Wax is an important component of maintaining the appearance of your car. Application helps protect and preserve the vehicle’s clear coat and paint. It creates a layer that prevents corrosion and rusting from exposure to water and rock salt.
Wax also helps reduce the effects of UV rays and other factors that could damage the surface, like tree sap and bird droppings.
Yet wax eventually wears away, making the clear coat and paint underneath more vulnerable. Learn how often you should wax your car and the ideal times for application.
What Does Wax Do?
A coating of vehicle wax can:
- Protect against light, fine scratches
- Help preserve the appearance of the clear coat and paint
- Provide a level of protection against dirt, water and the elements, which can fade the paint or invite rusting
- Reduce the process of oxidation
When to Wax Your Car
While there are a number of factors to consider, you’re advised to wax your car at least twice a year. Ideally, the end of spring, the beginning of summer or the fall season to protect through winter. Preferably, you should wax your car every three months or four times per year.
Apply more often if you:
- Own an older vehicle
- Are concerned about rust and paint quality
- Apply a product like carnauba wax, which wears away sooner
- Store your car outdoors or in a location exposed to the elements
Rain, cold temperatures, road debris and rock salt can all wear away vehicle wax at a faster rate. Considering this, the start of summer is a good time to wax your car because the decrease in rainfall helps the coating last longer. On the other hand, if you live in a region with harsh winters, it’s recommended to wait until the end of fall to apply a coating.
Next, factor in your car’s age. Newer vehicles tend to have a stronger clear coat and paint, which need to be waxed less often than an older car. Also consider the wax product used, whether you perform detailing at home or hire a professional:
- Paste wax has a thicker, heavier consistency that can last up to six months.
- Liquid, whether natural or synthetic, goes on in a thinner layer and lasts anywhere from two to four months based on the formula.
- Carnauba wax has garnered a reputation for its shine, but tends to last a maximum of two months.
Applying Wax to Your Car
Check to see how water acts on the surface of your car. If you see it bead before rolling off, the surface has enough wax but if you see streaks and no beading, it’s time to apply a new coat.
When applying vehicle wax at home:
- Thoroughly wash the car first to remove all dirt and debris. Otherwise, the coating will trap these particles and abrade the clear coat and paint, which mars the appearance.
- Make sure your car has been parked in the shade. Heat can result in uneven application.
- Apply the wax product evenly.
- In between coatings, be careful about washing your car. Consider a car-specific wash or shampoo instead of dish soap, which can wear away the wax and expose the clear coat sooner.
For comprehensive exterior detailing trust the professionals at DaSilva’s Auto Body. To protect the appearance of your vehicle, make an appointment today.
