How to Wax Your Car at Home

What are the benefits of waxing? 

If you don’t wax your vehicles already, there’s a good chance you haven’t been sold on the benefits of this simple process. More than something frivolous that appeals only to aesthetics, waxing is a crucial component of maintaining a car’s value. 

Waxing shields your car from the elements 

Regardless of where you live, your car will be subjected to a certain degree of harsh weather. This may come in the form of extreme heat, acute cold, or blustery winds, but no area is immune to the effects of the environment. The paint on a car is more sensitive than many of us realize and can be pretty susceptible to damage. Coating a vehicle in wax is a protective measure one can take against the weather; the wax essentially functions like a shield, maintaining the layers of paint underneath. 

Waxing can boost resale value 

 For the most part, cars do not remain with a single owner forever. You’ll likely choose to upgrade at some point, seeking a different vehicle to suit your needs better. When the time comes to swap out the old for the new, owning a car with a history of waxing can give you a leg up over others selling their cars. When a dealership or an individual sees a vehicle that’s still shiny due to being waxed, they’ll be more willing to spend money on it than a car with a worn or chipped coat of paint.

How can I wax my car at home? 

1. Choose the right kind of wax  

Before waxing your car for the first time, you must determine what kind of wax to buy. Spray wax is easy to apply and can be a simple, excellent option for supplementing an old wax job that’s starting to wear. However, spray wax is not as long-lasting, and it can’t be expected to wax a car on its own. Paste wax, another variety known for its ease of use dries quickly but comes with limitations. Not only does paste wax not protect paint as well as alternate wax options, but it only works when applied in heat. This renders it basically useless during the colder months of the year. Liquid wax, another popular kind of wax, requires a bit more skill from users. Using too much liquid wax is a common problem, and it often results in a mess. However, it is widely known that liquid wax provides an excellent finish. It also endures through harsh weather and lasts longer than other wax products.  

2. Clean your car  

The purpose of wax is to seal your car in its current state. Because of this, you’ll want the surface to be as clean as possible before waxing. Use a towel and soap to thoroughly remove dirt, oil, and other debris before beginning the waxing process. 

 3. Begin waxing carefully 

The best way to wax is to take things one step at a time. You must be patient, focusing on individual parts of a car rather than attempting to wax everything at once. Start by putting wax on an applicator pad and rub it onto a small area of the car’s exterior. Then, allow the wax time to dry. Once it has finished drying, it’s time to wipe it off and complete the process. Use a cloth—preferably a microfiber cloth—and wipe the wax off of your car’s surface. 

 4. Check for streaks 

After wiping the wax, walk around your vehicle and note any streaks. To get rid of them, add a little more wax to those areas and then wipe them down immediately. This will solve the streaking problem in no time. 

Shop Transwest 

If you’ve outgrown your current vehicle, or you’re itching for something with better features, it may be time to scan the market for something new. At Transwest, we have a vast selection of cars and trucks, all sold at reasonable prices. Browse our online store today, or stop by a physical location to see our latest products up close.