At Luxury Car Detailing, we take pride in helping high-performance vehicles like this Tesla Model 3 maintain their sleek, modern appearance. This particular vehicle received a full wash and wax service on-site at the client’s home, using high-quality products to enhance protection and bring out the deep metallic shine in the paint.
The Tesla's owner wanted a maintenance-level service that would clean the car thoroughly and add a layer of protection from the elements—ideal for Rhode Island’s changing weather conditions.
Service Goals
- Remove surface-level dirt, dust, and grime
- Preserve and enhance the glossy finish of the paint
- Apply a protective wax layer for water beading and UV resistance
- Maintain the vehicle’s overall value and visual appeal
Exterior Wash and Wax Process
1. Rinse and Foam Pre-Wash
- Used pH-neutral foam to loosen surface grime
- Pressure rinse to minimize scratching during contact wash
2. Two-Bucket Hand Wash
- Used the two-bucket method with a grit guard to avoid swirl marks
- Soft microfiber mitt used to clean all panels and delicate areas
3. Wheel and Tire Cleaning
- Separate brushes used for wheels and barrels
- Applied non-acidic cleaner to remove brake dust
- Tires scrubbed and prepped for dressing
4. Clay Bar Decontamination (Spot Areas)
- Lightly clayed areas with light surface contaminants to ensure clean paint surface
5. Wax Application
- Applied a premium carnauba-based wax by hand
- Allowed wax to haze, then removed with clean microfiber towels
- Enhanced gloss and hydrophobic properties to protect the finish
6. Tire Dressing and Final Touches
- Applied a satin-finish dressing for a clean, non-greasy appearance
- Wiped down all trim, glass, and badges
Client Takeaways
- Enhanced shine and smoothness: The metallic gray paint showed noticeable depth and reflectivity after waxing
- Paint protection: Wax offers short-term protection from UV rays, bird droppings, sap, and water spotting
- Better water beading: Makes future cleanups easier and protects the surface between washes
- Professional finish: No water spots, streaks, or missed areas—every surface received hands-on attention
Summary of Work Performed
- Full hand wash using safe-contact methods
- Wheel and tire deep cleaning
- Spot clay bar decontamination
- Carnauba wax application and buffing
- Tire dressing and finishing touches
Why Wash and Wax Is Worth It
While it may seem like a basic service, a high-quality wash and wax is essential to maintaining vehicle health and appearance. It acts as a barrier between your paint and the road, helping prevent fading, oxidation, and damage from environmental contaminants.
Regular wax treatments—especially when done by hand—also reduce long-term paint correction costs and help keep electric vehicles like this Tesla looking sharp without relying on automated car washes that may scratch the paint.