The difference between a polish and a wax is often confused. It’s best explained by their purpose and frequency needed.
WAX
Purpose: To protect the paint from the elements (sun, wind, water) that might otherwise cause surface imperfections like scratches, hard water spots, and rust.
Frequency: Depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations but about every 3 months.
POLISH
Purpose: To fix surface imperfections; scratches and rust are buffed out to reduce their appearance.
Frequency: Rarely. Polishing too often can damage your car’s paint because of the abrasive products used. A polish should always be followed by a wax.
