![]() ![]() They’re best used when the paint is already in relatively good condition and there isn’t much heavy lifting to be done. But these aren’t nearly as effective at cleaning paint as a standalone paint cleaner. I understand that there are cleaner waxes out there designed to be a two in one clean and protect product. One of the major categories Consumer Reports weighed in their testing was “Cleaning” which they defined as “How well a product removes embedded dirt and surface oxidation.” The thing is, that’s not really the job of a wax. If you don’t take these steps your wax won’t last nearly as long as it should. You should really clay, polish, and/or use a paint cleaner on the surface of your car before attempting to wax. It’s so important to recognize that paintwork preparation is key in properly applying a wax. If you wax a car with tiny contaminants and debris stuck to the surface the wax will simply not adhere correctly. Which seems strange because realistically a wax is only as good as the preparation put into the paint before it is applied. More importantly, that’s really the only mention of polish. Both of those functions are characteristic of a wax, which should never contain any abrasives. Polishes contain abrasives and are primarily designed to remove scratches and surface imperfections, not to gloss or protect. In the article the author writes of wax and polish: “Both describe a product that provides a glossy and protective coating.” This isn’t correct. One of the first things in the report that gave me concern was that whoever wrote the article seemed to be confused about the difference between waxes and polishes. Read past the break to find out everything you need to know before tackling their car wax product ratings. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when looking at the report because much of the information they provide is misleading. That’s not to say that the product ratings aren’t worth checking out if you’re interested in one of the waxes they’ve reviewed. But if you’ve read their Car Wax Buying Guide you should know they missed the mark. Most of the time they’re spot on and they obviously provide a ton of useful information. CR says that even the best car waxes they’ve tested will only last a few months, so it’s best to plan on hand-waxing your car three to four times a year.Let me start off by saying that I like Consumer Reports. That’s how you buff up on your car maintenance skills with a wax to the max. “Spray on treatments at car washes give more of a cosmetic gloss whereas hand waxing puts on a protective coat that can last for several months," says Monticello. ![]() Want to keep your car shining as long as possible? If you plan on visiting the drive-through car wash, make sure you opt for a brushless one the brushes in the automatic wash can actually strip off some of your wax job! Maybe you’re tempted to skip all that elbow grease and opt for a spray-on wax treatment at the carwash? Not so fast! Apply the wax in a circular motion, then let it dry and remove it with a microfiber cloth, also in a circular motion.” "Don’t work in direct sunlight because heat can make the wax spread unevenly and clump. “Then apply a coat of wax to the dried, cool surface," says Monticello. "Waxing your car on a regular basis helps protect the paint from scratches, tree sap, and bird droppings."įirst things first, before you apply the wax, CR says you’ll need to wash your car and dry it to get rid of any water marks. “CR suggests you hand wax your car with the change of every season," says Consumer Reports Autos Editor, Mike Monticello. As the summer sun sets and many parts of the country prepare for rain and snow, Consumer Reports car experts say it’s the perfect time of year to protect your car’s finish.
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