Sure, waxing a car doesn't require a lot of brain cells; just a little muscle. Most of us have done it, many times over. The instructions are right on the bottle or canister. Once you've washed and dried, it's time to bring out the best in that black, candle apple red, or other shiny finish.

Polish or Wax - Is there a difference?

There is a difference in polish in wax - and not just price. Most of just apply a simple coating of something in circular motions, then after it turns white, we rub it off. But, if your car's a little older and you want it to stand out on the streets or at the curb, you'll make this a two-part process.

Polishes are like restoratives for older surfaces that have become a little dull. They recondition, using mild abrasives, while removing minor impurities and producing the shine. Waxes, applied afterward, prolong the shine of a polish. That means you won't be going through this painstaking process quite as often.

Newer vehicles with finishes that are still in excellent condition will only require a wax job. Some prefer to use a clay bar first to get rid of some of the grit. It's used to tackle the unseen effects of pollution and other airborne impurities. While you may be tempted to use electric buffers, it's generally better to rely on elbow grease. That way, you're in no danger of going too deep and causing damage.

Of course, many products combine both a polish and wax. When you're shopping, always read labels. Find out if the product can remove light scratches, etc.

Like washing, always work in the shade. Too quick of a drying time and the surface is susceptible to streaking. Get ready for a little good exercise and it'll pay off in heads turning.



Flickr Photo by cbowns under CC ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license