Best Way To Wax Your Car
The Best way to wax your car is to understand the process properly and follow some basic steps which we will highlight here. Getting each of the stages right is important in achieving the best finish.
Firstly let us ensure we understand the what "Waxing" a car is. There is a difference between Polishing and Waxing, which you may or may not be aware of.
Polishing is an abrasive process that cuts into the paint work. It smooths out minor scratches, imperfections and swirls. The paintwork is then ready for the next stage, which is Waxing. The final wax coat is a protective layer of hard wax that shields the paintwork from the elements.
Hopefully that explains the difference between the two applications and you are now aware of what "Waxing Your Car" actually is.
Benefits of waxing a car
Regular waxing of a car can make a substantial difference to the overall condition of the bodywork as the car ages. Preserving that showroom look will make selling the vehicle much easier as first impressions count and what does a buyer first see? The body work!
Another not so mentioned benefit is that you treat your car with a better manner if is looks great, drive it with care and always ensure it is parked properly to avoid any damage. Basically you have pride in your car, it becomes an extension of you!
Next benefit is that chances of any minor scratches occurring are greatly reduced, with a hard wax layer deflecting twigs, branches and other roadside debris with ease.
Waxed v Unwaxed Car
A Waxed car is:
- Protected from harmful UV Rays
- Shielded from the Winter extreme conditions
- Looks great
- Turns heads
- Doesn't get easily scratched
- Sells at a higher price
An Unwaxed car:
- Has faded paintwork
- Rust and grim from Winter salt, snow and rain
- Never turns a head
- Depreciates quicker
- Doesn't give you a good feeling
- Turns NO heads!
The Correct process to follow before waxing your car:
Firstly your car must be spotless and cleaned to high standard. To attain this follow this list of actions:
- Use a pressure washer to cover the car in snow foam
- Allow snow foam to sit on surface for ten minutes.
- Hose off snow remaining snow foam.
- Prepare two buckets, one with warm water and shampoo the other with clean water
- Use a microfiber wash mitt to wash car with the soapy shampoo mix
- Rinse mitt in the clean water bucket which should ideally have a grit guard in bottom
- Rub mitt over grit guard each time to allow grit to fall to bottom of bucket
- Repeat process until car is clean all over.
- Dry the car with either a drying towel or a leaf blower
- When completely dry clay bar the car to remove ingrained particles
- Ensure car is in shade and proceed to polish to correct any small scratches or swirls
- Polish off the polish using microfiber cloth
- Apply wax once your happy all paint is corrected
- Buff wax off with either a buffer or quality microfiber cloth
Now you have a system to follow, and understand the process lets take a look at the best types of waxes to use.
Comparison Chart of Top 3 Car Waxes
Harly WAx
Blend of the best Carnauba Wax
$
34.95
14 ounces
Meguiars Gold Class
Super Product
$
16.91
11 ounces
Turtle Wax Hardshell
Tough protection
$
31.33
14 ounce
Best Car Wax Reviews
Meguiar's Gold Class Wax
This wax come top of our list due to the great brand reputation for producing top quality products. Also for the way this proprietary blend of carnauba wax and protecting polymers delivers a brilliant reflective shine that turns heads on any sunny day.
This buttery blend of quality ingredients provides an easy glide on , glide off application and leaves no dusty residue. Many remark about its ability to darken the paint it is applied to, therefore intensifying the colour and increasing the sparkle.
The 11 ounce can comes with and applicator to ensure an even application to leave a deep, reflective and vibrant finish when buffed off. If you like to wax your car often the this is the ideal product for you.
We think the current price is exceptional value for the results it produces. The Meguiars family have produced car cleaning products since 1901 and this is their most refined product yet in our opinion.
PROS
CONS
Harly Carnauba Wax
Premium Carnauba Car Wax
Originating from the sunshine State of California, Harly Wax is one of the premium waxes available on the market that is under $50. For this reason we had to include it in the top three.
You will not have to look far to find more expensive waxes but we challenge you to find a significant difference between those and this product. After trying it our on our own vehicles we could not leave it off this list!
The application was effortless, equally the buffing off process was simply a case of light pressure wipes to reveal a shine so deep you could have dived into it!
If you desire your car to turn heads, receive comments and win shows then this has to be your best shot. It comes along with an applicator pad and a microfiber cloth.
Harly Wax History
Harly Wax was first produced in California in 1956 by the chemist Harly Squires, after spending many years experimenting with Carnauba was flakes. Originally named "Waxomatic" it soon gained in popularity. A friend and businessman named Bruce Badger was so impressed with the product that he purchased the company and named it Harly Wax. Production then moved to Long Beach, California where it became iconic amongst the hotrod and custom fraternity.
To conclude, we cannot believe that a product of this quality, that has consistently produced results over the decades is available at this price. In our opinion the best product in its price range by far.
PROS
CONS
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From the stalwarts of car polishing, Turtle Wax, this is a quality hard finish wax. It offers the best protective coating of most of the standard market waxes. Providing a super hard coating along with a high quality shine, and can be an ideal winter wax. It gives that scratch preventing coat that will deflect the many projectiles that are aimed at your paintwork during the bleak winter months.
This product has to be applied in a thin coat for ease of removal, as it can dry fast and hard. If this does happen a quick application of spray detailer can help the buffing off process. The actual process for application of this wax is as follows:
- Wash and dry car
- Apply to cool surface out of direct sunlight.
- Apply small amount to a DAMP applicator pad (A very important point with this wax a dry applicator can make it hard to buff off)
- Spread small amounts evenly.
- Allow time to dry to a haze, usually about 4 minutes in warm conditions.
- Lightly buff to maximum shine and hard protection coat.
We cannot emphasise enough that the thinner the coat the better with this product. A good point to also remember is that this is just a wax and therefore all the paint defects should have been well prepared prior to application. Properly applied this time tested blend is boasted at providing 12 months of protection.
Next lets consider the price of this time tested wax blend. Retailing around the $30 dollar mark it still represents great value for a 14 ounce can. And if well applied and you get the quoted 12 monthss of protection this could well be the wax you need if you want to just wax annually.
PROS
CONS
FINAL VERDICT
We have covered what we believe to represent the best products offering the best value in the car wax market. There are must more expensive waxes than the ones featured but we believe these give equally good a results as their greater priced counterparts.
The Meguiars Gold Class would be our first choice if you wanted a top class shine, were not overly worried above hard protection and didn't want to break the bank. However, the durability would have to be considered and if you enjoy waxing then this would be your ideal product.
If the joy of wax on wax off is not your idea of heaven then you should go for the Turtle Wax Hard shell as this will give you superior longevity and good overall protection. This is why we suggest it is ideal to use as a Winter wax. But ensure your paintwork is in fine condition before applying as this is simply a coating substance.
Finally if its a show stopping ocean deep shine your requiring and your happy to take your time do it right. And keep repeating it to your pride and joy then the Harly wax has to be your choice. Simply a joy to use, the results will astound you and your assured to start turning heads!
We hope this has helped you on your way to know the Best Way TO WAx Your Car and you enjoy the results.