The Auto Detailing Podcast

Hosted by Jimbo Balaam interviews guest like Barry Meguiar, Jason Rose, Yvan Lacroix,

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987

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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 many years there is something we can all learn. This show gives you valuable tips, tricks and interviews with todays top detailers across the world. We focus heavily on efficiency and award winning results - We keep it real and make sure every episode gives you multiple take aways to make you a better auto detailer.

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60 recent

October 11, 202613 min

Your Car Shouldn't Need This Much Maintenance

Your car shouldn't need constant washing, waxing, and maintenance to look incredible. I recently received an email from a customer who told me he'd gained 10 pounds since switching to my detailing products because he spends so much less time maintaining his car! He'd gone six weeks without washing his car, and it still looked great. That got me thinking about something I've believed for years: car detailing has become way more complicated than it needs to be. In this episode of the Auto Detailing Podcast, I'm talking about how to simplify your car care routine, why ceramic coatings make maintenance easier, and how to keep your vehicle looking incredible without spending every weekend detailing it. We also cover: Why you don't need to overcomplicate washing your car How ceramic coatings like The Gloss Boss simplify maintenance Whether using Tough As Shell after every wash is too much Why Wax N Relax might be the perfect winter protection product How to maintain a clean car with fewer products and less effort Why easier maintenance is the real goal of modern car detailing PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4xctSwl The Perfect Wash Bundle: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-perfect-wash-bundle 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,auto detailing podcast,car maintenance,ceramic coating,ceramic coating maintenance,car wash tips,how to wash a car,car care tips,car detailing tips,wax your car,car wax,ceramic spray coating,Tough As Shell,The Gloss Boss,Wax N Relax,The Super Soaper,Jimbo's Detailing,paint protection,how often to wash your car,winter car care,easy car detailing,car washing mistakes,DIY car detailing

October 4, 202617 min

He Spent All Day Detailing His Car…

A tow truck owner was spending around 4.5 hours every week maintaining his truck. After changing his detailing process, he cut that time down to just over an hour — and says the truck looks better than before. I break down what changed, why traditional detailing can become unnecessarily complicated, how modern protection can simplify maintenance, and why the best detailing products should save you time instead of creating more work. This story perfectly sums up Jimbo's philosophy after nearly 20 years of detailing: exceptional results without unnecessary steps. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4xctSwl The Perfect Wash Bundle: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-perfect-wash-bundle 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, ceramic coating, ceramic spray, car wax, carnauba wax, tough as shell, jimbos detailing, detailing podcast, car detailing podcast, detailing tips, ceramic protection, diy detailing, professional detailing, tow truck detailing, car wash tips, paint protection, ceramic spray coating, detailing products, how to detail a car

September 30, 202623 min

I don't do this anymore...

I've been detailing cars since 2008, and over the years my process has changed a lot. When I first started, I thought becoming a better detailer meant adding more steps, using more products, polishing more often, and chasing perfection. Almost 20 years later, I've learned the opposite. In this video, I'm breaking down the things I used to do that I either don't do anymore or do completely differently today. We'll talk about why I touch the paint less, why I don't polish every car, why I use fewer chemicals, how my drying process has changed, why I care less about perfect paint, and why I don't automatically follow every detailing "rule" just because it gets repeated online. My detailing philosophy today is pretty simple: Use the least aggressive process that gets the result. Let chemistry do the work. Touch the paint as little as necessary. Keep the car clean, glossy and protected. And stop making detailing harder than it needs to be. If you've been detailing for a while, let me know in the comments: What's something you used to think was absolutely necessary that you don't do anymore? PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4xctSwl The Perfect Wash Bundle: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-perfect-wash-bundle 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,detailing tips,car detailing tips,professional detailer,how to detail a car,car wash tips,paint correction,ceramic coating,car washing,detailing mistakes,detailing myths,car care,jimbos detailing,car detailing mistakes,beginner detailing,professional detailing,ceramic spray,paint polishing,car wash mistakes,detailing products,how to wash a car,car detailing podcast,detailer advice

September 20, 202610 min

I Stopped Using This Product Completely…

I basically don't use traditional detail spray anymore. It's not because detail sprays are bad. I just prefer using products that can do more than one job. Instead of keeping a separate bottle around just for fingerprints, gloss, drying, and quick touch-ups, I use Tough As Shell diluted 1:1 with distilled water. It gives me the slickness and gloss I want, works great as a drying aid, and helps maintain protection at the same time. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4xctSwl The Perfect Wash Bundle: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-perfect-wash-bundle 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

September 16, 202615 min

Why You Should Ceramic Coat Your Car

Ceramic coatings get talked about like they're complicated, intimidating, and only meant for professional detailers. I don't think they need to be. In this video I talk about the real reason I think most people should ceramic coat their car: it simply makes the car easier to keep looking good. Long before I got into detailing, I had a neighbor whose truck and car always looked incredible. I finally asked him what he did, and his routine was simple — wash them regularly and put a good wax on every few months. That was around 2008. Today, ceramic coatings give you that same basic idea with a much longer-lasting foundation. A good ceramic coating can help: • Make your paint look glossier • Make dirt and grime easier to remove • Make drying easier • Reduce how much you need to touch and scrub the paint • Keep the car looking maintained between washes • Make DIY maintenance a whole lot easier I also talk about why people are intimidated by ceramic coatings, what happens if you get a high spot, and why I designed The Gloss Boss to be what I call the "impossible-to-mess-up ceramic coating." PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4xctSwl The Perfect Wash Bundle: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-perfect-wash-bundle 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 ceramic coating, ceramic coating car, ceramic coating for beginners, DIY ceramic coating, how to ceramic coat a car, ceramic coating benefits, is ceramic coating worth it, car detailing, auto detailing, DIY detailing, paint protection, car paint protection, ceramic coating maintenance, easy ceramic coating, beginner ceramic coating, The Gloss Boss, Jimbos Detailing, Auto Detailing Podcast, Picture Perfect Polish, Wax N Relax

September 13, 202617 min

Does ph Even Matter?

Does the pH of a car soap actually matter as much as people think? I've been getting questions about this for a couple years now because Super Soaper has been tested straight out of the bottle at a much higher pH than what people expect from the product in actual use. In this video I break down the difference between testing a concentrated product in the bottle versus what is actually hitting the surface of your car once it's diluted through a foam cannon and pressure washer. I also explain what I mean when I call Super Soaper "functional foam." The goal was never just to make thick foam. The goal was to make foam that actually helps clean, loosen contamination, and do meaningful work before you ever touch the paint. We also talk about why pH by itself doesn't tell the whole story, and why dilution, contact time, surfactants, concentration, and intended use all matter too. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4xctSwl The Perfect Wash Bundle: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-perfect-wash-bundle 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

September 2, 202623 min

Ceramic Coating vs Ceramic Spray vs Wax—What Do You Actually Need?

Should you use a traditional ceramic coating, a ceramic spray coating or a wax? The correct choice depends on how long you want the protection to last, how much preparation you're willing to do and how you plan to maintain your vehicle. In this video, I break down the real differences between The Gloss Boss, Tough As Shell and Wax 'N Relax. I'll also explain which option I would recommend for a leased car, a brand-new vehicle, an older daily driver and a vehicle that has already been ceramic coated. One important point: no liquid ceramic coating, spray coating or wax will prevent rock chips. For actual impact protection, you need paint protection film. These products are designed to protect against environmental contamination, chemicals, UV exposure and oxidation while making your vehicle easier to wash and maintain. THE THREE SIMPLE PROTECTION SYSTEMS: Easiest protection Wash with The Super Soaper and protect with Tough As Shell. Longest-lasting protection Prepare the paint with Picture Perfect Polish and protect it with The Gloss Boss. Fastest maintenance Wash with The Super Soaper and apply Wax 'N Relax while the vehicle is still wet. You can combine these products, but you do not need to apply everything during the same detail. More products and more layers do not automatically create better results. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4xctSwl 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 ceramic coating, ceramic spray coating, car wax, ceramic coating vs wax, ceramic spray vs ceramic coating, best paint protection, car paint protection, Tough As Shell, Gloss Boss, Wax N Relax, Jimbo's Detailing, Auto Detailing Podcast, beginner car detailing, ceramic coating maintenance, new car paint protection, ceramic coating for beginners, spray ceramic coating, rinse off wax, detailing products

August 23, 202630 min

The 10 Most Common Detailing Questions I Get Asked

In this video, I'm answering 10 of the most common detailing questions I get from customers, YouTube viewers, podcast listeners, and people using Jimbo's Detailing products. We're talking about things like: Does thick foam actually clean better? Do you have to polish before applying a ceramic coating? Do you really need a ceramic coating at all? Can a beginner safely apply a ceramic coating? What products do you actually need to maintain your car? Can you apply protection over something that's already on the paint? How should you deal with light swirl marks? Can you detail a car in direct sunlight? Can using too much product actually make your results worse? And what matters more — the chemical, the tool, or your technique? One of the biggest things I've learned over the years is that detailing has become way more complicated than it needs to be. You don't necessarily need dozens of chemicals, a perfect garage, professional equipment, or an eight-hour paint correction to make your car look great. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4xctSwl 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 tips,car washing,how to detail a car,ceramic coating,ceramic coating tips,paint correction,car polish,foam cannon,car wash soap,car wax,paint protection,Tough As Shell,Gloss Boss,Wax N Relax,Picture Perfect Polish,Super Soaper,Jimbos Detailing,detailing mistakes,DIY detailing,beginner car detailing,car care,auto detailing podcast

July 29, 202617 min

5 Ceramic Spray Mistakes That Ruin Your Results

Ceramic spray protection should be easy to apply, but small mistakes can cause streaking, uneven coverage, poor water behavior, and disappointing durability. In this video, I demonstrate the five most common mistakes people make when applying ceramic spray protection and show you exactly how to correct them. I cover: Why using too much ceramic spray causes streaking How hot paint affects application The right way to manage microfiber towels Why you should work from the middle of the panel toward the edges How contaminated paint can reduce performance The easiest way to fix stubborn ceramic spray streaks How to prime your application towel When to rotate or replace your towels Why your final buff should require almost no pressure How long to wait before judging the product's performance One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming more product means more protection. In reality, applying too much usually makes the product harder to level and leaves excess residue behind. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR 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 ceramic spray mistakes, ceramic spray application, how to apply ceramic spray, ceramic coating streaks, ceramic spray streaking, spray ceramic coating, car paint protection, ceramic sealant, ceramic spray wax, Tough As Shell, car detailing tips, DIY car detailing, microfiber towel tips, ceramic coating application, paint protection mistakes, ceramic spray durability, how to protect car paint, ceramic spray tutorial, detailing mistakes

July 22, 202625 min

If I Had to Start My Detailing Business Over, I'd Buy These 6 Things First

What are the best detailing tools to buy if you're starting from scratch? If I had to rebuild my detailing business today, these are the six tools I'd purchase before anything else. After more than 20 years in the auto detailing industry, I've learned that having the right tools matters far more than having the most tools. In this video, I break down the essential detailing equipment that has had the biggest impact on the quality of my work, the speed of my workflow, and the overall enjoyment of detailing. From a deionized water system and pressure washer to a foam cannon, Tornador-style air tool, quality microfiber towels, and a simple chemical system, these are the products I genuinely couldn't live without. Whether you're a beginner looking to build your first detailing setup or an experienced detailer trying to simplify your garage, this video will help you spend your money on the upgrades that make the biggest difference. In this video: Why deionized (DI) water is my #1 detailing upgrade Why every detailer should own a pressure washer How a foam cannon makes washing safer and easier Why Tornador-style air tools are a game changer for interiors The importance of investing in quality microfiber towels Why a simple chemical system beats having dozens of products If you enjoy real-world detailing tests, honest product reviews, detailing tips, and educational content, be sure to subscribe for new videos every week. PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT: Wax 'n Relax: https://jimbosdetailing.com/WnR - Use code RELAX for 20% OFF 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 auto detailing,car detailing,detailing business,detailing tools,best detailing tools,pressure washer,foam cannon,deionized water,DI water,tornador,tornador air tool,interior detailing,microfiber towels,car wash setup,detailing essentials,beginner detailing,professional detailing,detailing tips,jimbos detailing,auto detailing podcast,car care,best car detailing products,detailing equipment,how to start detailing,garage setup