What is car wax made of?
Wax is a product that has been used for decades. The benefits of having a waxed car are many. Standard paste wax is comprised of natural ingredients. These ingredients are beeswax, natural oils, and carnauba extracted from the carnauba palm Copernicia prunifera.
Wax has come a long way since its invention. Today, your common paste wax is synthetically refined with advanced polymers. Synthetic polymers add longevity and increased protection to your vehicle’s paint. The products at your local retail store is most likely going to be a blend of organic and artificial ingredients. Each product has its own differing properties.
Functionality
One of my favorite analogies I like to use to explain car care is a skincare analogy. Wax serves as the moisturizing function when you’re cleaning your car. Lotions are capable of protecting your skin from the sun, preventing wrinkles, and making your face look fuller and healthier. Not to mention it may help with blemishes and acne too. Automotive paint is maintained much the same.
Given the nature of car wax, it’s most effective with routine maintenance. Depending on the frequency of use, weather conditions, and where your vehicle is stored, expect to get an average of approximately two months before you have to reapply (or re-moisturize) your paint.
How does wax improve the paint?
Wax serves as an additional protective layer on top of the clear coat. This layer fills in the peaks and valleys and creates a smoother, more reflective surface, creating more gloss after application. The hydrophobic properties of wax allow for improved water beading, further preventing common road matter from becoming embedded onto your clear coat. When wax is routinely and appropriately applied, washing your vehicle will also become much easier. As the dirt, bugs, and road film, sit on top of the wax instead of potentially being etched into the paint.