Chad Zani

Auto Detailing Expert

Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.

Forum Comments (1)

Any hacks for removing a stubborn sticker off glass?

This is one of the old tricks that hasn't really changed much in the last 20 years—use a razor blade to scrape a corner up and work the sticker off using your fingers and the razor blade. And then if there's glue residue, just grab a new razor and use it to scrape the glue gunk away.

Q&A Comments (69)

What does claying a car do?

Claying a vehicle gets rid of the small contaminants in the clear coat that didn't come off from washing it. You can find a clay kit at a local automotive store. Once you have the clay, all you have to do is gently apply it to the surface of your vehicle and then polish as you normally would.

What should I use to clean my car?

Use a microfiber towel for the best finish. These types of towels are specifically designed to reduce the risk of scratching the surface of the car while also picking up as much dirt and grime as possible. You can find them at a home goods store or an auto shop.

What is the best adhesive remover?

Orange Degreaser is really good, and so are Purple Power and Krud Kutter. They should all work on tough stains, which would include glue.

See more comments

Co-authored Articles (97)

The Best Ways to Clean the Inside of Your Windshield

Try these pro detailing tips for a shiny windshield without streaks If you’ve noticed an oily film or streaks blurring your vision while you’re driving, then it’s time to show your windshield some TLC and give it ...

How to Restore Cloudy Car Headlights

Get crystal clear headlights using these easy at-home methodsIf you notice that your headlights are foggy, yellowish, or dim at night, it’s time to clean the surface. Luckily, you can clean them effectively using house...

How to

Remove Scratches from a Car

Scratches in car paint can be caused by a variety of things. Car accidents, vandalism, poor parking, and other parking lot mishaps are all common causes for a scratch or 2 on your perfect paint job. While scratches do de...

How to

Tint Car Windows

Usually, tinted car windows block the ultraviolet sunlight rays that can harm your skin. They also offer privacy from people looking into your car. While tinting is a long, time-consuming process, most people can tint th...

14 Easy Ways to Get Smoke Smell Out of Your Car Permanently

Auto detailing expert Chad Zani & wikiHow staff explain how to deodorize & clean your car to get rid of cigarette and cannabis smells Are you met with the smell of smoke whenever you open your car door? Smoke clings to a...

How to

Remove Window Tint

Get rid of almost any window tint with ordinary household items If your window tint is too dark or is scratched, discolored, or bubbly, you can easily remove it without spending a lot of money, whether you’re working ...

How to

Remove Scratches from a Windshield

Windshield scratches are a nuisance, but you don’t need to tolerate them. Most scratches are fixable with a windshield polish and a buffing pad. Cerium oxide paste is effective for filling in scratches, making your win...

How to Clean Headlights with WD-40

Have you noticed that your headlights look hazy and dim when you turn them on? Headlights start to turn yellow and fog up over time, but a little WD-40 is a fast and easy solution to clean them up. Even if you don’t ha...

How to Use Household Ingredients to Clean Your Car

Make your car spick-and-span inside and out with these easy DIY tipsAre you shelling out wads of cash on pricy cleaning products you can ''only'' use on your car? If so, then welcome to the first day of the rest of your ...

9 Easy Ways to Remove a Cannabis Smell from Your Car

Eliminate cannabis smells from your vehicle So you smoked or stored some weed inside your car—how do you get rid of the lingering weed smell? If you’re worried about someone finding out that you’ve been smoking, th...

Best Ways to Clean the Outside & Inside of Your Car

A step-by-step guide to make your car sparkle and shineThere’s no better way to make your car look brand new than by giving it a thorough cleaning both inside and outside. This article will take you step by step throug...

How to

Fix Curb Rash on Rims

Curb rash is damage, like scuff marks, scratches, or gouges, on the rims of your tires from hitting curbs or other obstructions. Though curb rash is unsightly, you can fix it yourself with time, patience, and dedication....

How to Clean Cloudy Plastic Kitchenware & Headlights

Plus, learn why plastic gets so foggy to begin withHave your plastic cups, blender containers, or car headlights developed a hazy fog? If so, don't worry. Cleaning foggy plastic is surprisingly easy, and you can usually ...

How to

Remove Emblems From Cars

Most car emblems consist of the make, model, trim level, and possibly the dealership's logo. Older cars have emblems stuck on through holes in the sheet metal, but today most emblems are attached using a strong adhesive ...

How to

Buff Clear Coat

You don't need to be a pro to perfectly buff the clear coat on your car. With the proper tools and material, some time, and some elbow grease, you can have that high-gloss finish you want.

How to

Repair a Deep Scratch on Car

Finding a bad scratch on your car can be frustrating, but fear not—repairing even the worst scratches can be a fairly simple fix, provided you have the right tools. Depending on just how deep the scratch is, you may be...

How to

Remove Tree Sap From Your Car

The moment you discover that your vehicle is covered in tree sap your heart usually sinks, not just because your shiny car is now dirty, but because of the work it will take to remove the sap. Cleaning sap off of your ca...

How to

Get the Gasoline Smell Out of a Car

Gasoline has a pervasive odor that can make your car reek. In addition, it can make you light-headed, dizzy, or nauseated. The first thing to do is deal with a spill right after it happens, if you can, by getting rid of ...

How to

Paint a Car Roof

If you’re looking to paint your car yourself and get exceptional results, it’s a must to invest in a pro-style paint sprayer and use expert techniques. Since your car’s roof is less noticeable, though, you may deci...

How to

Use a Rubbing Compound

Rubbing compound is a material used to restore old paintwork, and it acts as a new top coat for your car. In addition, it also helps conceal scratches in your car's paint. First, wash your car thoroughly with soap and wa...

See more articles