Are you confused about the difference between wash & wax and polishing? Most car owners are. Don’t worry, it’s really quite simple. Car polish is used before car wax. If this step isn’t completed, waxing won’t result in the desired shine. Why?
- Polish contains abrasives; wax does not.
- If you polish the surface but don’t wax it, the clear coat is open to many forms of damage by external elements.
How often should you polish and wax your car? The answer to this question depends on the condition of your vehicle’s paint. If you wash your car and don’t see a smooth surface, then your car needs polishing. If there are no scratches on your car, then a good wash & wax will do nicely. Frequent polishing is not recommended. Polish contains abrasive compounds. How often you should have a wash & wax done is dependent upon what type of wax is used and how often you wash your car – wax wears off every time you wash.
Beware of hybrid products – products that claim to contain both polish and wax. These products are neither polish nor are they wax, and will fail to do either job properly.
Now that you know the difference between wash & wax and polishing, you will be able to care for your vehicle so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Always use professional detailing and use products from reputable brands to avoid disappointment.