Why do you need to wax your car?
Waxing your car may seem like extra work after a wash. For most people, it’s something you do when you want your car to look good. And it’s that’s not usually done on a regular basis, because of having to spend for a little bit more than just a wash. Regular car owners often neglect exterior maintenance and only provide regular maintenance for the engine, transmission, and tires. Your cars paint may not contribute to mechanical issues or lower performance. Maintaining your paint will not only preserve your cars shine, but it will help in upholding its resale value. When buying a second hand car, the first thing that buyers will notice is the paint. A cars paint is its story, it’s what it will tell buyers what it went through without having to say a word. One look at a cars paint and buyers can tell if the vehicle was cared for.
The benefits aren’t limited to cosmetics, waxing your car regularly helps protect your cars clear coat and paint job by preserving the oils in the paint that prevent discoloration and oxidation. Waxing also protects your paint from deterioration due to bird droppings and tree sap. Two of the most annoying things to ever land on your cars paint job.
How often do I need to wax my car?
Regular wax application may vary depending on wax manufacturers. Some say that you need to apply wax every month, for others 45 days, while some even claim to protect your car for a year. It also depends on how frequently you use your car or if it’s always exposed to elements such as rain or sunlight. Personally, I get a wax job after cleaning if I notice the water on the surface of my car doesn’t bead up nicely. For other owners, it may vary. Regular paint maintenance is a must, if you want that car show look or simply preserve its shine.
Here are the top ten products on amazon, to help keep your car looking shiny and new.
- Liquid Glass LG-100 Ultimate Auto Polish/Finish
- Mothers 10016 Reflections Car Wax
- Meguiar’s G17516 Ultimate Quik Wax
- Mothers 05750 California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax Liquid
- Meguiar’s G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax
- Griot’s Garage 11171 Best of Show Wax
- Turtle Wax T-415 Premium Grade Rubbing Compound
- Meguiar’s G17216 Ultimate Compound
- Meguiar’s G1016 Smooth Surface Clay Kit
- Mothers 07240 California Gold Clay Bar System
Liquid Glass LG-100 Ultimate Auto Polish/Finish – 16 oz.
Price: $19.95
Features and Product details
- Super durable high gloss finish
- Will never crack, peel, chip or turn yellow
- Never has to be removed
- Contains no wax
- Safe on plastic trim
- Can be applied under direct sunlight
The Liquid Glass LG-100 Ultimate Auto Polish/Finish is not a common brand and not many have heard of it before, but it’s been in the market since the early 80’s. It’s a polish that does not contain any wax. It’s more of a paint coat that has the ability to alleviate the effects of paint diminishing elements. Application of this auto polish requires you to air-cure it for 4 hours, and once it sets and solidifies, it provides a layer of protection. Then you won’t have to worry about water spots, stains, dead bugs, salt and other harsh elements that diminish your paint.
Protection
The LG-100 gives your cars paint serious protection against whatever the outside world can offer. It can repel almost any road dirt and water. Liquid Glass even claims that if you put on 25 coats it will be chip resistant. But who would do that? Waiting for the curing time of 4 hours in between application. If you want to preserve your cars paint, the LG-100 proves to be a product worth trying.
Application and Removal
Before applying, shake the product very well. You will need to use a coarse cotton cloth and make sure your vehicle is dry. It’s recommended that you apply this on a warm surface. Upon application, wipe the product with a straight back and forth motion. Do this to the entire vehicle and let it sit under the sun for four hours. This process helps bonds the LG-100 on the paint. Make sure that your car is free of any wax products before doing this as it may interfere with the bonding process and affect how well the LG-100 will hold to the vehicle. The instructions state that you need to use a terry cloth to remove the product. Although a microfiber may do the job just as well.
Shine
This product has to be applied to a wax free vehicle. You can use the Liquid Glass pre-cleaner to get rid of any existing wax on the surface. After applying the LG-100 and having to wait for four hours, the results are worth the long wait and hard work. Majority of the costumers have good reviews about how it makes their car look pristine again. There are complaints about the LG-100 highlighting swirl marks instead of hiding them. In that case, if your car has a lot of swirl marks around the body panels, I suggest having the car detailed first before applying the product.
Pros
This product has a lot of positive reviews based on consumer appraisals. The biggest thing about this product is its ability to help your vehicle resist the elements.
Cons
For the impatient curing time takes too long. But it’s not as bad as other products that need more than to settle.
Value
It’s not cheap but you get what you pay for. Think about the finish and the protection that this product will provide and you’ll forget about the $$$.
Mothers 10016 Reflections Car Wax
Price: $20.06
Features and Product details
- Provides a super wet shine for that just washed look
- Easy to use while adding a protective coat to paint
- Fast and easy to use for the car enthusiast
- Regular use provides a long lasting benefit for your vehicle
Mothers Reflections is a product that every show car enthusiast must have. If you’re looking to get that showroom shine without putting in too much effort and spending too much money then this product is worth checking out. The Mothers Reflections car wax will leave your car with that wet glossy look and on darker vehicles, the outcome is even more vivid. It’s easy to use but durability comes at a cost, it’s one of the longest lasting car wax in the market but the quality that it leaves is outstanding. This product must be used regularly to maintain your vehicles shine. This product also has liquid polymers that coats your car and prevent it from dirt and road dust.
Protection
The Mothers Reflections Car Wax protects your car just like any other wax in the market. During rainy season, you’ll find yourself having to wax your car more often with Mothers Reflections. It doesn’t hold as long against high humidity levels and rain. Although this product does the job in terms of protecting your paint job but don’t expect it to totally protect your car from bird dropping or tree sap.
Application and Removal
This wax is for those who don’t have the time to spend long hours to make their cars look spotless. It can be applied with machine or with a wax foam applicator. Make sure that the applicator and the surface of the car is clean. Apply the product on the surface of your vehicle gently with a straight forward and back motion. Once the wax has dried, simply use a microfiber tower to remove it.
Shine
The Mothers Reflections Car Wax gives your car a good shine, and even a better shine on darker colored vehicles. It also fills in small scuff marks that are on the clear coat, concealing minor scratches temporarily.
Pros
It’s a quick way to give your car a good shine and protect your paint from dirt and dust. It’s easy to wipe off and the results are amazing considering the time spent on waxing your vehicle. For cars with darker colors this product will bring out a much deeper and better shine.
Cons
The downside of this product is that it doesn’t last as long as other waxes. Its paint protection isn’t also as good, but I guess for most people, it’ll do.
Value
It’s pretty expensive for something that doesn’t last as long as other waxes on the market. But if you really hate having to spend long hours to wax your car, then this is a good product for you.
Meguiar’s G17516 Ultimate Quik Wax
Price: $8.99
Features and Product details
- Hydrophobic Polymer Technology provides relentless water-beading protection that lasts for weeks
- Will not leave a white wax residue on exterior plastic and trim pieces
- Quick and easy to use spray, simply mist-on and wipe-off
- Safe and effective on all painted surfaces
- Provides a spectacular shine, lasting protection, and relentless water-beading in one step
Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax is something that every car enthusiasts should keep in their compartment or boot. It’s the quickest way to shine your car. You can apply it anywhere, in your home, in the car park, in front of your friend’s house, or at the gasoline station. Its best friend will be a microfiber tower. Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax and a microfiber towel will be your secret recipe for a car shiny car. It also helps reinforce the shine of your vehicle after detailing. It’s really easy to use, just spray it on your vehicle and then wipe the liquid off your vehicle.
Protection
The Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax doesn’t offer as much protection compared to other waxes. Although it does help water on your car bead.
Application and Removal
It’s the simplest wax to apply and remove. All you have to do spray it on your vehicle, let it sit for a few seconds and wipe it off right away.
Shine
For a quick way to wax, the Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax does an amazing job with giving your car a good shine. It’s a good way to apply extra wax for extra protection. It can even get rid of water marks that have been on your car for weeks.
Pros
The biggest advantage of the Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax is its ease of use. Spray and wipe, spray and wipe. That’s all you have to do. It’s an easy quick-fix wax.
Cons
This product doesn’t last long on your paint. You really can’t expect much from a spray wax.
Value
For the price, Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax is worth every penny. It’s a must have for quick shine.
Mothers 05750 California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax Liquid -16 oz.
Price: $14.80
Features and Product details
- Apply more than one coat for added protection
- Non-abrasive pure carnauba wax safe to use over and over
- contains heat resistant carnauba wax for a long-lasting shine
- Quick application and dry times
The Mothers California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax is the third step of Mothers’ Ultimate Wax System. It’s made to protect your vehicles paint and give your car a lustrous shine. This wax leaves your vehicle with a mirror-like finish. The carnauba wax fills up micro scratches leaving your paint smooth and shiny. This product is recommended for owners of dark colored vehicles.
Protection
To maximize the wax’s protective qualities, you’ll have to add more than one layer of coat. Some reviews claim that this product lasts around two to three months. Since this wax contains carnauba, protection against harmful UV rays is certain. This can help prevent your car from discoloration and paint fade.
Application and Removal
Applying the Mothers California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax is quite easy, simply use a wax applicator, and pour a dime sized amount on the paint, then rub on your vehicle on a 2×2 ft. surface. The product is expected to dry quickly. As soon as you apply the product, you can wipe it off right away.
Shine
The Mothers California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax is an excellent product in terms of turning your cars finish so shiny you’ll mistake your paint for a mirror. This product gives darker colored cars an outstanding quality of gloss.
Pros
This product fills in swirl marks leaving your paint smooth and glossy. It’s easy to use and curing time simply doesn’t exist. To make the most out of the wax’s protection, you’ll have to add more layers of wax. Which won’t even take too much of your time.
Cons
There’s isn’t much cons to this product. The only thing that is questionable is how long this wax lasts on your vehicles paint. Some claim to have the wax last longer than a month. That may be due to good conditions and his vehicle not being exposed to too much dirt.
Value
The Mothers California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax isn’t cheap and it isn’t too expensive too. It’s a great value for money. It’s easy, quick, and works miracles for your paint job.
Meguiar’s G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax
Price: $16.84
Features and Product details
- Formula delivers maximum synthetic protection, durability, depth of color, and reflectivity in easy one step
- ThinFilm technology provide for effortless application and wipe off even in full sun, and not stain non-painted trim pieces white
- Advanced synthetic polymers crosslink to form a long-lasting protective barrier amplifying reflection for incredible depth and mirror-like shine
- Hydrophobic Polymer technology increases surface tension so water beads and rolls right off the paint
- Safe and effective on all glossy paints and clear coats, and can be applied by Hand, Orbital, or Dual Action Polisher
The Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax is 100% synthetic and contains no wax. It features Meguiar’s ThinFilm technology, making application and removal very easy. You can use this product even under direct sunlight. It won’t leave white residue that regular wax usual leaves on your vehicles plastic parts, giving your car that mirror-like shine.
Protection
This product can protect your car from dirt, dead bugs and water but not harsh paint diminishing bird droppings or tree sap. They’ll go right through the Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax. Meguiar’s Ultimate contains polymer in its formulation this product can last for two to three months.
Application and Removal
Apply a few small drops of the product on the surface of your vehicle and spread thin using either the applicator pad or a Power polisher. Spread it with a straight, forward and back movement. It is recommended that you wait for at least 5 minutes for the product to cure. Apply at least two layers to ensure paint protection. After the product has properly cured, you can easily remove the wax using a microfiber towel. This can also be done under sunlight. Just make sure that your vehicle is clean.
Shine
This product gives off an excellent shine. Upon application, you may feel like you’re not putting enough wax on your vehicle. That’s because of Meguiar’s new ThinFilm technology. Despite the feeling of not using enough, the results are outstanding. The product fills in micro scratches making your vehicle look as if it just rolled off from the dealership. The smooth, mirror-like surface will last for weeks.
Pros
It’s one of the easiest wax products to use and remove. Longevity is great. You won’t always have to wax your car. Follow the application instructions and you’ll always have that crystal clear finish.
Cons
There’s not much to speak of. Only the protection quality that isn’t that bad, but won’t guarantee harsh environment protection. There are some negative reviews that say that the wax doesn’t promise a crystal clear shine. In some cases, no shine at all. Some customers say that the wax just evaporates upon application.
Value
Compared to other products this one is pretty pricey. There are other products on the market that can give the same – or even a better shine.
Griot’s Garage 11171 Best of Show Wax
Price: $15.92
Features and Product details
- 100% carnauba wax content
- Water based
- Silicone free
- Provides superior paint depth and clarity
Griot’s Garage Best of Show Wax is a high quality product which is meant to be used with a buffer. It’s a car wax for the detailing aficionados. Griot’s Garage’s objective is to keep your cars paint at its best at all times. Griot’s Garage only uses the finest ingredients for their high-quality products. Griot’s Garage recommends that you also purchase their Griot’s Garage 6” Random Orbital and Griot’s Garage Micro Fiber Polish Removal Cloths for best results.
Protection
Griot’s wax claims to protect your paint for three months. Although I couldn’t find proper reviews on how well it protects your paint from harsh element, I’m going to assume that it protects your paint well.
Application and Removal
There seems to be no complaints concerning wax application. What seems to be difficult is the amount of wax you have to apply. High quality products need to be done with care and precision. Applying too much wax will affect its removal. Even if the required amount of wax is applied, customers have complained about how hard it is to remove the product. A power buffer may be needed to remove the product with relative ease.
Shine
This is where the Griot’s Garage Best of Show Wax spreads its wings. For at least three months this wax will leave your car with a mirror-like finish. Even if you use it on a Ford Model T, people will think that it was just manufactured in today’s age. The Best of Show wax is outstanding in the gloss department. Don’t’ expect anything less from this product.
Pros
The best quality shine as promised by Griot’s Garage. Your car will look sharp, slick, and sexy.
Cons
The amount of money you need to invest in this product. Not everyone has an orbital buffer or not everyone is willing to buy one. A lot of reviews say that without the orbital buffer it’s hard to remove the wax.
Value
This is a wax for the affluent. If you’re willing to spend on the best quality. Then this product is worth it.
Turtle Wax T-415 Premium Grade Rubbing Compound
Price: $5.57
Features and Product details
- Removes scratches, heavy swirl marks, surface blemishes and 1500 grit sanding scratches
- Silicone free formula is safe for use in professional detail, paint, and body shops
- Can be applied by hand or with an orbital or rotary polisher
- Safe for all finishes
- Restores gloss and prepares the finish for waxing
- Can be used with cotton, microfiber or foam pads
The Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound is the all-around wax. It can be used by hand or with a machine. This product can be used to get rid of surface level scratches. It can literally make some scratches disappear, even by hand.
Protection
Since this is a rubbing compound, this section won’t be about paint protection but about paint regulation. This product is perfect for scratches that haven’t penetrated through the clear coat. It will make quick work with minor scratches. Personally, I used this product on my car where the paint diminished because of bird droppings. It corrected the paint with about four to five applications.
Application and Removal
Applying this product takes a lot of effort. It’s essential that you apply a little bit of force but not too much. Applying a bit of force will make the product work its magic. For heavier scratches, you’ll need to apply more of the product. By hand, it’ll take you at least five applications to remove imperfections. Using a machine will make your life easier.
Shine
Just make sure the surface is dust-free. If there are specs of dirt, it will leave swirl marks on your paint. You might have to use polish after using the rubbing compound.
Pros
Its ability to remove scratches, watermarks, and marks with messed-up coat is amazing.
Cons
If not used properly, it might leave light scratches on your vehicle
Value
For its price, it’s a definite green light to purchase. Since when has turtle wax ever failed anyone?
Meguiar’s G17216 Ultimate Compound
Price: $8.88
Features and Product details
- The ultimate product for removing oxidation, scratches, water spots, and blemishes without scratching
- Cuts as fast as harsh abrasives restoring surface clarity without scratching or swirling
- Formula dramatically reduces the time and effort to restore abused or neglected paint finishes
- Exclusive micro-abrasive technology leaves a “like new” finish and adds gloss in one easy step
- Safe and effective on clear coat and single stage paint and can be applied by hard or dual action polisher
The Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound is one of the best compounds in the market. It can remove moderate to heavy scratches, oxidation, and swirl marks.
Protection
Since this is a compound review so we’re going to focus on paint correction in this section. This rubbing compound can remove medium to heavy scratches, but it’ll require more than two applications to make scratches invisible.
Application and Removal
To make scratches and discoloration completely match your paint job, you’ll need to apply at the product least five times. Make sure to put enough pressure on removal to prevent the product from drying up.
Shine
The product is very easy to use and will remove most scratches. Make sure that your car is clean before application. This compound may not work on really heavy scratches.
Pros
Its ability to remove scratches and swirl marks with proper preparations.
Cons
The intricate steps you have to follow for you to achieve the best results.
Value
For its price, it’s something that you would want just in case someone accidentally scrapes your vehicle with their studded bag.
Meguiar’s G1016 Smooth Surface Clay Kit
Price: $16.29
Features and Product details
- Includes 2-80 gram bars, clay lubricant, and microfiber
- towel
- Features a non-abrasive clay bar
- Removes surface bonded contaminants
- Restores a smooth surface to the paint finish
- Safe and Easy to use
The Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit is the perfect choice for removing any contamination bonded to your vehicle. The Clay kit comes with two 80 gram clay bars, 16 oz. of Meguiar’s Quik Detailer and a 16×24 Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel. It’s comes as one complete package.
Protection
For clay kits this section will be a focused on paint contamination removal. The Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit does a good job in removing contaminants that stick to your cars paint. The kit comes with two bars to ensure that you have a spare bar that stays fresh until use. If you plan on waxing and polishing your car, make sure you use this product to get the best out of your wax and polish. The Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clat Kit does a good job in removing contaminants on your paint, even asphalt. Once you’re finished with your clay job, the Meguiar’s Quik Detailer will help keep your paint fresh and protect it for some time.
Application and Removal
Before applying the product, make sure that you rinse your car thoroughly. Make sure that you don’t apply too much pressure when claying your vehicle. Ensure that your car is properly lubricated while claying. Once you’ve finished, apply the Meguiar’s Quik Detailer to finish the job.
Shine
The product will make good work of contaminants that are on your cars surface. To make the most out of your car wax/polish, Apply this product before waxing/polishing.
Pros
Based on reviews, the clay does a good job in removing contaminants. With a spare clay bar, you can make your product last for a few years (that’s if the Quik Detailer lasts as long).
Cons
The intricate steps you have to follow for you to achieve the best results.
Value
This kit is a total bang for your buck. It comes with, not only the clay bars but a microfiber towel and Meguiar’s Quik Detailer. If you buy each products in the kit separately, you’ll end up spending much more money.
Mothers 07240 California Gold Clay Bar System
Price: $15.74
Features and Product details
- Removes embedded grains of metal, tree sap, airborne environmental deposits and paint overspray for “new” look
- Safe to use on paint
- Includes two clay bars, Showtime Instant Detailer, Microfiber towel
- Regular use provides a long lasting benefit to your vehicle
Mothers California Gold Clay Bar System is created to remove debris and contaminants that stick to your car. This product can remove any harsh contaminants that have embedded on your cars paint. Mothers California Gold Clay Bar System comes with two 80g Mothers Clay Bar, 16 oz. Mothers Showtime Instant Detailer, and a Mothers Microfiber Towel.
Protection
For clay kits this section will be a focused on paint contamination removal. The Mothers California Gold Clay Bar System is excellent with contaminant removal. The Mothers California Gold Clay Bar System comes with two clay bars to extend the use of this product. Applying this product is highly beneficial before applying wax or polish. Removing all possible contaminants on paint will help your wax fill in the gaps left by dirt, dust, and other stuff that is stuck on your clear coat.
Application and Removal
Before applying this product, make sure that you rinse the car thoroughly and keep the vehicle lubricated to prevent the clay bar from sticking on the surface. Once you’ve finished claying your vehicle, apply the Mothers Showtime Instant Detailer to bring out your cars shine and highlight your masterpiece.
Shine
This product does an excellent job with removing contaminants on the surface of your car. If done properly, with the application of wax after claying, your car will look as if it were brand new.
Pros
The product does an excellent job, removing contaminants from your clear coat. It’s the best thing to do before a wax job to for your car to shine like a show car.
Cons
The only thing you have to do is to ensure that your car is dirt-free and properly lubricated.
Value
For how much the whole package is, you get everything for less than $20. It’s worth every penny.