Achieving gleaming showroom results in your own driveway might sound intimidating. But with the right products, transforming your car from grimy to glimmering is surprisingly simple. We’ve tested over 500 car care offerings to uncover the very best equipment for DIY detailers of all skill levels.
Ready to tackle tires to trim with pro-level prep? Here are 10 products guaranteed to bring out a salon-quality shine at home.
The Ultimate Car Cleaning Bucket
A bucket seems too basic to mention? Not so for AVA’s Car Care Bucket – our 2023 Product of the Year winner. This multi-functional marvel features a grit guard to trap debris, reducing swirl marks during washing. Its unique shape slows water rotation to prevent scratches while a removable strainer filters out particles.
When not sudsing, the non-slip lid converts the bucket into a sturdy step for cleaning roofs and a comfortable seat for wheel arches. Durable, versatile and kind to your paintwork – this bucket kickstarts showroom results.
Ceramic Wash Protection
Gtechniq’s Ceramic GWash topped our wash protection tests for water beading persistence over weeks. The crystal serum formula bonds to paint for a slick water-resistant barrier against dirt accumulation. Just 20ml diluted makes buckets of tough cleaning solution to lift grime gently. Consistent use enhances shine while protecting the finish.
Clay Away Contamination
Environmental pollutants embed themselves in paint overtime, making it feel rough and look dull. Bilt-Hamber’s Auto Clay bar is our longtime winner for safely lifting away bonded grime to unveil glassy paint sans scrapes. The putty formula glides smoothly with water activating clay particles to absorb surface debris gently but effectively.
Colour Restoration Polish
Minor scratches and oxidation fade your paint’s vibrancy over years of driving. Our tested favourite for one-step revitalisation is Diamondbrite’s Diamond Cut. The light abrasive formula removes top layer defects to reveal richer colour and clarity. Fast-working on all paint types, it leaves a glossy wet-look finish needing just a simple buff off.
Show Stopping Shine Wax
For maximum sparkling results, follow polishing with a layer of high-quality wax. Bilt-Hamber’s Double Speed Wax topped our extensive wax tests for its durable, mirror-like reflective gloss. The carnauba-based formula spreads thinly and smoothly before setting to a rock-hard shine that beads water for months. Quick to apply with fool-proof results.
Wheel Cleaning Power Spray
Brake dust, road grime and mud quickly make alloy wheels look dull and dirty. Bilt-Hamber’s Auto Wheel spray clings easily to vertical and inner wheel surfaces while the colour-changing formula softens and lifts away stubborn debris. The high cling foam then powers away the loosened grime for a clean, corrosion-free finish.
The Perfect Glass Cleaner
Keep your view crystal clear without nasty streaks using AG Fast Glass, our tested winner. The non-ammonia formula cuts through oily road film on windows without smearing or hazing. The concentrated liquid clings well to vertical glass before wiping away grease for glare-free driving visibility.
Plastic & Vinyl Restorer
Faded, lacklustre exterior trim ruins your ride’s refined edges. Simoniz Back to Black revives tired plastics, vinyl and rubber with its dye-based formula to restore darkness and dimension. The nano-polymer coating also leaves a protective barrier against UV damage. No more cracking, greying surfaces with this easy-to-apply solution.
Water Spot Remover
Prevent watermarks from ruining freshly cleaned panels with AG’s Drive Dry Dash Wax Rinse. This unique liquid wax infusion sheets away droplets before evaporation leaving a slick, tool-free hydrophobic shield. No need to fully dry panels, just spritz and rinse away water grime-free.
Tyre Protection & Conditioning
Complete your exterior makeover with Simoniz’s Back to Black Tyre & Trim gel – our winner for durable darkening shine. The wet-look finish deeply replenishes rubber compounds while protective polymers block out future fading and cracks. Buff easily by hand or machine for a striking, just-rolled-outlook.
Detailing Done Right
With this all-star cast of cleaning heroes in your garage arsenal, pro-grade paint and exterior prep is in your hands. Get ready for stellar results minus the auto salon bills. Let’s give dull, tired exteriors their sparkling second chance!