What is the Best Car Wax for your Vehicle?

Image credit: U.S. Air Force Photo/Capt. Wayne Capps

By John Linden

Wax application is one of the most effective and easiest ways to prevent early corrosion and environmental effects damaging your car’s paint. To find the best wax for your vehicle, you need to know a little bit about wax itself, its application, and your car’s needs.

Wash Before you Wax

Whatever the color your vehicle is, chances are it as a clear coat on top. Virtually every modern vehicle’s finish consists of a base primer, color coat, and a clear coat. Wax gives your vehicle a protective coating to the top layer of paint, which is the clear coat. The smoother this top layer is, the shinier the car will be. Any exposure to the elements or brushes at the car wash may cause tiny damages such as cracks and crevices, and applying a thin layer of car wax helps fill these and give your car a smoother look. The best waxes can help protect your car from scratches, bird droppings, smears, stains, and hazing. However, to have a lasting effect, the wax has to be applied on a perfectly clean surface.

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Choose Wisely

To determine which car wax will work best for your vehicle, you first need to understand the differences between car wax types and how long the treatment will last. No matter the wax type, remember you have to apply it to a cool, dry and immaculate surface. If applied to a dirty, hot surface exposed to sun, it can do more harm than good. The three main types of car wax are spray-on, pastes, and liquids. When choosing the right one for your car, you have to consider durability, application and removal ease, gloss enhancement, UV rays protection, plastics compatibility, ability to clean paint surface, and of course the price.

Spray Wax

If you’re going for the easiest application method, spray-on car wax is the choice for you. Among the brands, you can choose a different level of effectiveness. Spray-on comes in natural or synthetic options. However, they aren’t as weather-resistant as some other options and do not clean deeply. If your car is new, and you don’t mind waxing it frequently, opt for a spray wax.

Liquid Wax

The versatility of liquid wax is probably the reason why this type is the most commonly used one. You can tailor the treatment to the unique needs of your vehicle, such as the color and shine level you’re going for. Some sorts clean the finish as well, so this type suits older cars with higher-mileage that don’t mind more aggressive cleaning. Liquid wax is great for gloss and durability. If you live in a sunny area, opt for a synthetic blend over natural.

Paste Wax

Using this old-school wax will leave you feeling like a pro. It has a reputation for lasting longer, which is not entirely true. Not only will you need more time, tools and energy to apply it, but chances are also it will start to wane after about five weeks, just like any other car wax, mostly due to lack of durability. If your car is a classic, opt for this classic wax.

Like a Pro

To choose the best wax for your vehicle, you have to bear in mind the age of the vehicle and the condition of the paint job. A thorough pre-wax prep will help you achieve more shine, so do not rush through it. If you want the best for your car, invest in a dual-action buffer, polish before you wax to achieve more shine and even if you’re an amateur, the results will be great.