Should You Wax Your Car?

Waxing is familiar to most owners, and attitudes fall into three camps: never wax, wax constantly, and newcomers unsure whether they should wax at all. So is waxing worth it?

Yes. Waxing correctly and regularly protects the paint against ageing. The wax layer repels water and resists acid rain, which matters particularly in the south where rain is frequent and often acidic. It also reduces static and slows UV ageing, and the polishing effect leaves the car looking glossier.

How often?

Neither never waxing nor waxing at every wash is right. Waxing is simple work: once every three to five months is enough, at your own discretion. A convenient rule: your car is due a service every three to five months anyway, so wax it at the same time.

Do not wax a new car

Some owners wax a new car immediately for protection. In fact the factory already applies a protective wax, and a good one. Waxing now wastes money and strips the factory layer, accelerating wear. Follow the rule above and wait three to five months.

Doing it yourself

A wax at a shop costs tens to over a hundred, and the staff are not always careful: an uneven coat, or wax left on surfaces that corrode, does harm. Doing it yourself is simple.

Step one: wash the car, wipe off the water and let it air dry.

Step two: pick up wax with a foam applicator and spread it over the body in circular motions. Keep wax off rubber trim; it attacks rubber.

Step three: buff the wax off with a towel. Do not skip this: the buffing is what brings up the gloss, and the paint looks noticeably brighter afterwards.

Note: check for grit and dirt before you start. Rubbing over them as you wax will scratch the paint.