It is a question that car owners have struggled with since the beginning of time. Of course, you can use one or the other for your car, but if you want a long-lasting, shiny finish on your car’s exterior, choosing between wax and polish might not be as clear as it first seems.
Why should I use car polish?
Car paint has a relatively thin layer of a reflective coating. In time this surface is exposed to the elements and becomes covered in dirt, dust, and debris that can reduce its shine and reduce dirt visibility on the road, not to increase its corrosion rate. In addition, car polish provides an effective barrier against the impact of daily driving and prevents future damage caused by rocks and other debris that can chip or scratch your paint.
Car polish is a great way to increase the life and look of your detail. Applying car polish restores gloss and shine to your paint while also adding protection against future debris such as water spots.
When is it better to use car polish?
If you want to keep your car looking good for a long time, then you should use car polish on it. For example, you should use a car polish if your paint feels rough, has swirls or holograms, and cannot remove them with polishing pads. The second case – after removing the scratches. It is to make your paint look like new again.
Why should I use wax?
Wax is an excellent way to protect your car’s paint job from ultraviolet ray damages. It also helps create a protective coating on the car’s surface, resulting in increased gloss and shine for up to six months, depending on your location (UV exposure) and how often you wash your car. It also helps in protecting against acid rain, bird droppings, and other environmental elements that gradually deteriorate the paint on your car.
Wax can be easily removed by washing with soap and water, making wax great for cars frequently exposed to dirt, grime, and pollution.
When is it better to use wax for the car?
While many people use waxes for a car daily, the experts only advise using them during the winter months. Why? Because in the summer months, there is no need to coat your car with wax. The temperatures are very high during summers, and the sun is blazing hot too. Therefore, when you apply wax to your car’s body, it will be hot, and hence in summer, you cannot expect that the wax will settle well. It may result in many imperfections on the body of your car when you apply wax to the car during summers.
Some people like to use wax for a car on their new cars, which they buy from showrooms or purchase from dealerships. Many people argue that applying wax for new cars at least once is necessary. But there are no facts or regulations to prove it.
So, what’s the difference between car polish and wax?
The first step is to understand the purpose of using either car polish or wax. The main difference between them is that car polish contains abrasives, which help remove light oxidation and swirl marks from your paintwork. On the other hand, waxes contain fewer abrasives and are designed more for your finish’s protection, shine, and durability rather than refinement.
While car polish is an essential step in the detailing process, it does not offer the same protection as wax. Car polish is designed to remove surface imperfections and oxidation through the abrasives. But once these are removed, it leaves your finish prone to oxidation. Car wax is usually made of harder, durable sealants that protect your finish for extended periods. These sealants are mixed with natural oils and other ingredients to enhance shine and durability.
Car polish works best when applied on a freshly polished surface, preferably within 24 hours or less after polishing. You should apply over car paintwork for at least 6-12 months since its last protective layer application.
