Wax On, Wax Off: Protecting Your Automobile’s Finish

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Whipping out the hard-paste wax every other weekend is the right idea, but modern vehicles need a little extra finesse. Mixing the right supplies with some good old-fashioned elbow grease will help to keep your car shining. 

Stock up on Supplies

Must-have supplies for protecting your car's finish include:

• A wash mitt
• Lamb's wool (according to Consumer Reports).
• A fine-grade sponge
• Car-wash soap.
• Auto glass cleaner
• Wheel cleaner
•  Some cotton applicator pads
• Several microfiber towels
• A silicone water blade
• Spray lubricant
• A bucket.

Wash Like an Expert

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Your car comes in constant contact with some pretty nasty stuff, including dirt, bugs, bird droppings, tree sap and more. That's why it's important to wash it regularly. If left for too long, grime can harm your car's finish.

Before washing, remove loose dirt and debris by rinsing the entire car with water. Beginning at the top and working around, use the mitt and car wash soap to clean one section at a time, and rinse thoroughly to prevent the soap from drying. To avoid swirl marks, work across the length of the hood and other areas instead of moving the mitt in circles. Make sure to rinse your mitt if dropped to keep from scratching the paint.

Tip: When rinsing, a nozzle-free hose allows water to flow in sheets down the car and minimizes beading and pooling.

Dry Like a Pro

Drying an automobile can be tricky. A cotton towel turns into a wet, soppy mess before long, and you might end up using the entire supply in your linen closet to get the job done. We suggest wiping water from the car with a silicone water blade – a squeegee designed for this specific purpose. Then use a few microfiber towels to mop up the rest.

Tip: Avoid using chamois leather, as it can trap small particles of dirt between it and the surface of the car, creating swirl marks and fine scratches.

Wipe Away Stubborn Dirt and Debris

Certain types of debris like sap and tar are extra stubborn. We recommend using a detailing lubricant and fine-grade sponge. After the car is dry, spray on the lubricant in sections. Working in circles, remove debris with the sponge and dry with a towel.

Tip: For the best-quality towels, choose products with slightly sticky microfibers.

Bring Out the Shine

Everyone likes a shiny car, but how you make it gleam is a matter of preference. Some car owners swear by carnauba wax, while others prefer sealant. Although both offer a glistening shine, carnauba wax contains natural materials. This helps it to emanate a warm glow. This product requires reapplication every six to eight weeks. Paint sealant is a synthetic product offering a glossier finish that can last up to six months.

Tip: Work in small sections. Apply wax or sealant in thin, even coats with cotton applicator pads. When it appears cloudy, buff it in a circular motion with microfiber towels. 

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Don't Forget Glass, Wheels and Weather Stripping

Due to constant exposure to the elements, automobile weather stripping dries and crumbles over time. Keep it in good condition with a rubber sealant protectant. Simply spray on and let dry. As household glass cleaners contain chemicals that damage weather stripping, use a special automotive product to clean your windshield and windows.

Tip: Waffle-style cleaning cloths make quick work of bugs and other unwanted bits.

To get your wheels gleaming, opt for a cleaner made for your specific product – whether chrome, aluminium or clear-coated wheels. There are also cleaners available that are labelled as safe for all wheels. Use a cleaning brush to get between cracks and crevices, cleaning and drying one wheel at a time. When dry, apply wheel wax and buff when cloudy.

Tip: Use a long-handled wheel brush to scrub off brake dust and a smaller brush to clean around lug nuts.

Protecting your car's finish makes good sense from a practical and aesthetic point of view. Take advantage of these tips to keep your automobile looking like new and share photos with us on Instagram.