Is it better to wax or coat a new car?
2 Answers
Overall, car coating is better than car waxing. The specific details are as follows: 1. Process: In terms of process, coating involves a more meticulous and strict application procedure compared to waxing. The waxing process involves cleaning the car thoroughly, then applying wax manually or mechanically, and wiping off the excess wax after about 3-5 minutes to complete the process. The coating process, on the other hand, starts with a preliminary cleaning of the car, followed by clay bar treatment to remove surface contaminants, removal of tar spots, polishing to eliminate oxidation layers and minor scratches, degreasing to deeply remove residual oils, and finally applying the coating. 2. Effectiveness: In terms of effectiveness, car coating provides more comprehensive protection for the paint. Waxing generally offers brightening and hydrophobic effects. Waxing is one of the earliest products in car detailing, while coating is currently the leading mainstream maintenance product in car detailing. In addition to brightening and hydrophobic effects, high-quality coatings also provide varying degrees of anti-grease properties. 3. Protection Duration: In terms of protection duration, coating lasts longer than waxing. The protection duration of car waxing is about a month, and the wax gradually wears off with each car wash, typically disappearing completely after 2-3 washes. Coating, being a nano-level material, adheres better to the car paint, with a protection duration generally lasting 1-2 years.
From a decade-long perspective in automotive detailing, waxing and ceramic coating each have their suitable scenarios. Ceramic coating forms a silicon dioxide crystalline layer on the car's paint surface, offering higher hardness that can withstand branch scratches and small stone impacts, while also making it harder for bird droppings and acid rain to penetrate. For new cars, it's recommended to apply ceramic coating immediately after delivery, skipping the polishing step for direct application. However, luxury packages with four or five layers of ceramic coating are unnecessary; a basic single layer lasting two years is perfectly adequate. Waxing is much more flexible. Spending three to five hundred yuan on an imported carnauba wax allows you to DIY—apply a thin layer after washing, and water beads will instantly roll off like pearls. However, it requires more diligence; in areas with heavy rainfall, reapplication is needed every two months. I always keep liquid wax in my garage, giving the paint an instant mirror-like finish with a quick wipe before business receptions.
