Waxing your car can help shield it against UV rays, contaminants, bird droppings and other environmental factors that might threaten its value and safety. Plus, waxing may increase resale value while simultaneously improving driving safety. Waxing should take place approximately every one to two months, though frequency will depend on factors like climate and parking conditions.
The Weather
Car wax not only adds beauty, but it can also protect the paint against harmful substances. Rain, salt water, bird droppings, tree sap and road debris can damage clear coats without proper protection, leading to faster oxidization and fade due to faster corrosion. If left without wax protection your car could fade quickly before having one applied regularly. Wax provides paint protection from harmful elements while hiding minor scratches and scuffs for a brand-new appearance. Furthermore, UV exposure causes dulling of its own and faded finishes can fade over time without proper protection against this degradation process. Waxing may need to be performed more frequently if you reside in an extremely harsh environment or drive your car often; otherwise, garage-kept, less driven vehicles might only require it every other month or so. Seasonal changes may also influence how often car wax needs to be applied: cold weather could prevent its bond with paint while hot conditions could strip away most of its protection quickly. Car wax should be applied as soon as snowfall begins, before any temperatures drop low enough for frost to form on paint surfaces. Applying protective car wax every six weeks during winter helps to keep vehicles free of salt road grit build-up.
The Paint
Car paints are intended to be tough, but washing and weather can cause them to fade over time. A quality wax will add an extra layer of protection that keeps the bodywork looking its best and is especially important if your vehicle has not been taken care of over its lifetime. Scratches, dents and faded paint could lower its value when it comes time to sell it! No matter how often you wash your car, waxing it every two or three months can help protect its paintwork against environmental elements and make car washing easier since wax prevents dirt from adhering to its clear coat surface. When applying wax, take your time and do a good job. For maximum effect, try waxing in late afternoon or early morning hours when the sun is not directly overhead - this will prevent too quickly-drying wax from hardening into its place on your car's paintwork and hinder its spreadability. When applying car wax, park in a shaded area and work section by section. Apply thin coats of wax with vertical or horizontal strokes to avoid streaking before buffing it off with a clean cloth.
The Vehicle
Your car is an enormous investment, and it is vitally important that it's properly safeguarded. Regular waxing can protect its paint from fading while making cleaning simpler and decreasing resale value. A layer of wax helps preserve this investment as well. Regularly waxing may even prevent scratches that decrease its resale value! Your choice of wax can also influence how often it needs reapplying; quick-detailing varieties tend to wear away quicker, thus necessitating more frequent applications than harder carnauba varieties. Before applying any form of wax, however, be sure to wash your car first to remove dirt and grime and make its durability greater. This ensures a longer-lasting result! When waxing your vehicle, it is important to avoid direct sunlight or bright artificial lighting as this may cause too much drying too quickly and cause streaks on the paintwork. Therefore, indirect lighting should be used whenever possible in order to minimize this risk. Your vehicle and environment will determine how frequently you should wax it; as a general guideline, however, every three to four months is ideal to ensure optimal condition of the car while protecting it against elements. For those unsure when they should be waxing their vehicle, professional auto detailers can assist.
The Wax
The type of wax you use, where and how often you park your car and the climate all have an effect on how long a wax job lasts. Synthetic wax will generally outlive natural carnauba waxes; therefore changing up your wax every now and then for optimal results is also recommended. As you decide how often to wax your car, remember that its purpose goes beyond aesthetics; waxing helps protect its paintwork against damage while increasing resale value of the vehicle. Setting a schedule will help build good habits around regularly waxing your vehicle. Noticing water spots or an overall dull look are surefire indicators that it's time for a fresh coat of wax; alternatively, testing the thickness of your current layer by running your hand over its surface and feeling for any rough spots; smooth surface paint should feel pleasant; otherwise it indicates degraded waxing that needs replacing immediately. When applying a wax coating, make sure it's done in warm and dry conditions. Direct sunlight or strong artificial lighting may cause the wax to dry too quickly and result in unsightly streaks. Also try not to apply too much wax at once as this could harden onto the paint and be difficult to remove later - work in small sections at a time and polish each section until its finish shines with high gloss before moving on.
