Highlands Auto Detailing

Southern car detailers in summer 🥵

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 43

Highlands Auto Detailing

I learned this lesson the hard way when I first started detailing…

If your towel looks like this after cleaning black leather, it might not be just dirt.

When I was starting out, like a lot of people, I looked for cleaners that were cheap, strong, and worked FAST. The easier something cut through grime, the better I thought it was. (Think popular degreasers & all-purpose cleaners.)

Until this happened.

Some of that black on the towel was actually coming from the seat itself.

The cleaner I was using was too aggressive and was removing some of the finish from the leather. And with black seats, as a new detailer, it can be surprisingly hard to notice while you’re cleaning. You might just think your cleaner is doing an amazing job.

Once I understood what was happening, that experience completely changed how I approach interiors.

Start with the least aggressive cleaner necessary, ideally something actually designed for leather seats. Use the proper dilution, and always test unfamiliar products in an inconspicuous area first.

A cleaner working faster doesn’t necessarily mean it’s working better.

Yes, you might need to be patient and agitate a little more, but your leather will thank you now and years down the road.

This is how I clean leather seats and the products that safely clean interiors effectively👇

https://youtu.be/1PwiH3oCeAk?is=P_ZFy...

1 month ago | [YT] | 54

Highlands Auto Detailing

Most beginners buy the wrong polishing pad…

Not because they picked the wrong brand, but because nobody told them colors don’t mean the same thing across manufacturers.

👇 Want to see exactly how I use my recommended beginner combo to remove swirl marks? Watch the full step-by-step tutorial here:

How to Remove Swirl Marks (1 Step Paint Correction)

https://youtu.be/lrCDexqwl0I?is=dZEKe...

Once you’ve picked the right polishing pad, the next challenge is technique. But that can be simplified too.

Things like:

• How much product to use
• How fast to move the machine
• How much pressure to apply

Those make a much bigger difference than whether your pad is orange, yellow, or white.

In the YouTube video above, I show the entire process using this exact beginner combo so you can confidently remove swirl marks without making things more complicated than they need to be.

What’s the biggest thing that’s keeping you from polishing your car?

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1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 198

Highlands Auto Detailing

🏆 If You Could Only Use ONE…

1 month ago | [YT] | 9

Highlands Auto Detailing

This Made Water Spot Removal WAY Easier… 👇

Instead of spraying expensive water spot removers panel by panel, I started doing this to save time and simplify the process.

I turned my foam + hand wash process into one mineral removal process instead of separating it into two.

The goal is MAXIMUM chemical dwell time with SAFE products, so here’s what I do…

I keep 2 foam cannons filled with CarPro Descale diluted properly.

I foam the entire vehicle with the first cannon, then immediately switch to the second cannon and start again from the same starting point before anything has a chance to dry.

By the time I’m finished with the second cannon, I’ve gotten several minutes of dwell time without having to rush or babysit separate panels.

Rinse.

Then I simply hand wash the vehicle with CarPro Descale.

My goal isn’t necessarily to visually remove every spot with chemicals. It’s to remove as much mineral buildup as possible as the prep step before polishing.

Otherwise, you may think you removed the spots, when in reality you simply polished over minerals that were still there and they may reappear a few days later if you rushed the process.

Patience wins 🥇

Have you found a better way? 🤔

3 months ago | [YT] | 29

Highlands Auto Detailing

If money wasn’t a factor, would you still wash your own car?

3 months ago | [YT] | 25

Highlands Auto Detailing

Trash removed. Vacuum done. What’s your NEXT step? 😬👇

I’d personally start with the carpet since it’s usually the biggest source of the mess. Interior detailing gets worse before it gets better.

Next, I’d steam and wipe out the center console, cup holders, and door pockets.

Then I’d clean the seats. While the carpet and seats dry, I’d tackle the doors and jambs.

Finally, I’d finish with the dash, headliner, and driver’s area.

What’s your order? 👇

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3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 22

Highlands Auto Detailing

Which step creates the most shine on a car?

3 months ago | [YT] | 6

Highlands Auto Detailing

Most people agree with the first 3 slides. The last 2 though… 😬

Automatic car washes are like the fast food of car care.

They’re fast.

They’re convenient.

They get the job done.

And for a while, everything seems fine.

The problem is that both can create damage slowly enough that most people never notice it happening.

By the time the consequences show up, fixing them usually costs far more than preventing them.

And sometimes only so much can be done to correct the issues.

What’s your take? Am I being fair, or am I exaggerating?

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3 months ago | [YT] | 59

Highlands Auto Detailing

10 years later, I still remember what he said in our Sergeants’ leadership meeting 👇

It reminds me to keep learning no matter your age, experience, status, or career position. Some of the most valuable lessons can come from unexpected people if you’re willing to listen.

🤔 Fun fact: I’m a United States Army veteran.

Thank you all for the support and for helping this car detailing channel grow, and for always sharing your own experiences and perspectives.

Believe it or not, I’m always listening to your feedback and still learning and trying new things 👍

4 months ago | [YT] | 22