The Auto Detailing Podcast

The Auto Detailing Podcast

By Jimbo Balaam interviews guest like Barry Meguiar, Jason Rose, Yvan Lacroix,BusinessLeisureAutomotive
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The Auto Detailing Podcast episodes

  • The Best Glass Cleaner Isn't a Glass Cleaner - Here's The Secret To Streak Free Glass

    I keep getting asked why I don't offer a dedicated glass cleaner… or what my favorite glass cleaner is.

    The truth is simple: most of the time, the best glass cleaner is not a glass cleaner at all.

    In this episode, I'm breaking down my simple method for getting streak-free car glass using DI water or distilled water in a spray bottle. No foaming glass cleaner. No overcomplicated system. No heavy residue left behind.

    Just the right process, the right towel, and a simple approach that works.

    I'll also cover why so many glass cleaners streak, why foaming glass cleaners can make the problem worse, how I handle smoker cars or heavy buildup on interior glass, and the towel trick I use when cleaning hot glass in direct sunlight.

    In this video, I cover:

    • Why I don't currently sell a glass cleaner
    • Why DI water or distilled water works so well on car glass
    • Why foaming glass cleaners can cause streaking
    • How to clean interior windshield haze
    • What to do on smoker cars or heavy buildup
    • When I use Complete Cabin Cleaner first
    • Why the final wipe matters more than the cleaner
    • My hot-glass towel trick for direct sunlight
    • How to get simple, streak-free glass without overthinking it

    Most people don't have a glass cleaner problem. They have a towel problem, a residue problem, or a process problem.

    Keep it simple. Clean the glass. Don't leave anything behind.

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    car glass cleaner, best glass cleaner, clean car windows, streak free glass, windshield cleaning, interior windshield haze, car detailing glass tips, DI water glass cleaner, distilled water glass cleaner, foaming glass cleaner, how to clean car glass, car detailing podcast, auto detailing podcast, Jimbo's Detailing, Complete Cabin Cleaner, Tough As Shell, detailing tips, streak free windshield, glass cleaning hack

    17 min
  • The TRUTH About Detailing Cars Outside...

    Can you detail a car in direct sun? Years ago, the answer was almost always no. Soaps would dry too fast, waxes would streak, polishes would dust, and water spots could bake into the paint before you even had a chance to wipe them off.

    But detailing products have changed.

    In this video, I break down why detailing in direct sunlight used to be such a problem, what has changed with modern car detailing technology, and how better soaps, ceramic sprays, microfiber towels, and polishing products make it possible to safely detail in real-world conditions.

    This doesn't mean you should be careless. Heat, hard water, black paint, and wind still matter. But with the right products and the right process, detailing in the sun is no longer the automatic disaster it used to be.

    In this video, I cover:

    • Why old-school soaps, waxes, and polishes struggled in direct sun
    • How modern car wash soaps changed the game
    • Why pre-soaking before contact washing is safer
    • How ceramic sprays are easier to use than old waxes
    • Why microfiber towel technology matters
    • The difference between outdated detailing methods and modern detailing chemistry
    • How to detail smarter when shade is not available

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    car detailing in direct sun, can you detail a car in the sun, washing car in sunlight, direct sun car wash, car detailing tips, modern detailing products, ceramic spray coating, car wash soap, pre soak car wash, mobile detailing tips, Jimbo Balaam, Jimbo's Detailing, The Super Soaper, Tough As Shell, auto detailing, driveway detailing

    23 min
  • If I Could Only Use 3 Detailing Products… This Is What I'd Pick

    What if you could only use 3 detailing products for every car you work on?

    No shelves full of chemicals. No 20-step process. Just 3 products to handle almost everything.

    In this video, I break down the exact 3 products I would choose—and more importantly, WHY—based on versatility, efficiency, and real-world results.

    This isn't about the "perfect" setup… it's about the smartest setup.

    Because the truth is… most detailers are overcomplicating things.

    If you understand how to choose products that can do multiple jobs, you can simplify your process, save time, and still get incredible results.

    👇 In this video, we cover:

    • The mindset behind choosing versatile detailing products
    • Why most specialty products don't make the cut
    • How to clean, protect, and finish a car with just 3 products
    • The limitations of this setup (and where it falls short)
    • Who this minimalist approach actually works best for

    Whether you're a beginner, weekend warrior, or pro detailer looking to simplify your setup… this will change how you think about detailing.

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    Bundles: https://jimbosdetailing.com/collections/bundles

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    car detailing, auto detailing, car detailing tips, detailing products, best detailing products, car wash products, how to detail a car, detailing for beginners, mobile detailing, detailing setup, minimal detailing setup, car cleaning tips, ceramic spray coating, tire dressing, trim dressing, car wash soap, foam cannon soap, detailing business, professional detailer, detailing hacks, simple detailing setup, 3 detailing products, must have detailing products, beginner detailing kit

    17 min
  • 8 Detailing Mistakes Everyone Is Still Making (Stop Doing This)

    Most detailers think they're doing things the "right" way… but what if the industry has been teaching it wrong this whole time?

    In this episode, I break down 8 common detailing mistakes that are holding people back—from outdated wash methods to overcomplicated systems that take the fun out of detailing.

    This isn't about calling people out… it's about showing you a better, simpler, more effective way to get pro-level results.

    Here's what we're getting into:

    • Why pre-rinsing with water is actually less effective than pre-soaking • How DI water can completely change your results (especially in the sun) • Why the 2-bucket method is outdated (and what to do instead) • The truth about pH neutral soaps vs functional cleaning power • Why APCs don't belong on most interiors • How to simplify paint correction with ONE polish and pad choice • The reality of ceramic coating durability (and what actually works long-term) • Why most detailing brands overcomplicate everything—and how to simplify your process

    At the end of the day, detailing should be fun, simple, and effective. If your process feels complicated… you're probably doing too much.

    If you want better results in less time—and actually enjoy the process again—this episode is for you.

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    car detailing mistakes, detailing tips, how to detail a car, car washing mistakes, two bucket method outdated, pre soak car wash, car wash soap explained, ph neutral car soap, best car wash method, auto detailing tips, ceramic coating truth, paint correction tips, one step polish, interior detailing mistakes, detailing for beginners, professional detailing tips, foam cannon wash method, how to avoid swirl marks, detailing process simplified, car cleaning tips

    31 min
  • The TRUTH About Why Ceramic Coatings Fail...

    Want a ceramic coating that's actually EASY to use… and actually LASTS?

    In this episode, I break down why most ceramic coatings fail—and why so many detailers get blamed for it when it's really the product that's the problem.

    The truth is… if a ceramic coating requires perfect conditions, crazy prep, and zero margin for error, that's not on you—that's on the brand.

    Today, I'm talking about a different approach.

    I'll show you why coatings like Gloss Boss and Tough As Shell are:

    • Extremely forgiving during installation
    • Nearly impossible to mess up
    • Resistant to being accidentally removed
    • And built to actually last in real-world conditions

    We'll also cover something most companies won't talk about…

    👉 Why some ceramic coatings are easy to apply—but also easy to REMOVE 👉 Why your coating shouldn't fail after a few washes or 12–18 months 👉 And how to know if your coating is actually protecting your paint

    I also share real-world results from an 18-month test comparing Cerakote vs Gloss Boss, with no toppers and no special treatment.

    If you're tired of overcomplicated installs, inconsistent results, and coatings that don't live up to the hype… this episode is for you.

    ▶️ 18-Month Ceramic Coating Test (Cerakote vs Gloss Boss): https://youtu.be/77CLJ29D2nU?si=JF6_DexB_koeBzGk&t=371

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    23 min
  • You're killing me… in a good way

    In this episode, I share a real email from a customer that perfectly captures something most detailers go through.

    He left my products. Tried other brands. Then came back.

    And what he said about foam, cleaning power, and product performance says a lot about where the detailing industry is today.

    We talk about:

    • Using interior cleaners beyond the car
    • Why most soaps focus too much on foam
    • What actually makes a product effective
    • Honest feedback on Super Soaper, Pure Magic Cleaner, and Tough As Shell

    If you're a detailer (or just someone who cares about their car), this episode will help you understand what really matters—and what doesn't.

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    car detailing, auto detailing, car wash soap, best car soap, foam cannon soap, super soaper, car cleaning tips, detailing products, ceramic spray coating, tough as shell, interior car cleaner, complete cabin cleaner, wheel cleaner, brake dust remover, detailing business, mobile detailing, car detailing podcast, foam vs cleaning power, how to wash a car, best detailing products

    21 min
  • How to Wash Your Car in Under 20 Minutes...Even In Direct Sun

    Want to wash your car FAST without scratching your paint?

    Most people think a quick car wash means cutting corners… but that's exactly how swirl marks, streaks, and bad results happen.

    In this video, I'm breaking down how to wash your car in under 20 minutes using a simple, efficient system that actually delivers better results—not worse.

    This isn't about rushing. It's about removing the things that slow you down.

    Once you dial in your process, washing your car becomes: ✔ Faster ✔ Safer ✔ More consistent

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    wash car fast, how to wash your car fast, car wash in 20 minutes, foam cannon wash, foam cannon car wash, how to wash car without scratches, avoid swirl marks washing car, car detailing tips, fast car wash method, diy car wash, best way to wash car, car wash routine, foam cannon tips, touchless car wash method, car detailing for beginners

    19 min
  • Why Dealership & Tunnel Car Washes Are Destroying Your Paint (And What To Do About It)

    Just bought a new car… and after ONE wash it's covered in water spots?

    That's exactly what happened to one of my customers with a brand new Audi Q5—and the crazy part is, it already had a ceramic coating on it.

    In this episode, I break down what REALLY causes water spots, why dealership washes and tunnel car washes are doing more harm than good, and how to safely fix the problem without scratching your paint.

    Because here's the truth… It's not the car. It's not even the coating. It's the process.

    We'll cover:

    • Why water spots happen (and why they're NOT just dirt)
    • The hidden problems with dealership washes
    • What tunnel car washes actually do to your paint
    • The biggest mistake people make trying to remove water spots
    • How to safely remove water spots without swirl marks
    • Why protection and drying are the most important steps
    • How to prevent this from happening again

    If you've ever used a tunnel wash, dealership wash, or let your car air dry… this episode is for you.

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    car detailing, water spots car, remove water spots car, tunnel car wash damage, dealership car wash problems, ceramic coating water spots, how to remove water spots, black car swirl marks, car wash mistakes, paint correction tips, auto detailing tips, car care tips, jimbo detailing, how to wash car properly, avoid swirl marks

    25 min
  • The Truth About 'All-In-One' Car Detailing Products: MAXL ONE, Turtle Wax 1 & Done, Chemical Guys Raging Rhino SmartOne

    In today's video, we're breaking down the truth about "all-in-one" car detailing products.

    Products like MAXL ONE, Chemical Guys SmartOne, and Turtle Wax 1 & Done all promise the same thing — clean, shine, and protect your car in one simple step.

    Sounds perfect… right?

    But here's the reality: detailing doesn't work like that.

    In this video, I'll show you:

    • What these all-in-one products are actually designed to do
    • Where they work well (and where they fall short)
    • Why combining cleaning, correction, and protection into one step creates compromises
    • The simple system that actually gives you better results without making detailing harder

    My goal isn't to bash these products — it's to help you understand how they really work so you can get the best results possible on your car.

    Because when you understand the process, everything gets easier… and your results get way better.

    If you want that deep gloss, real protection, and a process that actually makes sense — this video will change how you look at detailing.

    Let me know in the comments: Have you tried any "all-in-one" products? What was your experience? Do you want me to try them out in a video?

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    car detailing, all in one car detailing products, maxl one review, chemical guys smartone review, turtle wax 1 and done, car detailing products explained, how to detail a car, car wash tips, ceramic spray vs all in one, car detailing mistakes, best car wash method, auto detailing tips, detailing for beginners, car cleaning products, detailing myths, car shine tips, exterior detailing, touchless car wash, foam cannon wash, car detailing guide

    15 min
  • How to Make Your Car Look INSANELY Shiny (and Keep It That Way)

    In this episode, I break down the real way to make your car look insanely shiny—and how to keep it that way without overcomplicating the process.

    Most people think shine comes from products… but the truth is, shine comes from removing what's blocking it.

    We're talking about:

    • Why your paint looks dull (even after washing)

    • How contaminants, swirls, and scratches kill gloss

    • The simple process to restore depth and clarity

    • How to protect your finish so it stays looking fresh

    • And the easiest way to maintain that shine long-term

    This is the exact system I use to get consistent results without wasting time or effort.

    If you want a car that turns heads every time you drive it—and stays that way—this episode is for you.

    PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:

    The Gloss Boss: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TGB Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr

    The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d

    Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu

    Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber

    Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69

    Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG

    SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE

    VIDEO'S TALKED ABOUT:

    Clay bar video: https://youtu.be/ZcC6MGQMhn0?si=K9vuSgK2L-3ow9kD

    Dry Foam video: https://youtu.be/fyMrT0leOiQ?si=KcAWjaFLIFvL-tTd

    SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/user/jbalaam?sub_confirmation=1

    car detailing, how to make car shiny, car shine tips, how to make car paint shine, car detailing tips, auto detailing, how to wash car without scratches, ceramic spray coating, car polishing tips, remove swirls car paint, clay bar car, car detailing for beginners, best car wash method, keep car clean, car gloss tips, paint correction basics, car care tips, detailing tutorial, foam car wash, super soaper, tough as shell

    23 min

About The Auto Detailing Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Auto Detailing Podcast is a show dedicated to all things auto detailing. Whether you are a weekend warrior, drive way detailer, just starting your detail business, or you have been detailing for…