Car Wax Reviews & Buying Guide 2018

The difference between driving a car with a brilliant shine versus one that simply looks good usually comes down to the wax job. After all, it takes more than just washing your car to keep it looking its best. If you have ever had your car detailed, you probably know that waxing is one of the most important steps in the process. Your car will look its best if you apply a good coat of wax every two to three months, according to Consumer Reports. The effects will be even more dramatic on older cars where the finish coat is beginning to dull. To help you select the car wax product that is best for your particular situation, here are a few things you should consider:

Benefits of Car Wax

In addition to looking better, a good coat of wax will help protect your car against bird droppings, tree sap and other contaminants. It also will provide a shield that helps protect the paint from minor scratches. A good coat of wax will also accomplish the following:

• Fill minute imperfections in the paint • Remove oxidation • Make colors appear more vibrant • Provide protection against UV rays • Help protect the paint from water corrosion

Choosing a Car Wax

The chemical composition of car wax has changed over the years. This is partly because manufacturers have developed more effective formulations and partly due to changes in governmental regulations. While some waxes are easier to apply than others, you should still expect to expend a significant amount of effort in order to achieve the high sheen you desire. Although most waxes are mild and will not harm your car's finish, some of the more abrasive waxes could potentially damage the paint. For instance, swirl marks can be left in the paint if an abrasive wax is applied in a circular motion. The effect will be more prominent on darker finishes. Here are some of the more common types of car waxes:

(1) Paste wax

A Paste wax tends to last longer than other types, plus it can repeatedly be buffed in order to keep the car looking good. Paste waxes tend to be a better choice on older cars with a dull finish. This is because the dull finish usually results from the paint becoming rough over the years, and a good quality wax will help smooth out those rough spots and fill small defects. Paste wax also is better in dusty and extremely hot environments for the same reason. The disadvantage to a paste wax, as compared to a liquid wax, is that the application process is a bit more complicated and requires more effort to apply.

(2) Liquid wax

Liquid wax is the top choice of many car owners simply because it is easier to use. Since it is a liquid, you just pour it on and wipe it down. Obviously, this requires much less effort than paste wax. Liquid wax is probably a better choice on newer cars because it is less abrasive and therefore not as likely to damage the paint. However, it may take longer to dry than paste wax, and many car buffs consider it to be inferior to other types of car wax products.

(3) Spray wax

Spray waxes provide many of the same benefits that paste and liquid car waxes do. The main advantage to a spray wax is in its application—you simply spray it on and let it dry. This is the type of wax that is applied when you go through an automated car wash. Spray waxes for retail use are usually sold in aerosol cans or containers with a hand pump dispenser. One additional advantage to spray waxes is that they are very easy to touch up.

(4) Colored wax

Some manufacturers have developed waxes specifically designed for certain paint colors. The theory is that colored waxes will help fill scratches in the paint and cover defects better. However, a considerable cloud of controversy hovers over these products, and the jury is still out as to whether they work better than other products designed for the same purpose.

(5) Silicone-based wax

Manufacturers and retailers that sell silicone-based waxes claim that the addition of silicone gives a beautiful and durable shine with minimal effort. However, there is a considerable amount of disagreement concerning that claim.Cars Direct recommends that silicone-based waxes be avoided because of potential damage that can occur if you try to touch up your car’s paint. This is because the silicone is extremely hard to remove, and touch-up paint will not adhere to silicone residue left behind during a previous wax application.

Application Tips

Although waxing a car is a pretty straightforward process, there are certain things you should be aware of. The following tips will help you achieve the best wax job possible:

(1) Read the instructions

While this step is tempting to skip due to time constraints, it would be to your advantage to read the manufacturer’s directions concerning the application of their product. After all, no one should know the product better than the manufacturer, and in some cases they have performed tests and collected data they can share with you on how to make their product perform at its peak.

(2) Test the wax

Before you begin a full application, find an inconspicuous spot on your car and test the wax. While most waxes and paint finishes are compatible, you just never know. It is better to test than to later discover a problem with the product you are using.

(3) Clean and dry your car before applying wax

Make sure that your car is clean and dry before you begin waxing. If there is any grit left on the car when the wax is applied, the grit could damage the paint. Just in case you miss any spots, begin at the top of the car and work your way down. This is because the top is usually cleaner than the sides, especially toward the bottom. That way, if any grit is picked up in the waxing process, damage will be kept to a minimum.

(4) Select a good applicator

Popular Mechanics recommends using a clean buffer pad to apply the wax and a microfiber cloth to remove it, using circular motions. If additional buffing is required, you may need to use an electric orbital buffer or an angle grinder with a buffing wheel attachment. Be careful with electric buffers, though, as they hold the potential to damage your car’s paint if used too aggressively.

(5) Apply wax in thin coats

Thin coats of wax shine and protect just as well as thicker ones, plus they are easier to apply and buff out. Thin coats also dry quicker which allows you to complete the job in less time.

Special, Expensive Car Waxes

If you have a very rare car or a classic car that has been restored, you will certainly want to invest in a top-quality wax product. Premium products can easily go for $50 or more per pop, and some even approach the $1,000 mark. One reason for the high price tag is that many of the premium products contain carnauba, a rare ingredient that comes from Brazilian palm trees. Carnauba wax can deepen the shine already present in your car’s paint, plus it will help protect the car’s surface from water damage.

Summary

There are many types and qualities of car waxes on the market. Keep in mind that each type of wax has its own set of pros and cons. Before you make your decision, you owe it to yourself to conduct some additional research in order to find the best wax for you. This will depend, of course, on the age of your car and the condition of its paint job. It also will depend on how much time and effort you want to invest, plus the quality of the shine that you hope to achieve.