Acura TLX detailing in Houston

What we watch for

Paint and interior on the TLX

Paint and exterior

Majestic Black, Platinum White and Performance Red are common. The second generation's long hood and short rear deck make for big flat panels that show every swirl in low sun.

Interior

Leather on most cars, Ultrasuede inserts on A-Spec, and a bright red interior on some. The touchpad controller on the newer car collects fingerprints and lotion, and the wide console scratches from keys.

Living in Houston

Office lots in the Energy Corridor bake TLX dashboards and leather all summer, and sprinklers that run at dawn leave spots on the hood and glass that set by lunchtime.

• Black and dark colors are common: they show swirls, water spots and pollen film first, and benefit most from a coating.
• Soft clear coat: it marks from a dirty towel or an automatic wash, so every wash is two-bucket with clean mitts, and polishing finishes down with a fine pad.
• Alcantara or microsuede: brushed dry, cleaned with a dedicated cleaner on a towel (never sprayed directly), then re-napped.