You may think that car waxing is something you do only in the summer – to make your car shiny and beautiful when the sun’s rays shine upon it, but it’s more necessary for winter car protection. It provides your vehicle with a protective layer against the elements – snow, sleet, ice on the streets, and the salt used by road crews to melt said ice. It likes to stick to your car’s undercarriage, wheels, and brakes and lead to corrosion of metal parts exposed to it.
But, how to know which type of car wax is the right product for you? Stick with us to find out!
If you have a straightforward base paint job on your vehicle, you must find a compatible product using the following guidelines. First, you must know why you are using car wax and what results you expect from using it.
1) Paint job colour
The colour of the paint job is important because there are car waxes made to be used on specific hues. There is a definite purpose to using waxes that have colours. For instance, if you accidentally scratch the enamel on your car, you need something to cover it. Some car waxes are specially made for this and have agents in them to help cover scratches. If you have a red car, buying the same colour wax can offset the scratch.
The older your vehicle becomes, the less the paint job on your car will remain. Some vehicles may rust or the paint will look dull. Car wax can help restore the shine the vehicle once had. Older vehicles tend to benefit the most from car wax applications.
2) Weather conditions
The weather conditions where you live can determine how often you have to apply wax. UV rays from the sun can damage the paint job. If your vehicle is exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day, it is necessary to get a wax that will allow you to reapply as often as possible.
Secondly, car wax and auto paint sealant ingredients vary greatly between manufacturers, so choosing high-quality products will help assure long-lasting protection and shine.
3) Day-to-day protection
High-quality car wax can protect your car from everyday occurrences that can cause dirt on your car. These can be small scratches, bird dropping, mud, dirt, etc. The car wax ingredients help to form a barrier of protection between dirt and your car’s paintwork. It is therefore important to do your research to find the best wax for your car.
4) Keeping your car shiny
Car wax can help to restore your car’s shine. It wills out scratches and marks on your car’s surface and gives it a clear shiny topcoat. If you want your car to look as if it just came out of the dealership, car wax is the best solution.
5) Cleaner for longer
The protective film that comes with using wax creates a barrier that helps dirt “slide” off your car. Dirt and other particulars won’t stick to your car as they usually do. Your car will stay fresh and cleaner for longer than usual. Now you can reduce the amount of time and money you spend on weekly car washes.
A traditional car wax formula usually consists of a blend of carnauba wax and other waxes, such as beeswax car wax and natural oils, and will sometimes also include petroleum distillates. Many newer formulations also contain special polymers and resins which are used as both a car wax hardener and shine enhancer.
Car wax comes in a spray, paste, and liquid varieties with formulas suited for various paint types. The majority of car waxes are in paste form. As car wax tends to be sticky, with a low melting point, it tends to attract dust to the paint surface.
Auto paint sealant is manufactured from synthetic waxes and is designed to better protect the surface of the car from the elements. In addition, most paint sealants consist of polymers and silicones which adhere to the surface of the paint and thus offer better protection than wax, but they also tend to provide less shine. Many newer formulas of paint sealant contain micronized ingredients which allow them to more easily penetrate the paint surface, providing longer-lasting protection and improved shine.
Most paint sealants are in liquid or spray-on form. While most car waxes require that it be applied, allowed to dry, and then buffed, many auto paint sealants require only that it be applied with a soft cloth – no drying or buffing required.
These are the most common car wax ingredients and their uses:
1) Carnauba wax is a hard wax obtained from the leaves of a Brazilian palm tree which produces a glossy shine. Carnauba-based waxes must be reapplied frequently to maintain shine, but it has the best shine of any wax and is easy to apply and remove.
2) Beeswax is a durable wax found in honeycombs and used in car wax formulas to provide a protective barrier.
Natural oils, such as linseed oil, are emollients used to provide added shine, lustre, and protection to the painted surface.
3) Synthetic wax can be created from certain plastics or silicones and is used primarily in auto paint sealants. These waxes are considerably more durable than carnauba wax but produce far less shine. However, they are usually designed for use in sunnier parts, as they provide great protection against sunlight and UV damage.
4) Petroleum distillates are solvents derived from crude oil that make the wax easier to spread and to clean the paint, particularly suitable for those car owners who have to do all of this work themselves.
5) Resins and polymers are plastic-like substances that adhere to the paint surface offering longer-lasting protection than wax. They are most frequently found in auto paint sealants.
Car wax should only be used on clean, dry surfaces, in the shade. Car wax should be applied to one surface at a time, allowed to dry, and then gently removed using a soft cotton cloth or automotive-style microfiber cloth.
Many auto enthusiasts recommend first using an automotive paint cleaner, followed by an automotive paint sealant, and then several coats of high-quality wax. This will provide a longer-lasting, higher level of protection and the maximum level of shine. Only use products intended for automotive applications and do not apply them to glass, plastic, rubber, or vinyl surfaces.
What is the best winter car wax?
Carnauba wax is usually the best car wax for winter. It is easy to apply during the colder months and protects your car from harsh winter elements. The car wax will protect your car’s surface from road salt, snow, and some hail conditions.
How often should you wax your car?
There is no set answer for a wax period. You may find that twice a year keeps your car shiny. Some car models may need a wax job every three months or so. Some people will feel to only use a yearly winter car wax. It will depend on the car, the wax you are using, and sometimes your budget.
Other factors affect your car’s waxing period. If you keep your car in a garage or in spaces where the temperature is controlled, you probably won’t need to wax too often. If your car is exposed to harsh weather often, you’ll probably find yourself needing to wax your car often.
It may be difficult to tell when your car needs a new wax coat. You could probably feel the difference on the car’s surface. Unwaxed tends to feel rougher. The best way to tell when your car is due for wax is to observe water beads on the car’s paint surface. Wx will cause water beads to roll away. If you don’t see any bending or rolling, it’s probably time for a wax. If you need help speaking to, a professional is best.
If you need help taking care of your car, come to our repair shop in Hamilton. We are expecting you!
