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We all know what it’s like to care for your car more than you do care for yourself; some of us would go to great lengths to protect the exterior finish while some prefer to leave it be until someone points them out or something bad happens.
Jokes aside, everyone would want their car’s exterior to appear flawless always. However, such a mission is difficult to achieve as nothing is perfect. Hence why we have car grooming centres in Singapore to help with the upkeep of your car’s exterior.
One such way of maintaining your car’s exterior is by giving it a wax, which works to coat your car’s surfaces with liquid or paste wax to protect them from corrosion and extend the life of your car’s paintwork.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of car waxes available on the market, the pros and cons of applying car wax, along with some do’s and don’ts of car washing and waxing.
Types of Waxes, Application Types, and Pros & Cons
When it comes to car wax, you should know that it is a substance applied to the paintwork on a vehicle. It helps to protect and beautify the paint by providing a thin, durable, transparent layer of protection.
Having said that, car waxes are usually made from synthetic or natural oils and are designed for use in the car care industry.
As the name suggests, natural car wax is made of natural ingredients, commonly from plants. The only downside to it is the need for regular application as natural wax tends to wear off quickly.
Meanwhile, synthetic car wax is made of chemicals that can bond with paint, giving your car the shine and protection that can last for up to a year. Comparatively, synthetic wax is less time-consuming in terms of application. Thus, making it the preferred wax among many drivers.
Different Types of Car Waxes and Application Types
Paste Wax
This type of car wax is the earliest form of wax. It provides a stunning gloss and water beading due to its natural oils. Compared to liquid wax, frequent application is necessary to maintain its efficacy.
Also, some paste waxes have a hard texture, so their application may be a challenge to non-detailers as they require the use of special tools. However, they offer better protection than liquid and spray waxes.
Liquid Wax
Compared to paste wax, liquid wax has a smoother texture and is more lasting due to the addition of synthetic polymers. However, it tends to dry quickly which makes the application somewhat challenging.
Nevertheless, it is commonly used by everyday drivers. When shopping for one, you should be careful in your selection as certain types of liquid wax are abrasive and can damage your car’s paintwork.
Spray Wax
This type of wax is easier to apply thanks to its practical packaging that enables a precise application. As such, it makes treating problematic spots a lot easier while giving your car a quick wax on the go.
Spray waxes are also great for enhancing the shine of your car’s paintwork while providing additional protection to new cars that already have a high-quality finish with an intact surface. However, the easy application doesn’t guarantee lasting results so repeated application may be required.
Rubbing Compound
Rubbing compound is mostly used by professional detailers than the average everyday driver. It is similar to a polishing compound but is much more abrasive. They are commonly used for paintwork correction.
Besides, the abrasives in rubbing compounds allow it to remove deep scratches in a car’s paintwork. Hence, why it’s commonly used by professional detailers as you can easily strip too much of your car’s paintwork and cause greater damage to the paintwork.
Pros and Cons of Applying Car Wax
Like any other car grooming product, applying car wax has its pros and cons, and it’s anything but permanent. As such, the pros and cons of car waxing are as follows:
Pros
- It prevents the paint from getting damaged by harmful substances such as acid rain, bird droppings, tree sap, and bug splatters.
- It gives the car a shiny appearance which enhances its overall look.
- Regular waxing helps in maintaining its shine for longer periods.
Cons
- The process can be time-consuming and expensive depending on the frequency at which it is done.
- Waxing your vehicle can be difficult if you don’t have prior experience.
- It is also difficult to remove if there are any errors in the application.
Dos and Don’ts of Car Washing and Waxing
Keeping your car clean and shiny is not just a matter of aesthetics, it’s also a way of preserving its value and ensuring it lasts longer. Here are some things you should and shouldn’t do to maintain the look of your car:
Dos
- Wash your car regularly to avoid dirt accumulation on the exterior. You can use a bucket and sponge or an automatic car wash.
- Completely dry your car before you start the waxing process. This will make it easier for you to wax your car’s exterior.
- Use a clean sponge to apply the wax and make sure to dampen it beforehand. This will ensure a smoother application.
- Apply the car wax in a clockwise and circular motion so that you can cover the entire car in a short time.
- Once you have applied the wax, go back to your starting points and use a terry cloth to remove the wax in anti-clockwise, circular motions.
- Make sure to keep rotating the cloth if you want to achieve a high-gloss shine on your car’s paintwork.
Don’ts
- Don’t start on the waxing process while your car is still wet. This may lead to the appearance of spots on your car’s paintwork.
- Avoid purchasing expensive car wax as the price doesn’t guarantee the quality. There are cheaper car waxes that can give you the desired results.
- Don’t wax your car when it is dirty as this will lock in the grime or dust on the car’s surface.
- Avoid using old rags while applying the car wax. Otherwise, you will have to repeat the waxing process with a new sponge.
- Refrain from applying the car wax at high noon. The heat from the scorching sun will bake the wax and make it difficult to remove.
- Avoid applying the car wax multiple times as this will smear the paintwork and affect its efficacy in providing a protective layer to your car’s paintwork.
Get your car professionally groomed at Lambency Detailing
Giving your car the occasional wash and wax will be your best bet at maintaining that factory sheen with the help of a professional car grooming centre in Singapore like Lambency Detailing.
As a one-stop automotive centre for all your car needs, we offer comprehensive car grooming services that use only 100% genuine SONAX products from Germany to ensure the quality of your car’s surface.
Find out more about Lambency Detailing’s different products and services here. Book an appointment with us to get your car interior detailing now! WhatsApp: (65) 9658 5808 Email: lambency@quantum-globe.com
