What are the advantages and disadvantages of waxing a car?
2 Answers
The advantages and disadvantages of waxing a car are: 1. Advantages: Protection against high temperatures. Car wax itself can reflect incoming light from different directions, preventing light from penetrating the clear coat. This prevents the base coat from aging and discoloring, thereby extending the lifespan of the paint and preventing fading. Protection against UV rays. Similar to protection against high temperatures, UV rays from sunlight can damage the car's paint. Car wax can minimize the damage caused by UV rays to the car's paint. 2. Disadvantages: Prone to oxidation. Car wax uses petroleum as a solvent, making it very susceptible to oxidation. It generally begins to oxidize after about half a month and completely oxidizes after a month, meaning it cannot provide long-term protection for the car's paint. Potential paint wear. If the wax is applied by an unskilled technician, it can easily leave fine circular marks on the car's body.
I have extensive experience with car waxing, and its benefits are obvious: waxing forms a protective film that effectively blocks UV rays, acid rain, and dust from damaging the paint, making the car look shiny and new, with raindrops rolling off in a particularly cool way during rainy days; daily cleaning also becomes easier, as dirt doesn’t stick easily. The downside is the need for regular maintenance—waxing every two to three months is necessary, otherwise the effect diminishes, costing time, effort, and money; if you buy low-quality wax or use the wrong tools, it might scratch the paint, backfiring instead. I’ve also noticed that some synthetic waxes contain chemical solvents, and long-term use can accelerate oxidation of the car body, so it’s important to carefully choose eco-friendly products. Car paint ages faster under prolonged sun exposure, and waxing can slow this process, but make sure to work in a well-ventilated area, not in an enclosed space.
