Does Waxing Car Interiors Accelerate Aging?
2 Answers
Waxing car interiors does not accelerate aging. Generally, car interiors need to be waxed with dashboard wax once a month. The choice of wax should be based on the location and the material being treated. When exposed to sunlight, plastics and leather in the car continuously release harmful substances like formaldehyde during the aging process. The benefit of waxing the interior is that it can slow down the aging of plastic and leather. Below are some details about car waxing: 1. The functions of car wax: waterproofing, protection against acid rain, high temperatures, and UV rays, anti-static, and dust prevention. 2. Choosing the right car wax: Consider the characteristics of the wax, the age of the vehicle, the color of the paint, and the driving environment. For new cars, it's best to use colored polishing wax to protect the gloss and color of the body. In summer, it's advisable to choose UV-resistant wax, and in poor driving conditions, opt for wax with good oil and dust resistance.
After using interior wax for over a decade, I've found that excessive waxing can indeed make plastic components brittle. Many waxes contain solvents that gradually dissolve the plasticizers on plastic surfaces, making dashboards and door panels particularly prone to whitening and cracking. Like my old car before - the center console developed spiderweb cracks within just two years due to over-waxing. Leather seats fare even worse with waxing; clogged pores actually accelerate drying and peeling. Now I use water-based protectant at most every three months, wiping it dry immediately after application. For daily cleaning, a damp cloth suffices - this approach genuinely prolongs their lifespan.
