About Polishing a Car

With the exception of a home, a car is the single-most expensive item most ever buy. Vehicle maintenance is important to keep your vehicle running well and looking nice, and washing your vehicle is vital to proper paint upkeep. Polishing your car can help retain that beautiful showroom glow, and will keep your car looking like new for years to come.

Significance

Polishing a vehicle is a vital step to maximizing the life of your paint job. A proper polish will remove any dirt and debris from the surface and help to keep your car looking like new. A nice looking car is a source of pride for many people, and a good polish can boost a car from good to exceptional. Polishing your car also helps to improve its resale value, as the outside of a vehicle makes a strong first impression.

Function

Cleaning the exterior of your vehicle is just as important as its mechanical maintenance. Polishing can be done either by hand or with a polisher, although it takes practice to properly use a polisher. Your car can be polished at any time, although a thorough cleaning should be done at least once per month. Polishing can be done inside or outside as long as the weather is clear and warm. A good polish can restore the finish on an older car from dull and flat to bright and shiny in just a few minutes.

Types

Car polishing can be done by hand or with a motorized polisher. Both require a good polishing compound specifically formulated to be safe for car finishes. Hand polishing is more difficult and time consuming, although it is much safer for those who do not know how to properly use a buffer. Hand polishing can be accomplished with a bit of polish, a bit of elbow grease and a couple of hours of uninterrupted time. A motorized buffer can cut your work time, but careful attention must be paid to avoid buffing into the paint job. Apply a bit of polish to your buffer and run it lightly over a small piece of scrap metal to make sure you are comfortable before trying it out on your vehicle.

Benefits

Polishing your car keeps it looking new and fresh long after you purchase it. A well-maintained paint job helps your car to retain its value and makes it worth more if you ever decide to sell it. A good looking car also helps to boost pride for owners, so keeping your car looking its best can help you feel better as well.

Warning

Take care not to over polish your car. Polishing too frequently will wear through the clear topcoat of paint and into the tinted paint, opening it up to harmful air and moisture. Rain, wind and snow can then settle under the topcoat, paving the way for rust and corrosion. You should never use car polish on the rubber or chrome of your vehicle, as it is not manufactured to properly shine these parts.