Dodge Ram: How to Wash, Wax and Detail Your Truck

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-present).

The Dodge Ram is not the kind of pickup truck to go unnoticed on or off the road; however, you don't want your ride to get noticed for the wrong reasons, like dirt and other surface contaminants, a poor quality wax job or extensive ultra-violet damage due to heavy exposure to the sun. This and other cosmetic damage due to long-term wear and aging can be improved through the regular detailing of your truck. While results can vary depending on the age of your truck, as well as how well you've maintained it throughout the years, in most cases, you can scrub away old layers of dirt and add a coat (or two) of wax for improved shine and color.

Step 1 – Grab a bucket of soapy water and a bucket of clean water

Scrub away contaminants such as old wax residue, dirt and grime. It's recommended that you use the two-bucket washing method when washing your truck for the deepest clean. Start at the top of your truck and work your way down to the bottom where dirt is most likely to collect.

• Dampen or wet a high quality wash mitt with soapy water.
• Wet your paint with the solution using a straight motion.
• When you are done scrubbing the panel to a dirt-free finish, dunk your wash mitt into the bucket filled with clear water (no soap).
• Slosh the mitt around inside the bucket until all contaminants are removed from the wash mitt.
• When you are done, go in for another grab of soapy water; this time using the same bucket of soapy water as before.
• The two-bucket cleaning method allows you to properly rinse your cleaning tools as you go, without transferring dirt back onto your paint.
• Clean the entire paintwork before moving on to your wheels.

Step 2 – Hose off the wheels and give them a scrub

Similar to the truck bed, your wheels require special attention.

• Hose off caked on dirt, hidden grime and stubborn contaminants.
• Clean the entire wheel using a high quality wheel cleaner; allow the cleaner to take effect for 3 to 5 minutes before wiping away excess product using a microfiber cloth.
• Rinse your wheels once more.
• Pat each wheel dry using a microfiber cloth.

Step 3 – Check the paint for blemishes

Hidden contaminants may still be present on your truck. Wet the surface of the paint with a lubricant, and then run your hand over the whetted surface using a straight line. If you feel lumps and bumps or scratches against your skin, you are dealing with hidden contaminants on your paint and they will need to be removed for uninterrupted shine.

• Grab the lubricant and a section of clay bar.
• Move around your Dodge Ram, incrementally clay barring every inch of paint.
• It's important that you work slowly and maintain a back-and-forth motion.
• The clay bar works on whetted surfaces, not dry ones, so add more lubricant as needed.
• Continue until all contaminants are removed from your paint; you might need to grab new pieces of clay bar as old ones become too dirty.

Step 4 – Improve overall shine

You have a couple of options when it comes to waxing a Dodge Ram. You can either perform the tedious task on your own, or pay to have the truck polished and waxed by a certified automotive technician. Because you've just cleaned and prepped your paint, you might receive a lower rate. When opting to apply a store bought polish and wax to your truck, be sure to choose a high performing product, such as Meguiar's High-Tech Yellow Wax liquid, Meguiar's Gold Class Carnuba Plus Paste Wax or Turtle Wax's Ice Paste Wax.

• After applying several drops of polish onto the surface of your paint, rub the solution in using a clean microfiber cloth.
• Wipe away any swirls before applying your wax.
• The key is to apply the product and then wipe away any swirls for a professional-quality finish.

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