Types of Car Wax
Waxing a car is one of the best ways to make it look its best and preserve its finish. Wax protects paint against environmental factors, including harmful ultraviolet sunlight that can fade paint over time. Several different types of car wax are available from a variety of manufacturers, with each product having its own advantages.
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Natural Wax
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Some of the highest priced (and best performing) types of car wax are made from natural ingredients. The most common among these is carnauba, which is a form of was that comes from a Brazilian plant known as the copernica cerifera. While many brands of car was use carnauba in mixtures that also contain petroleum products and other oils, some car owners prefer to use pure carnauba on their vehicles. Carnauba-based waxes often last between one and two months and provide excellent protection for auto paint.
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Synthetic Wax
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Many other forms of car wax are produced entirely from synthetic ingredients. These waxes are chemical compounds that are meant to serve the same purpose as natural wax as a lower cost. Synthetic wax products are sometimes referred to as paint sealants, as they contain little or no natural wax. Synthetic waxes are formulated to be easier to apply, and require less effort to rub on, then buff off when compared to natural wax. Synthetic was also lasts longer, in part because it can be chemically formulated to be more resistant to heat.
Natural vs. Synthetic
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The debate between the benefits of natural and synthetic car waxes is an ongoing one in the automotive community. Carnauba was is generally agreed to produce the glossiest finish. However, car owners must reapply it on a regular basis or risk damage to the paint. When a single wax job must last an entire season, synthetic products are preferred. In some cases, car owners apply a base coat of synthetic wax, and then a layer of natural wax to provide the best of both worlds.
Brands and Varieties
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For many years, Turtle Wax was the best known and most often used brand of car wax. Today Turtle Wax produces an extensive line of wax products, while many other brands (including DP, Wolfgang and Armorall) sell similar wax products. Besides both natural and synthetic wax options, modern car wax is also available as either a paste or a liquid. Liquid wax can be sprayed on during or after a car wash while paste was must be rubbed on and allowed to dry, when excess wax can be rubbed off.
Other Products
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A variety of other products are often used in conjunction with, or in place of, actual car wax. Like wax, car polish is available both as a liquid and a paste. However, rather than producing a protective layer like wax does, polish actually removes a layer of dirt and debris while eroding the car's protective top coat. Rubbing compounds and other car care products can remove rust, reduce the appearance of scratches, and even smooth out a damaged paint surface. It is often best to use wax following any of these products as a way of replacing the protective layer lost to extensive cleaning.
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- Photo Credit "Red 49 Chevy In The Rain" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Bob Jagendorf (Bob Jagendorf) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
