What are the pros and cons of car polishing and waxing?
3 Answers
Here are the detailed pros and cons of car polishing and waxing: 1. Pros: The benefits of polishing and waxing include treating the vehicle's paint surface that has oxidation, dullness, or scratches through polishing, removing oxides and corrosive substances, and improving the cleanliness of the paint surface. Waxing can protect the car's paint surface, providing waterproofing, acid rain resistance, UV protection, anti-static, and other benefits. 2. Cons: The drawbacks of polishing and waxing are that polishing can thin the car's paint. If the operation is not skilled, it may reach the primer layer. Overly frequent waxing may cause scratches on the paint surface due to dust. Therefore, although polishing and waxing have benefits, attention must be paid to the frequency of polishing and waxing and the professional skills of the maintenance personnel.
As a long-time car owner, I believe polishing and waxing depend on the situation. The benefits are that it can make the car look as shiny as new, remove scratches and minor swirl marks, and create a protective layer on the paint surface to resist UV rays, acid rain, and annoying things like bird droppings. After waxing, rainwater beads up and rolls off, making cleaning easier. However, there are also downsides. Polishing essentially sands off a layer of paint, and doing it more than twice a year can thin the paint, especially on older models where it might damage the primer. Waxing requires regular touch-ups, especially with synthetic wax, which needs reapplication every three to four months—quite time-consuming. Additionally, product choice is crucial; low-quality wax can yellow the paint over time. My advice is to judge based on the car's usage. For city cars parked in garages, waxing once a year is sufficient, while cars frequently driven on construction sites might skip polishing and opt for simple waxing.
As DIY car enthusiasts, we have the most say when it comes to polishing and waxing. The biggest advantage is paint protection. Last time, I helped a friend remove tree sap corrosion marks very effectively – the waterproof layer formed after waxing made car washing much easier. Polishing also delivers excellent restoration results, making minor scratches virtually disappear. However, drawbacks should be noted: improper polishing technique can actually worsen scratches, especially during DIY attempts where excessive pressure might burn through the clear coat. While waxing is simpler, applying it in hot weather is particularly troublesome as the wax may dry prematurely, leaving white residue. There's also the cost consideration – professional ceramic coating can cost three to four times more than regular waxing but offers better durability. My experience shows paste wax lasts longer than liquid wax, making it ideal for vehicles parked outdoors long-term. For new cars, don't rush into polishing as factory paint is quite durable already.
