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How to Wax Your Car

By John Funk, August 16, 2022

You may wonder why you need to wax your car when you are washing it on a regular basis. Washing your car regularly helps to remove dirt, dust, and grime; however, it’s a good waxing that makes your car look like it belongs on a showroom floor. Additionally, wax can protect your car from exterior dings and scratches.

Many car owners may have some level of admiration and appreciation for their cars; however, very few go beyond a car wash. Waxing is a process that requires a lot of patience which is also one of the main reasons why many car owners tend to avoid it.

Regularly applying a coat of wax is one of the most effective ways of preserving your car’s factory finish. It can provide superior protection to your paint from UV damage and other damages. Generally, when you wash a car, the scrubbing motion may grind tiny particles into the body, leaving scratches. When wax is applied, the layers of wax allow dirt to slide off the body instead of grinding into the paint.

In spite of the numerous benefits that waxing provides, many car owners rarely do it – and the very few who do it, may well be doing it wrong. If you want to know how to wax a car properly to get that perfect finish, you have come to the right place.

What You Need to Do Before Waxing Your Car?

You need to implement a few steps for prepping your car for washing.

  • Waxing can be an easy process if it is done on a clean surface of a clean car. If your vehicle is not clean, then wax can have a tough time adhering to dirt and moisture. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly clean your car using mild soap and water before applying wax to it.
  • It is important to remove the fine layer of clear coat from your car in order to achieve a smooth layer. This can be achieved using rubber and polishing compounds. Polishing compound is a better option for pre-wax treatment as it is less abrasive. You can use a damp microfiber cloth to rub the compound over the car and then another microfiber cloth can be used to remove the compound.
  • It is advisable to wax your car indoors as sunlight not only heats a vehicle but also leaves waxy residue on the vehicle which becomes difficult to remove. You can wax your vehicle in a garage, in the shade of a tree, or on an overcast day. In cooler conditions, the wax is harder to move around and remains firmly applied to the car itself.

How to Wax Your Car

If you are looking for answers to the questions like “How can I wax my car?”, “How often should I wax my car?”, or “How can I wax my car by hand?”, then you have come to the right place.

Here are the steps to wax your car:

Choose a Wax

  • You can choose a wax from the wide range of options available in the market. Carnauba wax is considered to be one of the best waxes available on the market, as it can give your car’s paint a sleek, glossy, and intense shine. Even though it is expensive, it can protect your car from the paint moisture, oxidation, intense heat and UV exposure.
  • If you are looking for a less expensive wax, you can try “Cleaner wax”; however, it can remove a clear coat from your car.
  • Spray wax is another option that you can consider; however, unlike other waxes, they are not long lasting as they tend to last only for a few weeks before succumbing to the damaging elements.

Apply Some Wax to the Foam Applicator Pad

  • You need to place some wax onto the foam applicator pad that came with the wax. It is up to you to decide how much needs to be added.
  • Before deciding how much wax needs to be added, you need to consider a few things. Applying too much wax can create more waste that is not just hard to remove, but can also leave messy buildup.
  • Adding a thin layer of wax is a better option as it bonds better with the surface of your vehicle. Take the foam applicator pad and apply it against the body lines in up and down strokes. Once this is done, you need to do a follow up pass with the body lines in left and right strokes by working one panel at a time.
  • In order to make the waxing process easier, divide your car up into sections and apply the wax gently over each section at a time. You can also apply more wax if needed.

Allow the Wax to Sit for Some Time as per Instructions

  • Read the manufacturer’s manual to find out how long you need to wait after waxing.
  • If you are not sure how long to wait, there is a good way to tell whether the wax is ready to come off. Swipe across the wax with your finger, and if it smears, then it means that the wax is not ready to come off yet. However, if it’s clear, then you can take the wax off.

Remove the Wax

  • You can use a microfiber cloth to remove the wax on your vehicle. You can start the removal process by flipping your cloth and doing a follow up pass following the body lines.
  • It is advisable to wipe away the wax in circular motions. It is important to wipe away the remaining wax to achieve a smooth finish. (Remember, as Mr. Miyagi once said: “Wax on, wax off.”)

There is no exact answer as to how often a car needs to be waxed. It is advisable to wax a car at least twice a year. You can wax during the spring season before the peak summer season sets in. After that, you can wax once before winter to provide good resistance to your vehicle against snow, hail, and road salt. If you want to protect your vehicle further, you can wax your car four times a year.

The Importance of Using a Car Cover for Your Vehicle

Waxing can not only give your car the perfect polished look, but it can also protect your vehicle from certain damages. However, it does not make your vehicle immune to all types of hazardous damaging elements, especially if it is sitting exposed. It is important to cover your vehicle using a top-quality car cover, whether it’s parked indoors or outdoors.

An effective car cover can protect your vehicle from extreme weather conditions, bird droppings, tree sap, and more importantly from theft and vandalism. At Seal Skin, we offer some of the best car covers on the market that can provide superior protection to your vehicle.

You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and we will help you find the right car cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.