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How Often Should You Wax Your Car? (+Important Tips)

Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by Chase Manhattan

The truth of the topic is that it entirely depends on your circumstances. For this reason, it’s important for you to understand a few concepts like:

  • what does wax really do for your car?
  • what are the benefits of waxing your car?
    • does wax protect your paint from the sun?
    • how many coats of wax should you use?
    • should you wax a new car?
  • how often should you wax your car for these benefits?
  • should you wax your car after washing it?

If you want to understand the benefits of waxing your car, how often you should do it, and how many coats you should use, lets get going!

Chase Manhattan
how wax protects the surface of a car infographic
Here’s an example of how wax creates a protective layer over the car’s surface to protect it from outside damage.

What Does Car Wax Do?

Car wax is a protective layer that helps shield your vehicle’s paint from damaging environmental factors. It’s primarily used to protect the paint from UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and rock chips, which can all cause damage to your car’s exterior. Wax also provides a hydrophobic barrier that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface of your car, which can prevent water spots and make it easier to clean your car.

What Does Wax Do For Your Car?

Wax provides a protective layer between your vehicle’s paint and the elements, preventing damage and keeping it looking great. It also provides a glossy finish that enhances the appearance of your car, making it look newer and more attractive. Wax can also help prevent scratches and other minor damage to your vehicle’s surface, maintaining the body and paint condition for longer.

Food for thought: Should You Wax New Cars? Here’s What To Know

Can You Wax Your Car Too Much?

Waxing your car is a crucial step in maintaining its appearance and protecting its paint from environmental factors. However, it’s important to understand that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Waxing your car too frequently can lead to a buildup of wax, which can cause unsightly streaks and smudges on your car’s surface. If you’re using a rotary buffer during the process, be sure to clean your polish pads to avoid this build up.

Additionally, excessive waxing can damage your car’s clear coat, leading to peeling and discoloration. So, while regular waxing is important, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how often to wax your car and not to overdo it.

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Benefits of Waxing Your Car Infographic

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Benefits of Waxing Your Car

Waxing your car has many benefits, including protection from UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and rock chips. It also provides a hydrophobic barrier that helps prevent water spots and makes it easier to clean your car. Waxing your car regularly can help maintain its resale value, which will save money in the long run and prevent clear coat peeling and other imperfections. Additionally, it gives your car a glossy finish, making it look newer and more attractive.

UV Ray Protection

UV rays can cause damage to your car’s paint, making it look faded and dull over time. Wax provides a protective barrier between the paint and the sun’s harmful rays, preventing damage and keeping your car looking great. Over time, a continued exposure to harmful UV rays slowly eats away at the car’s clear coat – meaning that the shiny surface of your paint fades over time.

Rock & Chip Protection

Driving on the road can cause rocks and other debris to chip your car’s paint, causing unsightly damage. Wax provides a protective coating between your car’s paint and the elements, preventing chips and keeping your car looking great.

Bird Droppings & Tree Sap Protection

Bird droppings and tree sap can cause permanent damage to your vehicle if left untreated. Wax provides a barrier that prevents these substances from bonding to your car’s paint, making it easier to remove and preventing damage. This same concept will apply to pollen on your car, as the pollen will not bond to the paint and can be easily washed away.

Scratch Protection

Waxing your car can help prevent scratches and other minor damage to your vehicle. It provides a protective barrier that can help deflect debris and prevent damage, keeping your vehicle looking great for longer.

Hydrophobic Water Beads

Wax provides a hydrophobic barrier that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface of your vehicle. A waxed car will be more resistant to water spots and can make it easier to clean your car, keeping it looking great.

Maintains your Vehicle’s Resale Value

Regularly waxing your car can help maintain its resale value. It provides protection from the elements and prevents damage, keeping your car looking great and desirable to potential buyers.

Prevents Clear Coat Peeling

Clear coat peeling can occur when your car’s paint is exposed to the elements for extended periods. Waxing your car regularly can help prevent clear coat peeling by providing a protective barrier between the paint and the elements.

Helps to Avoid Rust Damage

If your vehicle is already showing signs of developing rust spots, it may be too late to curb this with a coat of wax; but otherwise, applying wax regularly maintains the integrity of your car’s paint job by shielding it from corrosive elements, dirt, road debris, and other chemicals found on the roadways.

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How Often Should You Wax Your Car?

The frequency of waxing your car depends on several factors, including how often you drive it, where you park it, and the weather conditions in your area. As a general rule, it’s recommended to apply wax to your car every three months on a regular basis.

How Many Coats of Wax Should You Use?

A single coat of wax is usually sufficient to provide protection for your car’s paint. However, some car detailing professionals recommend applying multiple coats of wax for added protection.


infographic showing the different types of car wax and how long they last

How Long Does a Carnauba Wax Layer Last?

Carnauba wax is a natural wax that provides a deep shine and excellent protection for your car’s paint through the use of its natural oils. A single layer of carnauba wax can last up to 3 months.

How Long Does a Synthetic Wax Layer Last?

Synthetic wax is a man-made wax that provides excellent protection for your car’s paint. Most synthetic waxes can last up to 6 months.


When You Shouldn’t Wax Your Car

There are certain situations when you shouldn’t wax your car, such as when the paint is damaged or when it’s too hot outside. Waxing your car in these situations can cause more harm than good. If you’re going to do this, it’s recommended that you use a car cover to shield the vehicle from any excess heat. If you choose to do this during the winter, be mindful of how the wax is sealing to the surface.

Should You Wax Your Car After Washing It?

The answer to this question will vary between car owners. Some may use dish soap, or a wax stripping soap, during their car wash – in this case, you should look into reapplying the one of the numerous wax products out there.

If you’re using a high quality car wash soap, and the proper car wash techniques, then you shouldn’t have to reapply wax to your car after a car wash. At the end of the day, it’s personal choice.

Should You Wax A Car After It Rains?

Rain can carry dirt, debris, road salt, and other harmful elements, but if your car is already waxed then you don’t have to worry about re-waxing it as the hydrophobic properties of the wax will allow these elements to roll of the surface without issue.

example of hydrophobic properties in action infographic
Here’s an example of the hydrophobic properties of wax.

FAQs and Related Questions

Is Carnauba Wax better than Synthetic Wax?

Carnauba wax – which is considered a natural wax – provides a deep shine and excellent protection for paint of your vehicle, but it requires more frequent application than synthetic wax. Synthetic wax provides longer-lasting protection and is easier to apply – to achieve that new car look.

Should You Wax a New Car?

Yes, it’s recommended to wax a new car to provide protection for the paint and maintain its appearance. Additionally, it will preserve the value of the car which will already suffer a large hit of depreciation given it’s a new car.

Does Wax Make a Car Shine?

Yes, wax provides a glossy finish that enhances the appearance of your car and makes it shine.

Does Car Wax Protect Your Car From Sun Damage?

Yes, car wax can protect the paint of a car from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays which will naturally deteriorate a car’s clear coat over time.

Does Waxing a Car Keep It Clean Longer?

Yes, waxing a car can help keep it clean for a longer period of time. This is because car wax provides a protective layer over the surface of the vehicle that can repel dirt, dust, and other contaminants.

When these particles come into contact with the waxed surface, they are less likely to stick and are easier to wipe away during a wash.

Additionally, the wax can make it more difficult for water to adhere to the surface of the car, which can reduce the likelihood of water spots and other types of residue.

However, it’s important to note that waxing alone is not enough to keep a car clean, and regular washing and maintenance are still necessary.

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