How Often Should a Car Be Polished?

[EvanRose]

New cars should not undergo full-body polishing within the first two years, but minor scratches on specific areas can be addressed. For older cars, full-body polishing can be considered as needed, typically once a year at most, depending on the extent of scratches. If the car's paint is of good quality and remains in excellent condition, polishing is generally unnecessary for up to three years. However, if scratches appear or the paint loses its luster, polishing can be an option to restore the paint's shine, eliminate minor scratches, remove surface contaminants, and address oxidized layers. It's worth noting that the frequency of polishing should be controlled—intensive polishing more than five times can severely damage the paint. Automotive paint consists of three layers: primer, intermediate coat, and topcoat. Daily polishing is performed on the outermost layer, where the topcoat is ground down during the process, gradually thinning it and harming the paint. Excessive polishing can lead to swirl marks on the paint surface.

[OMaya]

As someone who often parks my car outdoors, exposed to wind and sun, I pay special attention to polishing. Generally, I recommend polishing once a year is sufficient. However, if the car is frequently parked under direct sunlight, the paint is more susceptible to UV-induced aging. In such cases, quarterly polishing might be better to prevent the paint from yellowing and losing its gloss. Polishing not only removes scratches but also enhances shine, but doing it too frequently can damage the paint. I've seen people polish every six months and end up thinning the original paint layer. It also depends on the car's condition: for new cars, there's no rush in the first few years, but older cars with more scratches might need earlier treatment. By the way, applying a protective wax after polishing can extend the effect, which is quite practical. Regular washing can also delay the need for polishing. The key is to strike a balance—don’t be too lazy or too diligent; finding the right balance is crucial.

[StJosephine]

I drive my car a lot, commuting daily in the city where there's heavy dust and tree sap, which often takes a toll on the paint. As for polishing frequency, I think it depends on usage: if you drive less, once a year is fine—saves money and hassle; but for someone like me who drives daily, considering it every eight or nine months might be better. Polishing is a great way to fix minor scratches and restore that new-car feel, but skipping it is fine too—protection is key: like making sure no water spots are left after each wash, or adding a ceramic coating to reduce polishing needs. Don’t listen to those who say do it monthly—that’s overkill, wastes money, and could damage the paint. I adjust based on how the paint looks: if the surface appears rough or dull, it’s time for a touch-up. Simply put, the harder you use your car, the more attention it needs.

[DelKingston]

I don't have strict rules about car polishing—it mainly depends on actual needs and budget. I use my car at a moderate frequency, usually park it in a garage with minimal sun exposure, so I only polish it every two years. I'll do it earlier only if there are noticeable scratches or stubborn water stains that are hard to clean. Polishing can refresh the car's appearance, but it's not cheap, so regular washing and waxing are more cost-effective for maintenance. Over-polishing can wear down the original paint, so I don't recommend doing it too often. In daily use, I avoid sharp objects to prevent scratches, which is far more effective than frequent polishing.

[Dean]

I'm quite meticulous about car maintenance, and the polishing frequency should be determined based on seasons and environment. For example, in summer with strong sunlight and frequent rain, the paint is more prone to damage, so I might polish every eight months or so. But in winter, when it's dry with less UV exposure, I'd wait a year and a half before considering it. Additionally, if the car is used in heavily polluted areas with lots of dust, polishing can remove the oxidized layer and enhance reflectivity. However, I don't follow the trend of polishing yearly unless the paint really needs it. Extra tip: Applying a sealant promptly after polishing can protect the paint and delay the next polishing session. Overall, don't be too rigid—adjust flexibly based on the actual condition of the paint.