Does Rain Affect a Car After Waxing?
2 Answers
Rain does not affect a car after waxing. The functions of waxing are: 1. Waterproofing and protection against acid rain. Due to the protective layer of car wax, the amount of water droplets adhering to the car body is reduced by 50% to 90%. 2. Protection against high temperatures and UV rays. When a car is driven or parked outdoors, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the paint to fade and age. The film formed by waxing can reflect some of the light, effectively protecting against high temperatures and UV rays. Steps for waxing a car: 1. Rinse off dirt and dust from the car body and spray with car wash solution. 2. Rinse the car with clean water and dry it before applying wax. 3. When applying wax, use a sponge to apply an appropriate amount of car wax in circular motions on the car body. Do not pour the wax liquid directly onto the car or apply it haphazardly. 4. Complete the waxing process in one continuous session without stopping until the entire car body is covered. 5. After 5 minutes, use a microfiber towel to wipe off the excess wax.
I just waxed my car and it rained the next day. I was really worried if all my effort went to waste. I asked an experienced car enthusiast, and he said rainwater generally doesn’t wash off the wax immediately, especially high-quality synthetic wax, which has waterproof properties that make water bead up and roll off, protecting the paint from erosion. However, if the wax hasn’t fully cured—like if it rains within 6 hours of application—the water might wash away the surface layer, affecting its effectiveness. Also, rainwater can carry contaminants like acid rain, which may gradually weaken the wax’s protective layer over time. So, it’s recommended to wait 12–24 hours for the wax to fully dry before exposing the car to water. Washing the car after rain can help maintain its shine and extend the wax’s lifespan. Overall, it’s not a big issue and can even naturally rinse off dust.
