How to Apply Car Wax

Many car owners wash their cars in a commercial car wash, running it through the cycles, and expect that that will be enough to make the car remain shiny and beautiful. In time, however, pollution and the elements will take a toll on your car's paint job unless you take the time to wax it once in a while.
Applying wax properly does take a little time and effort, but it is worth it in the long run. Car wax protects your paint finish from the elements and will make your car look brand new longer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• car shampoo
• water
• carnauba car wax
• at least five microfiber cloths

1. Clean the car thoroughly by hand with car shampoo (or dish detergent) and water, or in an automatic car wash. Rinse and dry car thoroughly to prepare for waxing. Cleaning is a necessary step--otherwise you will be trapping dirt and other damaging debris beneath the wax.

2. Dip microfiber cloth into the container of carnauba car wax. You'll be starting with an amount about the size of a half dollar coin.

3. Rub wax over the hood of the car in a thin layer. Move the wax over each section, rubbing it in small circles a little wider than your hand. Re-dip the cloth into the container of wax as necessary.

4. Wait a few moments, allowing the wax to settle in a bit. In cooler temperatures this will take a while longer than in warm or hot weather.

5. Rub a clean microfiber cloth over the wax in wide circular motions. You'll be picking up excess wax as well as bringing out the shine now.

6. Buff the car with another clean microfiber cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Have plenty of extra microfiber cloths on hand for large vehicles, or in case you accidentally apply too much wax and need to buff more than once. For best results, wax the car on a warm, but not hot, partly cloudy day.
• Don't leave wax on without buffing it in at least an hour after applying--this may make it difficult to buff the wax.

Resources

• More about how to apply car wax, with photo demonstration
• More tips for applying car wax