Applying Car Wax
03/07/09
Waxing your car with car wax is an essential part of car maintenance, but few people know how to do it well. This guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions new car owners have about applying 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 should I apply car wax?
Every two to three months, depending on the type of wax you use. Paste and liquid waxes last longer than spray waxes. Your climate also makes a difference: If you park your car outside, live in a very hot area, have a lot of blowing sand, or expose your car to any other conditions that could affect the condition of the paint, you should 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 over half an inch wide or if the water forms sheets instead, your car needs another coat of wax.
What is the best way to wax a car?
Start by washing and drying the car. The car should be absolutely dry before you start waxing. Water and wax do not mix. If you parked your car in the sun to dry it, move it to a shady spot and let it cool off before you start waxing, since heat can bake the wax onto the car, with ugly 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. Do not let extra wax get caught in the seams and joins of the exterior, and avoid waxing any dull plastic detailing. 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 excess wax is gone, get the softest cloth you can find and go over the car one last time to polish it. Peel off the masking tape, and you have a freshly waxed car!
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