The average cost of owning a car in the U.S. was $797 or almost $10,000 yearly. That figure includes car payments, insurance, gas, upkeep, license fees, and tolls. Not to mention that your car drops in value with each passing day.
With so much cash bound in your vehicle, it’s smart to do all you can to protect it from wear and tear. One of the very best ways is through regular car waxing and polishing.
The concern is, what’s the distinction between the two detailing services? Keep reading to discover the advantages and distinctions between waxing and polishing a car.
The Product
One of the differences between polishing and car waxing lies in the item itself. Car polish is normally a slightly abrasive liquid, implying it has small granules of something rough. It hides small scrapes and blemishes in a vehicle’s paint by gently rubbing off a thin layer of the clear coat.
Car waxing is much thicker and generally comes as a paste. Unlike car polish, wax goes on in a thin layer instead of a transparent liquid. As a result, it sits on top of the paint instead of removing part of it.
The Appearance of a Vehicle
Although each item has various textures, they make a car look shiny. This is because they work in different ways.
Think of it as cleaning granite countertops. Car polish resembles using a microfiber fabric to get rid of any surface discolorations or stuck on foods. Nevertheless, car waxing is more akin to a protective sealant layer.
Paint Protection Abilities
While the paint on your vehicle is indicated to hold up against severe weather conditions like cold temperatures, wind, and sunshine, it still requires extra protection to keep it looking great.
When it concerns paint protection capabilities, car wax wins each time. Where car polish is more about making it look better, wax is more about protecting the way it looks.
A thin layer of carnauba wax sits on top of your car’s paint. It’s a substance from palm leaves that you can discover in everything from skin care products to food to car wax. Rubbing a few of it off leaves a thin layer of wax that keeps out wetness and UV rays.
The Application
The application for car waxing and polishing is somewhat varied. While you usually use polish with a buffer, placing it on wax by hand prevails. Both are services offered throughout car detailing.
For polish, you’ll rinse any excess polish and then dry it. You’ll use a portable buffer to eliminate the excess for car waxing.
Keep Your Car in Top Shape
Concerning car waxing and polishing, it’s not an either-or circumstance. Both steps must maintain your car’s factory shine and protect the paint.
