Even the best car waxes begin to deteriorate after about a month and a half. It is recommended to wax your vehicle roughly every 3 months. The more you wax it, the better the protection you are getting.
There are some simple tests you can do to see if your car needs a wax:
- Touch Test:
The touch test is performed by running your finger along with the paint. If it feels rough or gritty, it is likely time for waxing or washing at the very least.
- Water Test:
The water test is done by pouring water over the surface area of the paint. If the water beads up and collects on the surface, waxing is not needed at once. If the water forms in sheets, or just run straight off, then waxing is needed.
Benefits of Waxing
There are several advantages of waxing the exterior of your vehicle regularly. Some of those benefits include:
- Preserve aesthetics
- Protection from contaminants
- Prevent scratches and chips
- Saves money
- Makes your car looks shiny
Preserve Aesthetics:
Keeping your car looking shiny and new is definitely one important feature of regular waxing, waxing is the easiest way to maintain that new car look.
Protect the Paint from Contaminants:
Dirt and grime collect on the outside of your car when you drive, it is basically unavoidable. If you have not waxed your car before this dirt collects on the paint, it can damage the paint when you go to wash it off. Unprotected paint can get scraped by sand and other debris during the washing process.
If you have protected the paint with wax right from the beginning, a barrier is formed between the paint and the harmful contaminants of the environment. Some of these contaminants that can damage your vehicle include:
- Dirt
- Tar
- Salt
- Corrosion
- Insects
- Bird droppings
- Acid rain
- UV rays
Prevent Scratches and Chips:
When applying a coat of wax to your vehicle’s exterior, you are basically sealing the paint to protect it from getting scratched or chipped. Wax provides a smooth finish to reduce friction between your car’s surface and the debris that comes into contact with it. This encourages foreign objects to slide off the paint, rather than damaging it.
Saves Your Money
It can cost a lot of money to have a paint job done on your car. That is why most automotive manufacturers recommend having your car waxed on a regular basis and typically include waxing in their regularly scheduled maintenance. When you take time to have the car waxed, it can extend the paint’s lifespan and reduce the need to have the vehicle repainted in order to avoid rust damage.
Makes Your Car Look Shiny
The best reason to have your car waxed on a regular basis is to simply make it sparkle. Today’s automotive waxes are easier to apply than in years past. Many companies make spray-on waxes where you only spray it on the vehicle, wipe it off with a microfiber towel, and complete a final ‘polish’ with a clean microfiber cloth. This can improve the luster of your paint, making the car look shiny, clean, and brand new as you drive down the road.
Being proactive about routine service and maintenance is a great way to extend the lifespan of any vehicle. This includes waxing the exterior. it’s also important to remember that interior components, like dashboards and leather seating, also require routine cleaning and protective polishes. Most paint and body experts suggest having the vehicle professionally waxed every three months, but you should always verify this with your automotive manufacturer.
