How Often Should a Car Be Polished?
2 Answers
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.
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.
