Most of us like to keep our vehicle clean and shiny, but few take the time or effort to wax their vehicle after its been washed. So this begs the question, is it worth all that elbow grease to wax your ride? Well in a word, YES! A coat of wax will prevent fading, discoloring, and oxidation which are common effects of sun damage. A coat of wax will also give your car a mirror-like finish and make it shine.
Here are some simple tips on the best way to wax your vehicle.
- Purchase a high quality automobile wax. The most popular wax is packaged in a small tub, although auto wax is also available in spray form. There are a lot of reviews online, and a number of websites let you compare prices and effectiveness.
- Wash your car thoroughly and don’t apply was until the vehicle is completely dry.
- Read and follow the directions as not all waxes are applied the same way.
- Choose an area of your vehicle to begin waxing. Dip the pad into the wax so that a thumb sized glob is on the pad. Do not apply wax to any exterior plastic, headlights or tail lights.
- Apply the wax using a small, circular motion. A thin layer of wax should be applied to the entire vehicle. It is best to use either horizontal or vertical rows of circles to ensure that the entire surface of the car is covered.
- After applying the wax to your entire car, the area that you began at should be dry. When the wax is dry, it will appear matte and feel somewhat chalky. If you leave the coating for too long, it will be a little bit harder to get off but it won’t damage your car.
- Using a chamois, old t-shirt, or other soft cloth, remove the wax from the surface of your car. Use a circular motion to remove the wax and buff the surface of your car. After the wax is removed, the surface of your car should appear shiny and glossy.