Comments on: How to Restore Your Car's Shine

on 8/12/2007 Wax is bad, gives a short-term shine but does long-term damage. Use car polish. No one in their right mind uses car wax. Ever.

on 7/30/2006 I also prefer carnauba over synthetic waxes because they look better. If you get a carnauba wax, apply two layers of wax. The wax looks much deeper with two layers, as opposed to one.

on 7/30/2006 Stick to a paste, not a liquid. The finish looks a lot deeper, and lasts longer. The paste is also cheaper.

on 12/28/2005 Rub the paint with an automotive clay bar and some quick detailer for lubricant prior to waxing. It will remove contaminants and make the surface smooth like glass.

on 11/22/2005 Microfiber cloths will allow you to final polish the vehicle with much less spider webbing of the finish. Terry cloth is actually more abrasive to a clearcoat than you might think, it is good for removing oxidation and minor scuffs (with an appropriate polishing compound), but not the best for establishing a really high gloss (especially if you have a black or dark colored vehicle). Additionally, make sure the buff cloth and applicator are clean. You can easily do more damage than good, if you for instance, accidentally drop your buff cloth in the driveway and continue to use it. Get a fresh cloth. One fleck of sand or debris will trash your finish, when you are inadvertently grinding into the paint.

on 11/22/2005 In most cases, it is smarter to apply the wax to your vehicle one area at a time. This prevents the wax from hardening too fast and giving you trouble.