when should i wax my car?
07-10-09, 05:53 PM
#31
*gasps* There's a lot of misinformation here. 4-6 weeks for waxing is too much. A good coat of wax should last at least twice that time. Anything more and you are thinning the clearcoat and wasting time. About 4 times a year is all that's needed. An honest detailer should tell you the same.
The key to extending the intervals is avoid washing your car. This process ruins the finish and strips off the wax. Instead, wipe down your car weekly with a clean, damp rag and keep the hose, soap, and harsh sponges away.
The key to extending the intervals is avoid washing your car. This process ruins the finish and strips off the wax. Instead, wipe down your car weekly with a clean, damp rag and keep the hose, soap, and harsh sponges away.
• Wax duration depends on the wax and the environment the car is in. It can last from a month to over 4 months depending on the wax and the environment.
• Waxing does not thin your clear coat.
• The key to long lasting durability is to keep your car clean. Wash using the proper technique and materials. Not washing a dirty car only makes the contamination harder to remove and easier to cause swirls.
• Wiping down a dirty car with a damp rag is about the worst advice I've heard on this forum.
One good way to tell if your wax has expired is to do the squeak test. After washing and drying your car take a clean white 100% cotton terry cloth towel and press it up against your paint. Twist it whill applying pressure and listen for a squeak. If you hear it, the wax is gone. If you don't, it's still there. You can also rely on water beading but that is not a good indicator of protection. Some products are designed to sheet water and not bead.
Typically I do a full detail of my vehicles 2-3 times a year and use a sealant for my protection or LSP (Last Step Product). I use a Quik Wax spray after every wash to maintain the slickness and gloss in-between full details. Keeping the paint slick means the dirt doesn't get a chance to bond to the surface making it much easier to remove and not instill swirls.
Last edited by jfelbab; 07-10-09 at 06:14 PM.
07-10-09, 10:54 PM
#33
*gasps* There's a lot of misinformation here. 4-6 weeks for waxing is too much. A good coat of wax should last at least twice that time. Anything more and you are thinning the clearcoat and wasting time. About 4 times a year is all that's needed. An honest detailer should tell you the same.
The key to extending the intervals is avoid washing your car. This process ruins the finish and strips off the wax. Instead, wipe down your car weekly with a clean, damp rag and keep the hose, soap, and harsh sponges away.
The key to extending the intervals is avoid washing your car. This process ruins the finish and strips off the wax. Instead, wipe down your car weekly with a clean, damp rag and keep the hose, soap, and harsh sponges away.
The problem with asking questions like this no products have the same results, so everyone's response is based on what they feel is necessary with the products they use. There seems to be different definitions of what waxing the car is in this thread. My definition of waxing is applying a LSP (Last Step Product) either a carnauba wax or a paint sealant.
This thread reminds me I should wax my SC. Its been like a year or more...hah
07-13-09, 07:48 PM
#39
Lexus Test Driver
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It'll depend on the soap as well. A product like Citrus Wash n Gloss can strip wax if not diluted enough, however, a more ph neutral soap like Super Slick n Suds doesnt run the same risk.
07-23-09, 07:06 AM
#43
1JZ Single SC400
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I would say depends on where you live and if salt in the air is an issue. More often if it is, and less if it aint. I would clay it, then polish it, then wax it, some sort of flint glaze wax. Its hard to put on, but it last up to 6 months or so. In between washes buy some Eagle One, Meguiers, etc... Rapid wax or quick detailer.. Just my opinion...
07-23-09, 07:42 AM
#44
*gasps* There's a lot of misinformation here. 4-6 weeks for waxing is too much. A good coat of wax should last at least twice that time. Anything more and you are thinning the clearcoat and wasting time. About 4 times a year is all that's needed. An honest detailer should tell you the same.
The key to extending the intervals is avoid washing your car. This process ruins the finish and strips off the wax. Instead, wipe down your car weekly with a clean, damp rag and keep the hose, soap, and harsh sponges away.
The key to extending the intervals is avoid washing your car. This process ruins the finish and strips off the wax. Instead, wipe down your car weekly with a clean, damp rag and keep the hose, soap, and harsh sponges away.
Please pay it no mind. I would have responded to it, but everything below is dead on:Your are right about one thing. Lots of misinformation here.
• Wax duration depends on the wax and the environment the car is in. It can last from a month to over 4 months depending on the wax and the environment.
• Waxing does not thin your clear coat.
• The key to long lasting durability is to keep your car clean. Wash using the proper technique and materials. Not washing a dirty car only makes the contamination harder to remove and easier to cause swirls.
• Wiping down a dirty car with a damp rag is about the worst advice I've heard on this forum.
One good way to tell if your wax has expired is to do the squeak test. After washing and drying your car take a clean white 100% cotton terry cloth towel and press it up against your paint. Twist it whill applying pressure and listen for a squeak. If you hear it, the wax is gone. If you don't, it's still there. You can also rely on water beading but that is not a good indicator of protection. Some products are designed to sheet water and not bead.
Typically I do a full detail of my vehicles 2-3 times a year and use a sealant for my protection or LSP (Last Step Product). I use a Quik Wax spray after every wash to maintain the slickness and gloss in-between full details. Keeping the paint slick means the dirt doesn't get a chance to bond to the surface making it much easier to remove and not instill swirls.
• Wax duration depends on the wax and the environment the car is in. It can last from a month to over 4 months depending on the wax and the environment.
• Waxing does not thin your clear coat.
• The key to long lasting durability is to keep your car clean. Wash using the proper technique and materials. Not washing a dirty car only makes the contamination harder to remove and easier to cause swirls.
• Wiping down a dirty car with a damp rag is about the worst advice I've heard on this forum.
One good way to tell if your wax has expired is to do the squeak test. After washing and drying your car take a clean white 100% cotton terry cloth towel and press it up against your paint. Twist it whill applying pressure and listen for a squeak. If you hear it, the wax is gone. If you don't, it's still there. You can also rely on water beading but that is not a good indicator of protection. Some products are designed to sheet water and not bead.
Typically I do a full detail of my vehicles 2-3 times a year and use a sealant for my protection or LSP (Last Step Product). I use a Quik Wax spray after every wash to maintain the slickness and gloss in-between full details. Keeping the paint slick means the dirt doesn't get a chance to bond to the surface making it much easier to remove and not instill swirls.