Everyone would like to keep the paint on their car looking brand new for as long as possible. You don’t need a professional detailer to keep your car paint looking polished and you’ll save a ton of money if you maintain it yourself by following the simple instructions below.
The first step is to wash your car. Depending on where you live and various other environmental conditions, it’s recommended that you wash and wax your car once every month. Make sure to use a type of soap that is meant to be used exclusively on cars and never use dish washing soap or laundry detergent as it will strip off the wax coating. Use a wash mitt made of sheep skin or a microfiber towel as they are designed to pick up dirt instead of push it around.
After you are done washing and drying your car, it is time to apply the wax to the paint. It is important to have your car parked in the shade and is completely dry before you begin. Choosing the type of wax, either natural or synthetic is a personal preference and they both have their pros and cons. Natural waxes, usually carnauba, adds an element of depth and warmth to a car but is less durable than synthetic which lasts about 4-6 weeks. Synthetic waxes are more durable, lasting about 6 months under ideal conditions, but it lacks the depth of the natural waxes which can leave darker cars looking more like plastic.
Do not be confused by waxes and polishes, they both enhance the appearance of your car’s paint but they are 2 very different things. A wax adds shine and a layer of protection and should typically be applied once a month to maintain a nice, glossy look. A polish also adds shine but it’s an abrasive and removes a layer of your paints top coating. Therefore, polishing your car often is not recommended and should be performed about once every 3 years. The key to applying wax is to use thin coats and to not use pressure in order to avoid swirls or scratches. If you don’t have a wax machine, use a foam wax applicator pad or a clean microfiber towel to apply the wax. Remember that this process does take some time so be patient.
After you are done applying a coat to the car or section, you will need another clean microfiber or soft rag to remove the wax. Once this process is completed, go over your car once more with a soft towel to see if you have missed any spots. It’s that simple! Just follow these tips and you’ll have a professional quality car wax job without ever stepping foot in an auto body shop. Keeping up with this maintenance will keep your car shining new and avoid the costly expense of a new paint job.