As a car owner, taking care of your car inside and outside is one of your responsibilities. Cars do not come cheap, so if you want to make your investment last, it is ideal for you to use the best products. When it comes to protecting your car’s exterior, things can go wrong if you don’t choose a suitable car wax. Now, you don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive car wash, and some moderately-priced options often come out on top when we do our tests.
This section of the article will show you the benefits of car wax, how to apply car wax, and how to choose the best type of car wax for your car, depending on the age and other considerations. Are you excited to learn more? Let’s get started!
What is Car Wax?
Car wax is a protective coat that you can apply to your car to make it shinier and protect it from outdoor elements, keeping it clean after every wash. Car wax comes in different forms, such as liquid, paste, and spray options. Each option does the task of keeping your car shinier than just a regular wash, but the wrong wax application can damage your car’s coat.
Why Do You Need Car Wax?
Do you need car wax for your car? In most cases, car wax can help maintain your car’s paint and make it last longer—as long as you apply it correctly. Here are some of the other reasons why you need car wax:
To keep your car shiny
If you love your car, you want it to shine! You can use car wax to make your car literally shinier and look good. There is something about driving a shiny car, and you will feel great taking your whip out for a cruise.
For a long-lasting clean look
It is a great way to keep your car clean. Applying wax can give you a long-lasting clean and shine.
How to Apply Car Wax
Use only high-quality wax
The first thing you should know about applying car wax is to choose the best wax that is suitable for your car. Only go with the trusted brands to make sure it won’t damage your car’s coat.
Wash the car first
Before applying car wax, make sure you wash your car first. Using wax on a dirty vehicle will only lock in the dirt, rendering the application useless.
Apply wax to a pad
Apply the wax on a pad, and do not spray or apply it directly to your car’s paint.
Wipe in small circular motions
Always wipe the wax in small circular motions. If you have a device for buffing vehicles, you can use it to help you apply the wax evenly throughout the vehicle’s coat.
Remove excess wax
Wipe off the excess wax with a separate rag. If you are familiar with the Karate Kid movie from the 80s, Mr. Miyagi taught young Daniel karate by teaching him to wax on and wax off his car collection.
Types of Car Wax
Liquid
Liquid waxes are suitable for cleaning and shining your vehicle. It is the most durable wax, but it is the most difficult to apply and buff evenly because it can dry quickly, depending on the temperature.
Paste
Paste wax is the easiest option in terms of applications. However, the overall performance is not as good as liquids, and it does not last very long.
Spray
Spray options are probably the best mix between liquid and paste wax. It is easier to apply than liquid wax, and it lasts longer than paste wax. It is an excellent option for protection, but it is not very shiny.
Tips for Using the Best Car Wax
Here are some additional tips you should know before applying car wax to your car’s paint:
Don’t use old rags
The best rags for applying wax are micro-fiber cloths, available in auto shops. Avoid using old rags because it does not do an outstanding job of removing excess wax and residue that can damage your vehicle’s paint job.
Test the wax
Always test the wax first on an inconspicuous part of your vehicle. Trying it out early will give you an idea of how long the wax will last and how shiny it is.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Car Wax
Age of your car
You will need to use the right type of wax, depending on your car’s age. If you have a reasonably new car, around two to three years old, spray wax will work just fine. However, older cars will need better cleaning to maintain the finish—especially if you don’t plan on replacing your car anytime soon.
Abrasion
Wax can have abrasive materials that can scratch your vehicle. If your car has a dark-colored paint finish, consider a less abrasive wax option. You can find the information you need on the label of the wax. If your car is white, car wax abrasion is not very noticeable.
Car materials
Modern cars have plastic materials, such as bumpers, panels, and door trims. Avoid applying wax on those surfaces and choose polish with better compatibility with plastic materials; otherwise, it will leave noticeable marks on the plastic.
Best Car Wax Price Ranges
The best car wax options usually range from $10 to $40, depending on the type and quantity. You can also get your car waxed by professionals, which can be very pricey, setting you back $40 to $90.
Best Car Wax FAQ
Q. Is it better to get your car waxed at detailing centers?
A. Yes, it is better to get your car waxed by professionals who have the right tools for waxing and buffing your vehicle. However, it comes at a price—and it will not last longer than doing it yourself.
Q. What is the best type of rag for applying car wax?
A. Micro-fiber towels are the best options to use. It can remove the residue more effectively than using other types of rags.