To keep your vehicle’s exterior in tip-top shape, it’s a good idea to wax your car on a regular basis. But, how many times should you wax your car? There are a number of factors that determine how often you should wax your car to maintain its shine and color, and one way to see is to perform a ‘bead test’. To perform a bead test you simply need to splash a small amount of water onto your vehicle. If the water beads then you don’t need to wax your car; if the water doesn’t bead then it’s time to wax your car.
How Many Times Should You Wax Your Car?
Waxing your car every one to two months is generally a good idea as this keeps the vehicle’s shine and color well protected on a regular basis. However, if your car is exposed to harsh conditions such as rain, salt, snow or dirt, you should probably wax your car more often to protect the exterior. Cars in cooler climates typically require waxing more often than those in warmer climates. If you have recently purchased a brand new car, how often you should wax it is really a matter of appearance. When you think it’s time for a wash and wax, go with your gut.
What Type of Car Wax Should You Use?
Car wax creates a layer on your vehicle’s exterior to protect against the elements and road debris. There are numerous types of car wax available to buy, including polymer sealant and carnauba wax. Knowing the difference between these waxes and the benefits they hold is important in keeping your car looking great. The best way to determine whether to use polymer sealant vs. carnauba wax is to test the capabilities of each on your car. By experimenting between the two types of car wax you will see how long the wax lasts for and therefore how often you should wax your car.
Car Waxing Tips
For the car wax to be effective, it’s important you know the correct way to apply the wax. Start by thoroughly washing and drying your vehicle prior to waxing. The car should feel smooth before you begin to wax, so if you feel any rough or gritty spots use a non-abrasive auto body cleaner to wipe away any dirt and grime. The best time to apply car wax is when it is cloudy with minimal sunlight at a temperature of around 60 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat from the sun can actually bake the wax into the car which can damage the exterior and make it more difficult to remove. Once you have applied the wax in clockwise, circular motions, remove the wax using a terry cloth in anti-clockwise, circular motions. Remember, when applying the wax, less is more.
Fix Problem Areas
When you wax a car you will often be left with streaked areas where the wax has been applied too thickly or it has dried too fast. These problem areas are quite easy to fix. Just spray the area with a mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol and wipe the area clean. Finally, re-wax the spot and buff it clean.
If you want the high-gloss shine of a brand new car without putting in the efforts yourself, schedule a Presidential Detailing appointment (which includes car waxing) with us at DetailXPerts and we will be happy to help you.
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