The Dos and Don'ts of Waxing Your Car
12th Sep 2018
Using Car Wax
Washing your car with soap and water is only one step in maintaining a clean, pristine clear coat. It's also important that you wax it. Wax adds an extra layer of protection, thereby protecting the clear coat and underlying paint layers from moisture, dirt and debris. Neglecting to wax your car on a regular basis will result in faster degredation of its paint. When waxing your car, though, there are a few dos and don'ts you should follow to achieve the best results.
Do Choose a High-Quality Automotive Wax
Not all wax products offer the same level of protection. Some will wear off more quickly than others, especially when exposed to rain and humidity. For the highest level of protection, it's recommended that you choose a high-quality automotive wax offered by a name brand. You can expect to pay a premium for it compared to cheaper, generic brands, but it's a smart investment that will protect your car's paint from damage.
Don't Wax in Direct Sunlight
Why shouldn't you wax your car in direct sunlight? Well, the sun's ultraviolet rays will literally cook the wax into your car's paint faster than you're able to wipe it off. When this occurs, you may struggle to remove it by hand, with the only other option being to buff it out. Therefore, you should wax your car in the shade. Whether it's under a tree or in your garage, choose a shaded area for this activity.
Do Apply in a Circular Motion
Rather than applying wax in horizontal streaks across your car's paint, apply them in a circular motion. After adding wax to one area of your car using this motion, you can move on to the next. Using a circular motion ensures that the area is completely covered in wax. In comparison, horizontal streaks may leave voided areas in which little or no wax is applied.
Don't Wax in the Rain
You also shouldn't wax your car when it's raining outside. When fresh wax mixes with moisture, it turns into a runny substance that simply falls off your car's paint. This is why it's a good idea to wait until it's sunny outside to wax your car.
Do Apply an Even Coat
Ideally, you should apply an even coat of wax over your car's paint. If one area has significantly more wax than another area, it will fade and age differently, resulting in lackluster appearance. To overcome this, apply the same amount of wax to every area of your car's paint.
JB Tools carries some of the best products to was and wax any vehicle. Check out our car care products from the following suppliers:
