Car Wax: Application FAQ
03/08/09
Waxing your car with car wax is an essential part of car maintenance, but few people know how to do it well. Here are a few answers to the most common questions car owners have about using car wax.
What function, exactly, does car wax perform?
Car wax protects the paint, creating a barrier between the paint and corrosive substances like tree sap and bird droppings. It also reduces oxidation and protects against fading brought on by exposure to UV rays. Some modern waxes have additives that also help to clean the car and buff away tiny scratches. But the most visible effect is the creation of rich, deep color and a high shine.
How often will my car need a new coat of car wax?
Depending on what type of wax you opt for, you will need to wax every two to three months. Spray on waxes hold up worse than liquid or paste waxes. The environment also matters: If you do not park under shelter, if the average temperature in your region is hot, if your car is exposed to a lot of droppings, tree sap, or blowing sand, or if your car's finish faces any other kinds of abuse, you should apply wax more often. The best way to tell whether your car is due for a wax is to watch how water beads on the finish. If the drops are large or the water forms sheets instead of drops, your car needs a waxing.
What is the best way to wax a car?
First, wash and dry your car. The car should be absolutely dry before you start waxing. Water and wax do not mix. If the car is parked in the sun or for some other reason the paint is hot to the touch, cool the car off before you wax. Heat burns wax onto the finish, with ugly and hard to remove results.
Protect any parts you do not want to wax with masking tape. Using a damp sponge, apply the car wax to the car. Small circles work best for older cars, and long strokes work best for new cars with the newer types of finish that are now on the market. Avoid letting wax settle into the seams of the car, and do not let wax get onto any dull plastic your car may have on its exterior. Then take a soft, lint free towel and buff off the excess wax, going along the car in the same sequence in which you applied the wax. When the car is free of excess wax, go over it again with the softest cloth you can find to polish it and finish removing any streaks. Remove the masking tape, and you are done!
Related info