How to Wax Your Car in 5 Easy Steps

Waxing is important for the maintenance of the car’s exterior. The wax protects the car’s clear coat from water, UV rays and air pollutants. You should wax your car every two months to keep your car’s clear coat in mint condition. However, waxing can be a daunting task for some people who might be worried about leaving scratches or spoiling the exterior of their prized possession. Here are five easy steps that sum up exactly how you can wax your car without damaging its paint in any way.

1. Wash

Prep your car before waxing it by washing it with water and mild soap to remove all dirt particles. Dirt particles can diminish the smoothness of the coat and can cause the excess wax to stick, which will make it harder to remove the wax later. Also, dry your car before waxing it to get the best results.

2. Polish

For dull paint or scratches use polishing or rubbing compound on it before waxing. These compounds are mild abrasives and can thus remove fine scratches from the clear coat to get a smooth coloring. Rub the compound on your car with a damp microfiber cloth and then remove the excess compound with another microfiber cloth.

3. Prep for waxing

Purchase high quality car wax and read the instructions given on the box to know if the wax has any specific instructions. Avoid getting the wax on the headlights, taillights or any other areas stated on the instructions.

4. Apply the wax

Take a glob of wax that is thumb sized on the pad or foam applicator and start applying it on the car in small circular motion. Only apply a thin layer of the product on the car in either vertical or horizontal rows (in small circles). You can apply more wax to the car during the waxing process using a buffer for a more even finish.

5. Let the wax dry

Let the wax dry off for as long as is stated on the instructions and then wipe off the wax with a microfiber cloth, by rubbing it on the car in circular motions. If the cloth starts to drag showing that there is too much wax buildup on it then flip it over and use the other side or use a spare.

Once you are done with removing the wax, your car will display that brand new car shine. However, other than following these five easy steps to wax your car, there are some other things also that you need to be careful about. Be mindful about keeping your car out of the sunlight. When waxing, keep your car in the garage or in the shade to avoid direct rays from the sun. There are two reasons for keeping your car out of the sunlight while waxing it: Firstly, because it can cause the car to heat up and secondly because it will cause waxy residue to be left on the car which will be difficult to clean later on.

Another thing that you need to be careful about is the temperature. Keep a controlled environment when waxing your car, preferably around 12°C and 29°C. Excess heat can cause the wax to dry instantly, making it quite difficult to remove later. The opposite can be a problem too. A cold temperature can make it difficult to apply the wax to the car.

If you want to learn more about how you can properly care for your car and protect its paint from scratches and impurities, give our dealership a call. You should also check out our blog to learn more about caring for your car’s interior and exterior, along with other useful car maintenance tips.