Car Wax is to a Car, As Sunscreen is to Humans
01/19/09
I went through a car wash the other day after work, and was told by one of the employees who waxed my car that I was a bad car owner. I was shocked. After all, I get regular oil changes and follow my maintenance records. The guy applying car wax, however, believed I was not so good. After he was finished with the car wax, he came over to give me an earful. "Your paint was so foggy. How could you let this happen?" When did not applying car wax become such a sin? There were lots of other customers, sitting in their suits like me, glancing over to get a look at me being reprimanded. Honestly, I love my car. I had no idea I had treated it so poorly. Luckily, I was saved by the guy who put my car wax on.
Car wax forms a protective layer on your car. Car wax is like sunscreen is to humans. It gives a layer of protection from sun, rain and smog. As a bonus, your car will shine and little imperfections do not show as much. By using car wax on a routine basis, you can help the value of your car from depreciating as quickly. You can go to the professional or do it yourself. After my little public scolding, I may choose to do it myself in the future. The type of wax you use is not as important as the method you use and how often you apply it. According to "Consumer Reports," many of the less expensive types were just as good as the expensive ones.
Wash and dry your car before you begin to put on any car wax. Take a glance at the surface and make sure there is not any remaining grit. If you start waxing over the grit, it could scratch your car. Move your car to a shady spot to wax. Obviously, it should not be too cold out either. Use a non abrasive sponge or cloth to apply the car wax in circular motions. It is best to apply the wax in sections, so you can tell where you have been. Once the areas of car wax have turned foggy, you can take it off. Rub the wax off in circular movements with a clean rag. Make sure you use a clean section of your cloth every time you move to a new spot, so you will not leave any residue. After you have finished and your car is nice and shiny, sit down and ice your sore rubbing arm. Although you may have to give your arm some rest and relaxation, you can take heart in knowing that you do not have to wax again anytime soon. You should use car wax every 3 months or so.