It is essential to wax your car regularly because it protects the clear coat over the initial paint on the vehicle.
Typically, the clear coat protects the paint from contaminants and corrosive elements such as rain, snow, bird droppings, tree sap, ultraviolet rays, street salt, etc. The clear coat is also responsible for the shine on cars.
When the clear coat fades, the paint becomes exposed to discoloration and rust. To keep the exterior of the car in shape and maintain the resale value, applying wax is necessary.
However, before applying car wax, it is crucial to wash the vehicle to remove surface dirt so the wax can apply smoothly and evenly over the clear coat on the car. If you use wax on a dirty car, the application will be uneven, with dirt and particles on the finished work.
How Often Should You Wax Your Car
There is no specific answer to the question of how often you should wax your car. For some vehicles, waxing just twice a year is sufficient.
For other cars, the wax must be applied every few months or as the seasons change. Some individuals wax their cars every eight weeks.
The time interval of waxing a vehicle is dependent on the environment where the car is.
For cars kept in garages in climate-controlled places, you don’t have to wax the cars as often as you would wax vehicles that are constantly left on the streets and exposed to year-round sunlight or the harsh winter weather.
The most important thing is to wax your car at an interval that will keep the vehicle protected at all times.
Another determinant of the waxing interval is the period it takes the former wax to wear out. To know if the polish on your vehicle is fading, check the car for thinning wax and observe water beads on the car’s surface. Because of surface tension, wax causes water to form beads before rolling off.
When beading is absent from your car surface, it means the wax has faded, and the clear coat is bare.
Another way to check for wax on your vehicle is to run a finger over the surface of the car. You will notice the difference because a waxed surface will feel smoother to touch, and your finger will glide effortlessly across the surface.
An unwaxed surface, on the other hand, will feel more coarse and raw. If your vehicle surface has lost its wax, it is time to apply wax, notwithstanding the time of the previous wax application.
Types of Wax
The type of wax you use on your vehicle determines the outcome and how long the polish will last. Here are a few kinds of wax to help make your selection easier:
Paste Wax
Paste wax is one of the most common wax formulas. It protects the car with a thick layer over the clear coat, and due to its thickness, the application may take longer. However, the paste wax lasts longer on the car surface, and you may not need to reapply wax for the next three to six months.
Liquid wax
Liquid wax is made from a combination of natural wax and synthetic polymers. The wax offers protection against UV rays, and it gives the car a good shine. The downside to this type of wax is that it is pretty thin and may last for just a couple of months.
Liquid Polymer
Liquid polymer is made from certain human-made chemicals; however, it offers the same function as other wax. It is commonly referred to as synthetic wax. Although it applies more quickly and offers protection, it does not give the same level of shine.
Benefits of Car Wax
Provides Protection Against Scratches
Car wax is a combination of wax and natural oils. A blend of these ingredients protects the vehicle surface against scratches.
Constantly scrubbing a car can grind small particles into the surface, causing scratches; however, when you apply wax, the dirt will slide off the car instead of settling and causing damage.
Saves You Money
Painting your car can cost you a lot of money, which is why automotive manufacturers advise waxing your car as often as your vehicle requires.
When you wax your vehicle, it will significantly extend the lifespan of the vehicle.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, waxing your car is an essential requirement to maintain your vehicle for longer. Waxing serves as a barrier between the clear coat on your car and the harshness of the environment.
It also ensures that your surface paint stays on for as long as possible.
This article has provided enough information about the various types of wax and their benefits. Hopefully, you find the tips useful and get your vehicle to last longer. Visit the Ram Research homepage for more expert tips & advice.
