Don’t wash in direct sunlight or when the surface is hot.
This causes soap and water to dry unevenly, leading to streaks and water spots. Wash in the shade, early morning, or evening for best results.
✅ Do: Wash in a shaded or covered area to keep surfaces cool. This ensures longer working time and a spotless finish.
4. 🚫 Don’t let your car air dry.
Water spots form fast, especially under the sun or on hot panels. Always dry with a clean microfiber towel and/or use a blower to remove water safely.
✅ Do: Use a plush drying towel or a blower to safely remove water. A quick mist of detail spray helps prevent spots and adds extra gloss.
5. 🚫 Don’t use household cleaners or all-purpose degreasers.
They’re too harsh and can weaken or strip ceramic spray sealants and coatings. Always stick to pH-neutral automotive soaps and products designed for vehicles.
✅ Do: Use pH-balanced automotive shampoos that safely remove dirt without affecting your protection.
6. 🚫 Don’t use household towels or old T-shirts to dry your car.
They trap debris and cause micro-scratches. Always use proper automotive grade microfiber towels designed for drying and detailing.
✅ Do: Use clean, soft microfiber towels and wash them separately from household laundry to avoid lint and residue.
7. 🚫 Don’t use brushes, squeegees, or abrasive sponges on paint.
These leave micro-scratches that dull your finish. Use microfiber wash mitts or wash pads instead.
✅ Do: Use high-quality microfiber or wool mitts and rinse them often during washing to reduce swirl marks.
8. 🚫 Don’t use household glass cleaners.
Most contain ammonia, which can damage window tint and interior plastics. Use automotive-specific glass cleaner for a streak-free, safe finish.
✅ Do: Use tint-safe, ammonia-free glass cleaner and a dedicated waffle-weave towel for crystal-clear results.
9. 🚫 Don’t neglect the interior.
Dust, oils, and daily use build up quickly. A quick interior detailer wipe down every other week or month makes a huge difference and prevents long-term wear.
✅ Do: Wipe down interior surfaces regularly with an interior detailer and microfiber towel. Keep the cabin clean to prevent fading, grime buildup, and premature wear.
10. 🚫 Don’t apply products without understanding what’s already on the paint.
If your car has a ceramic coating, skip waxes or sealants — they’ll clog the coating, reducing performance and hydrophobics. If it has a ceramic spray sealant, you can top it up occasionally as it wears off. Just make sure the surface is clean and prepped first. Never apply over a dirty surface.
✅ Do: Know what protection your car currently has. Clean and decontaminate before applying new products to ensure proper bonding and a flawless finish.