What is the best car wax to use?

There is nothing more satisfying than driving around town in a freshly waxed, shiny, and pristine car. Waxing your vehicle is something that many of us may think is unnecessary. If your vehicle is usually parked in a garage or otherwise sheltered from the elements, waxing it twice a year should be enough to protect the paint finish. If your car is frequently exposed to the sun, sand, saltwater, or even just spends most of the time outdoors, it probably should be waxed at-least three to four times per year.

By not waxing your car on a regular basis, you are giving corrosive substances a better chance of damaging the clear coat (the finish on top that seals the paint) and exposing the paint below. We will discuss the best car wax, which one we use, and why.

We know it’s a lot of work, but we have a full staff of Detailing Pros at FOUR Sunset North Car Wash & Detailing Centers.

What is car wax?

Car wax has come a long way since its first development in the 1800s. It was originally made up of animal fats and used to polish and shine horse carriages. Today’s car wax is a formulated blend of waxes, oils, and solvents which can include crude oil distillates, ethanol, mineral spirits, petroleum, naphtha (commonly used as a thinner for wood varnishes and paints), and more.

A wax compound adds a layer of protection to the paint and can also bring out the best of your vehicle’s brilliance and shine. While the wax brings out the beauty of the paint, it’s most important job is to protect the clear coat. A good wax will see your car’s paint through a rains road grime, UV rays, intense heat, and will help prevent the dreaded oxidation process. Wax is designed to provide shine protection and prevent your paint from fading. It brings back glossiness of your clear coat, makes it easier to clean the exterior, allows easier removal of dirt and road grime, and helps prevent water spots.

What is Carnauba wax?

Carnauba wax or more commonly known as a Brazilian wax is a plant-based wax was from the leaves of palm Copernicia prunifera. This Brazilian Palm tree waxy substance protects the trees from the sweltering sun of South America. Carnauba wax is the preferred wax of car enthusiasts and collectors and is commonly agreed to be the ultimate wax base for many car wax formulations. Natural carnauba has a blended mixture of oils, petroleum distillates, and other like ingredients in order to be worked into a useable car wax product. A car wax that specifies a percentage of purity in terms of carnauba refers only to the purity level of the carnauba wax used in the product, not the amount of natural carnauba wax in the formula itself. Carnauba gives your car a one of a kind finish. It delivers a magnificent shine and creates a showroom finish. However, carnauba wax may have to be used more frequently than synthetic wax products.

Natural Car Wax

True natural car wax is created with naturally-occurring elements such as carnauba wax or beeswax. Waxes can be categorized into cleaner waxes and finishing waxes and which one you need depends on your particular vehicle. Carnauba wax is recommended for people who are primarily concerned with enhancing appearance. A paint sealant, or for a durable, long lasting wax you’ll want a synthetically-produced product.

Cleaner Wax

Cleaner wax is often referred to as an All-in-one or One-step product. These waxes typically contain chemicals and abrasives, to clean the paint, remove oxidation, polish, and allow a layer of protection for your car. Cleaner waxes help restore neglected paint and clear coat by removing the damaged layers. They are not recommended for well cared for finishes since there is little point in removing layers of perfectly fine clear coat

Finishing Wax

A finishing wax is not used to clean the surface of your car. It is the final step of a dedicated multistage process that includes washing, a thorough cleaning, the use of a compound, clay bar, or swirl remover, and a polishing step. It can also be used on an otherwise near perfect paint job in a showroom or, at least, excellent condition. A finishing wax lends itself to a highly-prized mirror finish and an ultimate protective layer for your car’s paint.  

Living along the California Coastline, the best medicine for protecting your car from salt damage is to get it washed on a regular basis, such as weekly. Waxing helps maintain the natural oils in your cars paint and creates a barrier to repel environmental contaminants from sticking to your paint. Choosing the best wax will be different for every person. Some individuals enjoy the car-wash process and don’t mind taking their time, while others leave the waxing to the professionals at Sunset North Car Wash for a complete exterior detail service.  

At Sunset North Car Wash we are big fans of car care products by Meguiar’s and we (and our customers) have been happy with the results for nearly 30 years!