The Benefits of Waxing Your Car: It’s Not Just About the Shine.
Regular maintenance, and washing are important to keeping your car or truck in good working order.
Protective coatings are another way to extend the integrity and beauty of your car’s exterior.
They don’t wash away quickly or easily.
After washing your car, applying a protective layer makes it harder for dirt and grime to stick to your paint, making the exterior easier to clean.
It’s like a raincoat—and in some cases, body armor—for your car.
The smooth surface repels water and keeps dirt from sticking to your paint.
So, the water beads up and glides off, easily taking dirt and grime with it.
This helps prevent water spots, and some coatings even protect against scratches.
More importantly, they protect the exterior from elements that cause rust and corrosion, such as salt—and against UV rays which can fade and crack the paint.
Wax vs. Paint Sealant vs. Ceramic Coating
The 3 types of protective coating for your car:
- Wax
- Paint Sealant
- Ceramic Coating
What is car wax?
Carnauba Wax is the gold-standard for car waxes.
It is derived from the carnauba palm tree grown in Brazil.
The wax covers the leaves, not the whole tree, so harvesting the wax doesn’t harm the tree.
Applying carnauba wax produces an amazing shine and deepens the car’s paint color.
Because it’s a natural product, it’s hard for synthetic coatings to match the shine. It has a high heat tolerance of over 160 degrees, any hotter than that and the wax can start to melt and evaporate.
Depending on where you live and park, wax can last up to 2 months.
What is car paint sealant?
Paint Sealant is made of synthetic plastic polymers that are lightweight and dry to a hard finish.
They bond to the paint, so are more durable than wax.
They give a glossy coat but can’t compare to the shine and rich deepness wax gives to paint color.
Some sealants can be applied to more than just the paint.
Some can be used on any glossy exterior surface such as headlights, chrome trim, and tires.
Depending on where you live and park, paint sealant can last up to 6 months.
What is car ceramic coating?
Ceramic Coating is derived from silicon dioxide, a hard mineral.
It’s stronger and more durable than both wax and paint sealant.
Along with all the other protective qualities of wax and sealant, ceramic coating also makes the paint scratch resistant.
Depending on where you live and park, ceramic coating can last up to 1 year.
3 Important reasons to wax your car
1. Protects against damage from UV rays, salt, and other corrosive elements
2. Makes your car easier to clean
3. Increases your car’s resale value by preserving its exterior
Ceramics and sealants can be combined with a top layer of wax.
Follow the ceramic coating or paint sealant with a layer of carnauba wax to have the best of both worlds.
You can’t wax a car too much.
An application of a protective coating from a tunnel carwash is a convenient alternative to hand waxing.
And all the protective coatings used by Cascade Xpress Carwash are safe for all exterior surfaces of your car or truck.
Check out Cascade Xpress’ affordable Unlimited Carwash Plans.
