Waxing your car on a regular basis is essential as it helps preserve the clear coat, which is known to protect the vehicle’s paint from UV rays, street salt, rain, snow, corrosive elements, tree sap, bird droppings, and other contaminants. 

As cars go through a lot during their lifetime, taking regular care is crucial. With that being said, if you have ever wondered how often should you wax your car, then you are at the right place. Keep reading to find out more on how to protect your vehicle from exterior impacts and turn heads on the road with your car’s shiny exterior. 

How Often Is It Recommended to Wax Your Car?

Most people have their own idea of how often they wax their car, and the majority do so immediately before the last coating has worn off. However, if you are waxing for the first time and are wondering how you can tell that has happened, you can adhere to the general rule, which is once over the course of a three-month period or at least twice a year. 

It is essential to mention that each time you wash your car, your wax will be removed little by little, and when it rains, the atmospheric chemicals will cause an oxidizing effect. 

To determine whether your car has enough wax, you can look for water beading, as the lack of it is a sign that the vehicle has no wax. 

Moreover, you can run your fingers over the paintwork, as a smooth surface is an indicator that the car is waxed. It is also vital to be mindful that if your car is new, you need to ensure that it stays protected, whereas if you have an older model, you might want to wax it more frequently.

How long does the wax stay on the car?

If you wonder how often should you wax your car, you have probably thought about how long the wax will stay on your vehicle. The answer is not simple as it depends on a number of factors. With that being said, if the wax is poorly applied, it will probably last for only a few weeks, whereas a wax that is applied carefully can last you for at least a couple of months. 

Also, poor weather conditions, environmental impacts, and regular car washing can also impact the life of your wax. Therefore, we recommend keeping your car as protected as possible in a garage or a sheltered area and waxing the vehicle at least two times a year. 

How to Wax Your Car?

Now that you are familiar with the answer to the question of “how often should you wax your car?”, let’s get into more details on how to perform it effectively.

Step 1: The first step which is crucial is to wash your car and ensure that it is dry before you apply the wax. You can do so by using car shampoo and a microfibre towel, or you can even polish the car if the paintwork has scratches. 

Step 2: Next, you need to make sure that you park in a shaded spot which will prevent the wax from drying quickly.

Step 3: Then, if you are ready, it is time to apply the wax. To do so successfully, you need to apply a small amount of light coat of wax using a clean cloth on a small surface section. After, you need to get another piece of fabric and buff the car so that it shines before you move on to the next area. You need to use both vertical and horizontal movements to prevent swirls and make sure to spread the wax evenly. 

Once you buff your car, it is advised to take your time and work carefully in sections until your car is completely waxed. 

What Types of Wax Can You Find?

The type of wax you use can also impact the timeframe the car should be waxed. For instance, synthetic wax lasts much longer than natural carnauba wax, meaning that if you use this kind of wax, you can re-apply it again much later.

Car wax is available in many shapes, formulas, and forms, but the main forms you can find it in include paste, spray, and liquid. Paste wax is commonly used by many as it gives the vehicle a shine, but liquid wax can last much longer, and it is also much easier to apply. On the other hand, spray wax is mainly used to strengthen the layer. 

The types of wax you can get are polymer-based wax made from a combination of chemicals and works as a synthetic wax alternative. It works as a sealant that forms the coating over your clear coat. 

The other type of wax is the already mentioned carnauba wax, which is made from palm tree oil that comes from Brazil. The carnauba wax can be found in the form of a paste, but it is also often blended with sealants and liquids, as it provides enhanced shine and it works effectively for cars with darker colors. 

Is There a Limit to How Much Wax You Can Apply?

As long as you are not waxing your car every week, there should be no issues when doing so frequently. Despite this, if you re-apply coats one on top of another for hours, you will be left with a cloudy and almost dark look regarding your vehicle. Therefore, wax should be applied as recommended, and it is also advised to avoid overdoing it to avoid ending up with undesirable results. 

Read more: How to Use Magic Eraser

Final Thoughts 

Regular waxing can keep your car protected and shiny, which is why it is very important to do so. However, environmental impacts and regular car washes can impact the wax’s life, so it is very significant to implement waxing on a regular basis. Even though this can be very tiring for many, the result of a freshly waxed car will definitely bring worth to your effort. 

It is also significant to determine which type of wax you will be using and to make sure to apply the wax carefully and evenly as recommended for optimal results.