Does a new car need waxing? How often should it be waxed?
2 Answers
A new car does need waxing, but generally not within the first six months because new cars come with a protective wax coating from the factory. If the car is often parked outdoors, it is recommended to wax it every six months. If the car is parked in an indoor garage and driven under excellent road conditions, waxing once a year is also sufficient. As a traditional aspect of car care, waxing primarily serves to waterproof and protect against acid rain. The wax coating significantly reduces water droplet adhesion on the car body, achieving an effectiveness of 50% to 90%. Additionally, it protects against high temperatures and UV rays. As the weather gets hotter, cars exposed to sunlight for long periods can suffer from paint aging and fading. The wax film reflects some of the light, effectively preventing paint damage. Furthermore, car wax can prevent static electricity and, consequently, dust accumulation.
Honestly, there's no need to rush into waxing a brand-new car right after purchase. Nowadays, new cars come with a protective wax layer on the paint surface from the factory, which typically lasts about two months. Waxing too early is just a waste of money and might even cover up the original protective coating. I waited three months after getting my car before the first waxing, mainly because water droplets stopped beading during washes. Generally, waxing once every quarter is sufficient, but if you frequently drive on highways or park outdoors under direct sunlight, you might need to rewax every two and a half months at most. Liquid wax is a good choice for its ease of application—you can do it yourself at home. Just remember to thoroughly wash and dry the car before waxing; otherwise, applying wax over dirt and sand will damage the paint. After waxing, the surface should feel as smooth as a peeled hard-boiled egg.
