How to Wax a Car: A Simple Guide

Your car is something you likely use daily, so why wouldn’t you take some pride in something you are seen in every day? If your favorite vehicle is losing some of its shine, perhaps it’s time to consider getting a fresh wax. While you can attempt to tackle the waxing yourself, a reliable auto detailing shop can likely get it done in the time you watch an episode or two of your favorite tv show. Whatever you decide, it’s good to know the method of waxing your car, and how long it takes. So, if you want to know how long does it take to wax a car, read on to find out the factors that influence the timeline.

As with almost anything, the prepping phase is just as important as the actual “main course,” possibly even more so. This stage is often more time-consuming than actually waxing the car, depending on how dirty your vehicle is. Before the wax touches your car, the exterior must be spotless so the wax will adhere to the paint instead of the grime, allowing the results to last longer. Applying a polishing solution will be the next step. There could be scratches or uneven coloring on the paint not easily seen by the naked eye, and this step will help provide a more flawless finish. Finally, make sure the process is done in a cool, contained environment. Temperature changes or warmer climates may hinder the effectiveness of the wax, so it’s often recommended to wax your car in your garage where there is limited light and controlled conditions. Your favorite auto detailing shop technicians at Wrecktify have mastered the art of how to wax a car. We maintain a perfect waxing environment, so the end product is beyond what you even hoped for.

Finding the perfect wax for your car can be tricky, expensive, and confusing. How do you know which one will do the trick? The type of wax you purchase will heavily affect the time needed for this project. Some waxes don’t require you to wash your car first or don’t need to be removed after buffing. You’ll have to pay extra attention to the quality of the wax, since the wrong type may not last very long, or will damage the paint, causing you to re-do your work or worse. At Wrecktify, we have access to the best products on the market to take the guesswork out of the process for you. But if you’re looking into the products yourself, remember, you get what you pay for.

Typically, experts suggest purchasing waxes with genuine Carnauba even though they have a larger price tag. The cheaper “cleaner wax” is risky because it is abrasive and could melt away the clear coat on your car. Spray waxes only last a couple of weeks at best. While waxing, use the foam applicator that’s included with most waxes. Add a silver dollar-sized dollop of wax to the foam applicator, and apply in a circular, overlapping motion to a 2×2 ft area at a time. Then, wait a few minutes until the wax is dried, and use a microfiber towel to buff away the dried wax in a circular motion similar to the application process. A good wax job is applied and buffed meticulously, which is exactly how the Wrecktify technicians are trained. Our team members are determined to deliver the best results possible as efficiently as possible, and they have the skill to back it up.

So how long does it take? Well overall it can take up to five hours if you decide to wax your car by hand, and you will save an hour or two by using a buffer. Other influencing factors include the size and speed of the buffer used, the size of the vehicle, and your waxing technique. With the right size diameter buffer used by a skilled technician, a car the size of a Honda Civic could take as little as 30 minutes. Be patient if you’re looking to polish up a larger vehicle with lackluster materials since you will be looking at a day-long project. Whether it’s a labor of love or a hand-off to the professionals, it’s good to know how long the process will take.

Waxing the exterior of your vehicle gives it that fresh, enviable shine, and even protects the paint job from damage and oxidation. But a DIY job can go incredibly wrong if you don’t know exactly when and how to wax your car. That’s why the technicians at Wrecktify are professionally trained in the art of waxing, and they recommend you use their expertise when the time comes for a touch-up. There is an intricate, sometimes extensive process to go through in order to wax a car, and knowing it will help you understand why Wrecktify experts do what they do and how well they do it.

Waxing your car yourself, while possible, is a complicated process. So, when your car is in need of a touch-up, Wrecktify has you covered. We offer several detailing packages starting at just $135, with options ranging from simple to elaborate so that all your car’s needs are met. Our technicians are passionate about cars and helping you keep yours in tip-top shape. Contact us for an appointment today!