Car wax is the most vital layer on your vehicle to maintain its integrity and repel the sun’s rays, and as such it is a process that should be done routinely to ensure the elements do not wear out its structure. Because the amount of wax used and the techniques put into motion when applied vary, it is confusing and frustrating for car owners to know just how long each coat lasts. There are numerous factors at play in determining how long a car wax is good for, and a few of them include:

“Some high grade synthetics can work their magic for 6 months to a year, but they come with plenty of caveats… for wax to have positive effects for such a long time period, the age of the paint job and how often the car has been washed are pertinent”

How Your Car Is Stored

Wax reaches its full potential when an automobile is in a garage or in the shade, shielding it from inclement weather. Besides things like rain, the exposure just sitting outside limits how long a wax can last. If your last waxing was applied correctly, it should be able to do its job for a few months.

Synthetic Vs. Carnauba Wax

The type of your wax is also integral in its longevity. Synthetic polymers last much longer than carnauba wax because they seal more effectively. They only use man made ingredients which is why they promote a high gloss finish. Carnauba is natural and is more reflective. The components in carnauba are more susceptible to UV rays and should be reapplied every month or two.

Some high grade synthetics can work their magic for 6 months to a year, but they come with plenty of caveats. For wax to have positive effects for such a long time period, the age of the paint job and how often the car has been washed are pertinent. It seems counter-intuitive that the number of washes a vehicle goes through correlates to a wax’s life cycle, but even though they will make your car sparkle, each time will deteriorate the layer you previously applied.

How The Waxing Was Conducted

Using your hand as opposed to a random motion orbiter or a similar machine will directly impact how long wax will be efficient. Even if you are steady and thorough in your rubbing techniques, wax is unpredictable because it is difficult to spread evenly. Incorporating a machine to cover a car can buy you about 4 months on average before it is time to address the problem again.

Use The Eye Test

Car wax is still doing its job if you can visually see rain or moisture bead up on the exterior of your vehicle. Water should roll off of your car effortlessly, instead of looking like you just drove out of a car wash. If you begin to notice that liquid is taking longer to dry than normal or it doesn’t evaporate entirely, that means it is a good time to have a fresh coat applied.

Conclusion

Even if you have high end wax currently on your automobile, it is recommended to get a fresh coat every 1 to 2 months. Not only does this keep the body’s beautiful reflection, it also hardens and creates a solid layer to ward off contaminants. To get the perfect waxing, professional car detailers represent the most intelligent choice to select the proper type of wax for your specific model and distribute it flawlessly when applied.