You've just washed your car, you're standing back admiring it, and that shine looks fantastic. But a week later, the water isn't beading up any more, and dust and dead flies are sticking to the bonnet. Know what that tells you? Your paintwork needs better protection. That's where knowing how to wax a car properly makes all the difference. Wax or polymer protection creates a thin protective layer over the clear coat, helping to protect your paintwork between washes. And next time you wash the car, the dirt comes off much more easily.
What's the difference between traditional wax and polymer protection?
Traditional wax makes your paintwork look fantastic, with that lovely deep shine, but the protection doesn't last quite as long. Polymer protection creates a tougher layer that lasts longer against sunlight, road salt and dirt. If you drive your car every day, I'd choose a polymer wax. You get that lovely shine, plus protection for several weeks.
How to wax a car properly?
- First, give your car a thorough wash and dry it completely.
- Find somewhere shady. The paintwork needs to be cool to the touch.
- Use an applicator to spread a thin layer of wax. Work on small sections rather than covering the whole car in one go.
- Wait until a light haze appears on the paintwork.
- Then gently buff it off with a clean microfibre cloth.
How often should you reapply car wax?
If you're using a polymer wax, my advice is to reapply it every few weeks. And definitely give the car a fresh coat before winter. There's a really easy way to tell when it's time. Pour some water over the bonnet. If it no longer forms beads and instead spreads across the paintwork, the protection is wearing off. Don't leave it any longer. Give it another coat of wax.
What mistakes should you avoid when waxing your car?
- Never apply wax in direct sunlight or onto hot paintwork. Otherwise, you'll have a lovely time trying to get those marks off afterwards.
- Don't wipe your paintwork with the same cloth you've used to clean your wheels. All that dirt has no business being anywhere near your clear coat.
- Don't buff the paintwork with a dusty cloth. You're trying to make it shine, not give yourself a fresh collection of scratches.
If a panel has just been painted, don't rush to polish it with an abrasive compound. The clear coat needs to be completely dry. Ask us when it's safe to polish it. I'm telling you this because one rushed mistake could end up costing you a lot of money. And you'll be the one paying for the repair.
A tip from Kris Mladenov: Here's another little tip for you: apply some wax to your headlight lenses and mirrors too. Water will run off more easily, and those stubborn dead flies will come away with less scrubbing.
Want to keep your car's paintwork looking lovely and shiny? Have a look at the car care products in our shop. And if you're already seeing scratches or the clear coat is peeling, bring your car to Das Auto Service and let us take a look. We'll tell you what we can do about it.
What will you find in our shop?
Genuine Audi polymer polishing wax, 250 ml
Genuine Audi polymer polishing wax protects your paintwork for weeks and makes the next wash much easier.
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Audi active cleaning foam, 500 ml
Audi active cleaning foam softens and loosens dirt before washing, without scratching the paintwork.
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Audi microfibre polishing cloth
The Audi microfibre polishing cloth is just what you need for that final buff, without leaving scratches behind.
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- Car care products in our shop
- Bodywork and paintwork services
- How do I wash my car after winter without scratching the paintwork?
- Washing your car in winter: when and how
- Stone chips after winter: how do I repair them with genuine paint?
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wax my car?
Every few weeks. And definitely before winter, when your paintwork has to put up with more road salt and dirt.
Can I wax my car in direct sunlight?
No. If the paintwork is hot, the wax can leave marks that are difficult to buff out. Find some shade and let the paintwork cool down first.
Which is better – wax or polymer protection?
It depends on what you're after. Traditional wax gives you a deeper shine, but doesn't last as long. Polymer protection lasts longer. For a car you drive every day, I'd go with a polymer wax.