Does Washing the Car After Waxing Have Any Impact?
2 Answers
Washing the car after waxing has no negative impact. You can wash the car when it gets dirty or after rain. However, it's important to inform the detailing shop when the wax was applied, as only regular water is needed for washing after waxing. Applying solid wax protects the car's paint, preventing marks from rain or chemical substances like bird droppings. Below is additional information: 1. The role of waxing: As a traditional aspect of car care, waxing primarily serves to waterproof and protect against acid rain. The wax reduces water droplet adhesion on the car's surface significantly, with effectiveness ranging from 50% to 90%. It also protects against high temperatures and UV rays. With increasing heat, cars exposed to sunlight for extended periods are prone to paint aging and fading. 2. Car polishing: Polishing is a step in the car detailing process, performed before waxing, sealing, or coating to achieve a mirror-like finish. Sealing or coating requires thorough polishing first. Without polishing, the paint surface remains uneven, significantly shortening the duration of the sealant's effectiveness and preventing long-term adhesion.
After driving for so many years, I've noticed that washing the car after waxing does have some impact, but it's manageable if done properly. Washing will remove part of the wax layer, especially if using strong alkaline car wash solutions or direct high-pressure water jet, which accelerates wax wear. I use mild dedicated car wash soap, and after each wash, the paint still feels smooth. Don't wash too frequently—once every week or two is about right; over-washing can strip the wax completely. After washing, check the water beading effect: if water forms round beads and rolls off, the wax is still there; otherwise, it's time to reapply. Also, use microfiber towels when washing and avoid rough tools to minimize scratches. Regularly applying spray wax can extend the protection. Wax degrades faster in hot weather, so washing on cooler days is better. Don't skimp on car wash products—just choose quality ones.
