Why Does a Car Get Dirty After Rain When Waxed?
2 Answers
The main reason a car gets dirty after rain when waxed is due to a thick layer of oxidation on the car's paint. Below are the specific reasons and solutions: 1. Thick oxidation layer on the paint: This layer can accelerate the aging and discoloration of the original paint. Solution: Regularly remove the oxidation layer from the car. 2. Quality issues with the car wax: After all, there are still many inferior car waxes circulating in the market. Such waxes often lack good water repellency and may even perform worse than the original paint. Solution: Replace the car wax promptly and seek professional maintenance at a repair shop.
My waxed car gets dirty very easily after rain, probably because the wax layer creates static electricity, which easily attracts dust from the air and impurities in the rainwater. The rainwater itself is not clean, containing tiny sand particles and pollutants. When they land on the smooth waxed surface, they stick like magnets, leaving water stains and dirt marks after drying. I think this is related to the hydrophobicity of the wax. Some waxes are poorly designed, causing rainwater to linger on the surface rather than flow away quickly, dragging dirt along and causing buildup. To reduce this, choose high-quality wax, ensure the car body is thoroughly cleaned before waxing to avoid trapping dust inside. After rain, promptly wipe or rinse with a soft cloth to keep the paint shiny.
