The topic of car waxes is extremely large. In order to help those with questions about this, I’ve compiled a list of the most common questions I had when I first started detailing in the hope that it will help others. It should also save people a lot of time jumping from site to site since the most asked questions have been listed below.
Without further ado, let’s get started on the questions.
How often should I wax my car?
If a high quality wax has been applied to the car, then you shouldn’t need to apply this any sooner than 3 months after the initial application has been carried out. When it comes to a paste wax, there is little to no benefit of adding an extra layer of it to the paint after each wash. It’s really just wasting the product, and in the process, your money.
For spray waxes, some will benefit from being topped up every third or fourth wash. Since these are relatively inexpensive and also easy to apply, this isn’t really a big detriment.
Certainly when it’s the case that you can no longer see the water beading off or sheeting off the paint at an acceptable rate, it’s time to put on a fresh coat of protection.
If there is anything you’re unsure about, feel free to drop me an email at the contact page found here and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I’ll also add your question onto this list to help out others!
- Premium car wax blend made of the finest ingredients to produce the ultimate mirror-like shine
Last update on 2023-09-25 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is the best way to apply a wax?
Some waxes, such as Autoglym UHD Wax come with their own applicator pads. We would always recommend that the applicator supplied with the wax is used. However, if your wax doesn’t come with an applicator, then this list of applicators will be able to help you in choosing one that best fits your needs.
Can waxes remove & hide scratches and swirls?
This is a question that is asked a lot online. The answer is now. Whilst a wax does add a layer of protection over the clear coat on the car, it doesn’t have any ability to level or cut the paint to remove these scratches. Likewise, unlike a glaze, it doesn’t have any filling properties where it can penetrate into the swirls and scratches to mask them.
Will wax remove oxidation?
Much like wax cannot remove scratches and swirls, it is also unable to remove any oxidised paint was well. It does not have any removal or cutting abilities and simply just adds a layer of protection as well as gloss to the paint work.
Will using a wax prevent scratches and swirls on the paint?
This is actually possible for it to prevent scratches and swirls. The reason for this is that due to the how hydrophobic and slick it makes the paintwork, it is harder for any dirt and debris to stick to the paint. Since the paintwork will be extremely hydrophobic, it means that it when the car is getting its pre-rinse, a lot of the debris and dirt is removed from the paint before any contact is made.
If this is followed up by carrying out a pre-wash, the wax on the paint will help the pre-wash lift off even more dirt and debris from the car. Since a large amount of it has been removed, there
Having said that, a wax is not able to protect a car from scratches and swirls if abrasive sponges are used, as well as using the same bucket for the shampoo that is used to rinse the mitt off in. Likewise, if a pre-rinse and or pre-wash is not carried out, then the wax will not sufficiently protect the paintwork from scratches on an excessively dirty car. The dirt and debris can be enough to damage the wax itself if it dragged across the paint work.
Can car wax be used on windscreens?
This is something that I strongly suggest you do not do. The reason for this is that by doing so, it can actually cause the wiper blades to judder and therefore prevent them for clearing the windscreen properly. If it is the case you would like to add a layer of protection to your windscreen, then I would suggest that you use a sealant instead such as Gtehcniq G1.
Can wax prevent and stop a car rusting?
Yes and no.
By putting down a layer of wax it will protect the paint work from any debris and dirt that, if left on the paint work for too long, may otherwise cause deterioration of the clear coat. It can also act as a barrier for any iron fallout that may land on the paint which can also cause rust on the car if left for too long.
However, if a car already has a rust problem with it, applying wax onto the same panel will not prevent the rust from spreading underneath the paint layer. Unfortunately, by this point the damage has already been done and it will continue to spread. However, since the rest of the car is being protected, it would make sense to also add a layer of wax to the damaged panel so it has at least got some gloss and shine added to it.
Does layering the wax add a large increase in durability and protection?
This is really dependent on the wax of choice that you’re using. Generally speaking though, it’s definitely the case that any more than two layers of wax is overkill and will not add any extra durability of protection to the paint work. In effect, it’s really just wasting time and money.
What’s better, a spray or paste wax?
Generally speaking, a paste wax is a better alternative to a spray wax since it lasts a lot longer than a spray wax does. On the other hand, a spray wax is a lot quick and easier to apply.
For me, I prefer a paste wax because I get to spend more time on the car and I really enjoy waxing it. However, if it’s the case that I’m adding protection to the door jambs, as well as the recess for the boot lid and also in the engine bay, a spray wax is definitely the wax of choice. It can be quickly applied to add a layer of protection to these areas which can be prone to corrosion/rusting over time due to them getting excessively dirty and damp in the winter months.
Can I apply a paste wax in the winter?
Collinite recommend applying when it’s not extremely cold. The same is true for other paste waxes as well. Instead, if you need to apply a wax in the winter, then I would recommend that a spray wax is used instead. Out of all of the spray waxes available, the best option would be to use Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions (also known as Seal and Shine in the USA). This is easy to apply and buff off.
- Turtle Wax Hybrid Sealant Wax Contains Proprietary Hydrophobic Sealants Infused With Natural Carnauba Waxes To Create Levels Of Shine And Surface Slickness Never Seen Before In A Spray Wax.
Last update on 2023-09-25 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which car wax should be used in preparation for winter?
Leading up to winter, it’s important that the car is really well protected. Whilst there are a lot of waxes that will last up to three months, the wax will also be put under harsher conditions in the winter.
With that in mind, I would recommend that in the winter, you either use Autoglym Ultra High Definition Wax, or Collinite 476. Both of these when layered offer excellent paint protection and their durability will see you through the winter.
Last update on 2023-09-25 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Premium car wax blend made of the finest ingredients to produce the ultimate mirror-like shine
Last update on 2023-09-25 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Can shampoos degrade wax on the car?
No, most shampoos are pH neutral and will therefore not cause any detrimental effects to the wax that is on your car. It should be noted though that over time, as the overall durability of the wax wanes, it may appear that the shampoo is causing some additional degradation.
There are some shampoos available that are able to remove the remnants of lingering waxes as opposed to using a clay bar. These include Adam’s Strip Wash and also G3 Body Prep Shampoo. These are a great way to decontaminate the paint work before adding a new layer of protection. However, if they’re used on freshly waxed cars, it will not degrade the finish.
Do I need to buy a dark wax for dark colours and a light wax for light colours?
No, the wax will still protect the paintwork regardless of the colour of the paint. Generally speaking these are a bit more expensive and really the added cost is not worth it.
Can a wax be applied in the sun?
This is generally discouraged. The reason behind this is that it can result in the wax curing extremely quickly and hardening on the paint work. When this happens, it makes it extremely difficult to buff off of the paintwork. Also, due to the extremely quick curing when the car is waxed in the sunlight, it can impact the overall durability of it. Instead, it should be done when the panels are cool to the touch and are not in direct sunlight.
My wax is cracking in the pot, does that mean it has gone bad?
No, although that is usually the first though for anyone that has seen this. This is more commonly seen in synthetic waxes which have little to no carnauba in it. Rest assured though that the wax is perfectly fine to use. Of course, if the tin has been opened for several years and not stored properly then this may impact it’s performance.
How should I store my wax?
After each application, the lid must always been reapplied to the tin. In addition to this, I like to keep my wax in a dark and cool environment to ensure that it’s not exposed to extremely high temperatures.