How Often Should You Wax Your Car?

How Often Should You Wax Your Car?

If you own a vehicle, you might have found yourself asking questions like, "Can you wax a car too much?", "How often should I wax my car?" and "How long does wax last on my car?". Thankfully, in this short article we have your answers!

Ceramic Wax Pro

★★★★★ "This coating works great. Goes on and comes off easy!" -Joe C.

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Let's be honest, keeping your car clean may not be the highest on your list of priorities. For many it is a chore that you put off until it is needed. As a self proclaimed detail enthusiast I understand that not many enjoy detailing as a hobby.

You want to get the best bang for your buck and find both the fastest and most efficient way to ensure your investment maintains its showroom shine for as long as possible!

Waxing your car has been a means of protection and shine for many car owners for decades. But have you ever stopped to think just how often you should be applying a car wax?

In this article we break down the proven methods to get the most out of your car waxing process, how often you should do it and products that will be guaranteed to get you professional level results.

So let's get started!

How Often Should You Wax Your Car?

How often you should wax your car can depend on the age of your vehicle, the paint quality, and the products you use. It can also vary depending on your personal preference.

On average, waxing your vehicle every three months is recommended. In that window, you can clean your car’s interior and exterior, and follow it up with waxing using a high-quality wax that gives the body a beautiful shine. However, some people make a point of waxing their vehicle twice per year, or having a professional service complete it for them.

Unfortunately, failing to have a consistent coat of wax on your vehicle can lead to premature failure of your cars clear coat. Costing you potentially hundreds if not thousands $$$ to repair.

Ceramic Wax Pro

★★★★★ "This coating works great. Goes on and comes off easy!" -Joe C.

BUY NOW

Can You Wax Your Car too Much?

Whether you live in a cold region or a warm one, optimum car care should be an ongoing process. Waxing your car is important to maintain the paint and help protect it from damage. Many people think that waxing your car too much will cause it to lose its shine. But that's not the case. Waxing your car too much will not cause damage, but you should avoid waxing it too often because it becomes redundant.

Different Types of Wax

  • Ceramic Wax
  • Paste Wax
  • Liquid Wax
  • Liquid Polymer
  • Carnauba Wax

5 Reasons Why You Should Wax Your Car

1) Scratch Protection

While waxes and sealants may not protect your vehicle’s paint from all scratches, they do provide a small amount of protection against fine scratches that are present through wear and tear. When applied, car wax can offer a thin layer of protection to your paint’s clear coat. Rather than dirt being scratched into your paint, the wax may allow it to slide off the car body.

2) Protection From Exposure

car_wax_how_to

Even if you’re fortunate enough to have a garage to store your vehicles in, that doesn’t mean your vehicle isn’t at risk of exposure. Driving in the sunshine, rain, hail, and wind, and having your paint exposed to road salt, UV rays, tree sap, and bird droppings, can all take their toll. Over time, oxidation can occur, which eats away at the chemicals in the paint, causing it to separate from the vehicle body. As a result, you may notice that your paintwork is chipping or fading. You may be able to protect against some of the harshest natural elements by applying coats of wax regularly. There are many standout wax and sealant products that can provide as much protection as possible.

3) Impacts Resale Value

how_to_wax_car

The reality is that you may never be able to sell your new car for as much as you paid for it. New cars depreciate with time, but how well you care for your vehicle may play a role in the price you sell it for. By applying wax products often, you may be able to keep the bodywork in excellent condition, which automotive estimators may factor into the decision-making process for determining its value. Your time and care may pay off with far more cash in your back pocket than you might have anticipated.

4) Save Money by Waxing

car_wax_apply

You may struggle to believe that spending money on car wax allows you to save money, but it’s entirely possible. If you don’t look after your paintwork, it can fade, chip away, and increase the likelihood of rust repairs and full repaints. In contrast, if you use car care products like wax, you can keep your vehicle’s paintwork in pristine condition, reducing the risk of needing to undertake these costly repairs.

5) Feel Proud While Driving

The benefits of applying wax shouldn’t all be directed toward benefiting future owners. You can invest in such products simply to be proud about driving around in your pride and joy. Wax not only protects your vehicle’s paint, but it enhances the luster and can make it look beautiful and shiny. A small amount of effort can produce some surprising results. Waxing your vehicle is a personal choice, but it’s hard not to see how much value there is in doing so. From feeling proud of your car to benefiting financially, the advantages can be profound. If you haven’t yet looked at protection and enhancement products for your vehicle, now might be the time to do so.

This Is The Best Car Wax For Your Ride

best ceramic car wax

There's a few things to look for in a car wax. It'll depend greatly on the product attributes that you value in a car wax—and also on the age of your vehicle and the condition of its paint job. There are things car wax can do, and there are things car wax can’t do to improve your cars shiny paint if it is past the point of no return.

Wax is a protective coating applied on to the top layer of paint, which on virtually all vehicles today is a clear coat. (Clear coat is exactly what the name implies: a coat of clear, hard paint.) A modern vehicle's finish is composed of three parts: base primer, a color coat, and clear coat. The quality of a vehicle's shine depends on the smoothness of the clear coat; the smoother the top layer of paint, the more it's like a mirror. The thin layer of car wax you apply helps fill tiny crevices in the paint that are caused by exposure to the elements and the spinning brushes at car washes. The best car waxes can also protect the clear coat from hazing, smears, stains, tiny scratches, tree sap, and bird droppings. But to be effective and long-lasting, car wax must be applied only on a perfectly clean vehicle. 

The best car wax is one that is affordable, applies effortlessly and lasts a long time. Ethos Ceramic Wax Pro bridges the gap between an easy to apply wax and a professional grade protective coating. One application can last you 12 or more months, making it easier than ever to apply a protective wax coating on your vehicle.

FAQ

No, waxing your car too much will not cause any issues, but it can be unnecessary. We recommended you protect your car with our ceramic wax.

As a rule of thumb, you want to wax your car every three months. This may change depending on your climate conditions.

Standard Carnauba based waxes only last on average 1-2 months so it is recommended to use a more durable ceramic or polymer based car wax.

No, not if you use the correct car soaps and cleaners.

Stay away from Dawn or other dish soaps as these can strip away the wax finish from your vehicle.

It is best to use a car wash soap such as Ethos Ceramic Shampoo that contains protective coatings to add additional protection as you wash.

1) Shop for the Right Car Wax

As a consumer you always have options, especially when it comes to car detailing products. We recommend you use our high quality, long lasting ceramic wax.

2) Wash Your Car First

Always wash before you wax! Make sure to do a full car detailing and dry your ride completely before applying the wax.

3) Wax Your Ride in a Shady Spot

Not only will this keep you cool and keep you from getting weird tan lines, this will also help the waxing go much more smoothly. Find a shady spot and park your ride before you start applying your car wax.

4) Use the Provided Pad to Apply the Wax

If your car wax came with an applicator pad, use it! This will usually be made of microfiber or a similar material which is safe on your paint. Use a dime-sized amount at first and apply it in small circular motions.

5) Only Wax the Paint

It might seem like a good idea to wax the plastic accents or headlights on your ride, but that’s a total no go. Keep your car detailing waxing routine to your ride’s paint. Wax can damage plastic parts on your ride. If you want to detail these parts, make sure to use the right products.

6) Look for that Chalky Look

Once the wax hazes, simply wipe off with a clean microfiber rag to reveal your shiny, protected vehicle.

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