(It's a mix of 50 percent alcohol and 50 percent distilled water.)

If you're really particular, consider using an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) cleaner to remove any surface fillers or polishing oil.

Use one of the brand-name clay-bar products to gently remove stains and smaller particles, leaving the paint surface smooth to the touch.

Decontaminate the paint with a cleaner that removes road tar or stuck-on gunk.

Wash your car carefully from top to bottom with a soft cloth, soap, and lots of water.

Do not wash the vehicle or apply car wax in direct sunlight if you can avoid it.

Here are some prep tips for getting the best results from your chosen car wax: Preparation, patience, a sharp eye, and thoroughness are the most important factors in achieving a bright and lasting shine. And using a buffer is simple and safe enough that even amateur detailers can get great results with one. Polishing out the swirl marks and tiny scratches before you wax-no matter what kind of car wax you choose-will deliver a more glossy show-car shine than any wax alone can generate. If you want the ultimate show-car finish-especially if your vehicle is several years old and has been through many car washes-you should consider investing in a dual-action orbital buffer and applying polishing compound before waxing.

And in some cases, the medium-price products outperform the more expensive brands, though the differences are not huge. Our research and experience shows that premium-priced car waxes do not necessarily hold up any better than lower-priced alternatives. Our suggestion for the best car wax? Find a mid-priced, brand-name liquid wax. You can read up on ceramics from our colleagues at Road & Track.) Which Car Wax Should You Use? (Note: While the ease of application and the resulting shine is undeniable, we haven't yet had the opportunity to test and review ceramic coatings on our own. However, there is a lot of prep involved with ceramic coatings, so if you don't feel comfortable applying it yourself, contact a detailing pro. While spray-on ceramic coatings are convenient, you want to use the hand-applied stuff for the best results. With the proper application and care, your car can stay glossy and protected for 12-24 months. These products chemically bond to your paint for unrivaled wax-like protection. But if you seek longer-life paint protection for your ride, you'll need to go beyond normal car waxes and investigate ceramic coatings. And most should be reapplied after two to three months.įor most of us, a great wash and wax will be more than enough. A good rule of thumb is that protection provided by most waxes starts to wane after about five weeks. As a group, they do have a reputation for slightly better durability the shine lasts a little longer. Despite that, they don’t outperform the liquid car waxes in all attributes. We’ve found that they take more elbow grease to apply.

Car wax autozone