Functions, Types, and the Right Way to Use Car Wax

Proper car maintenance is crucial to extending its lifespan. One method of maintenance is waxing your car. Wax is a synthetic layer made from Carnauba, natural oils, beeswax, or petroleum distillates.

Various car wax brands are available in the market with prices ranging from affordable to several hundred thousand rupiahs. For those seeking more information about car wax, here is an explanation.

What is Car Wax?

Car wax is a special synthetic layer for cars usually made from materials such as Carnauba wax, natural oils, petroleum distillates, or beeswax.

Various types of wax with their own advantages are available on the market, but their main purpose remains the same: to protect the car's exterior.

Applying wax is quite easy but requires caution. The necessary tools are simple, like microfiber cloths or sponges, but they must be used correctly.

This process can be done at home without needing to go to a workshop, as long as you are skilled enough. You can use materials sold in the market or even make your own.

Benefits of Car Body Wax

Here are some benefits of using wax on a car:

Maintaining Paint Shine

Cars that are often exposed to rain and used regularly will usually have their paint fade and lose its shine more quickly. The use of wax can help keep the car's paint shiny even in extreme weather conditions.

Protecting Car Paint from Dirt

The main benefit of wax is to protect the car's paint from various dirt, such as salt, bird droppings, tar, and insects that usually stick to the car's exterior surface. Without a wax layer, when washing, the dirt can cause the paint to peel off.

Protection Against Scratches

Although wax cannot make a car completely scratch-resistant, a car that has been waxed will be more resistant to scratches. Therefore, using wax is an effective method to minimize the risk of scratches and scuffs on the car.

Types of Car Wax

Here are some common types of car wax available on the market:

Liquid Wax

Liquid car wax is generally easier to apply compared to solid or paste wax. Its liquid consistency allows for more even distribution when applied to the car's paint surface.

Synthetic Wax

Synthetic wax usually offers longer durability compared to other types of wax, such as Carnauba. Synthetic wax also provides effective protection against external elements. Although some people feel that the visual effect of synthetic wax looks less natural, this product remains popular in the market.

Carnauba Wax

Carnauba wax is one of the most popular types of car wax. This wax comes from the Carnauba tree in Brazil. Although relatively more expensive, Carnauba wax is known for its ability to provide protection from UV rays.

Differences Between Wax and Polish

Many vehicle owners mistakenly think that car wax is the same as polish. However, the processes of waxing and polishing are different, even though they complement each other.

Car wax is a protective synthetic layer made from a combination of various materials and applied to the car's body surface. Wax is very suitable for maintaining new cars.

On the other hand, polish is used to restore the condition of dull car paint. Therefore, if you wax without polishing first, you will not achieve a perfect car body paint result.

How to Use Car Wax

To use wax on a car, you must follow these steps:

• Ensure the car is free from dust and dirt.
• Choose wax that suits your car's paint condition.
• Apply the wax using a microfiber cloth or special sponge.
• Allow the wax to dry for a few minutes, then buff the car's surface with a clean cloth until shiny.

Using wax on a car not only makes the body look more attractive but also provides an additional protective layer for your vehicle.