| Nothing beats the look and feel of a waxed car. Going | | | | thin layer of wax by using small, clockwise circular |
| to a high end auto spa can get a bit pricey, costing you | | | | motions. |
| over $40 for a good car wax. Waxing your car at | | | | Avoid touching surfaces like black window trim or |
| home can result in the same sheen as though it were | | | | rubber door seals because the wax will cause |
| applied by a top auto detailer. All you need is a little | | | | discoloration. |
| hard work and about an hour of time. By following | | | | Allow the wax to haze, then remove it in a |
| these simple how-to steps, your car will look like it just | | | | counter-clockwise circular motion with a dry soft towel. |
| drove off the lot of an auto detailing expert. | | | | Once you have applied wax to one section, work your |
| Preparation | | | | way around the entire car. Leave the bottom panels |
| Before you wax your car, choose the right type of | | | | for last because it is likely that dirty and residue remain. |
| wax. A nonabrasive wax works well with any type of | | | | After you finish waxing, remove any wax from matte |
| paint. Abrasive paints only work for cars that do not | | | | paint, such as the bumper, rubber door seals, ect. Go |
| have shiny exteriors or dark surfaces. | | | | back over the entire car one last time with a new |
| Once you choose the right type of wax, it is important | | | | clean cloth to get any wax left behind. |
| to properly wash your car. Never use a dish detergent | | | | Tips |
| to wash your car's exterior. Dish detergents strip | | | | Applying wax on a regular basis will protect your car's |
| everything from the paint, leaving it unprotected. Once | | | | exterior. Wax leaves a thin, transparent coating that |
| this process begins, it speeds up paint oxidation. | | | | covers any minors flaws in your paint as well as |
| Use a commercial car washing product to wash the | | | | protects your paint from damage. Most commercial |
| exterior. Wash your car thoroughly and dry it with a | | | | car waxes stay on for about three months. So, |
| sham. Makes sure the car is completely dry before | | | | reapplying wax every three months will protect your |
| you apply your wax. | | | | car in the long run. |
| Applying Car Wax | | | | When removing wax, switch cloths to avoid re-waxing |
| You will need a quality wax, soft sponge (some | | | | your car. This will prevent streaking. |
| waxes come with them), and a soft towel or cloth. | | | | Wash all of your towels well and set them aside for |
| Cloth baby diapers work great for removing wax. If | | | | you next wax. Use a good fabric softener on the |
| none are available, use a terry cloth or something | | | | towels to keep them soft and gentle on your car's |
| similar. Waxing works best when your car's surface is | | | | surface. |
| cool, so park in the shade. Test the wax in an | | | | If you haven't waxed your car in a long time, you may |
| inconspicuous area to ensure it will not ruin your paint. | | | | want to bring it to a detailer to get a good coat. After |
| Apply a small amount of wax to the sponge. Start at | | | | your initial wax treatment, you can continue to wax |
| the top of your car and work down to the bottom | | | | your car four times a year at home. |
| panels. Working in one small section at a time, apply a | | | | |