Getting the Perfect Coat of Wax on Your Vehicle

If you'd like to get your car as shiny and as-new looking as when you first purchased it, you could take it to an auto detailer and ask for a thorough cleaning and polishing, but that isn't your only option. You can do a great job by washing and waxing the car yourself. Follow the tips below and you'll soon have an automobile that literally glows as it sits in your driveway.

Choose a good day for the job, a day neither too hot -- because you shouldn't wax your car in the hot sun or when the surface is hot to the touch -- nor too wet since you should make sure your car is completely dry before you place any wax upon it.

It's a good idea to wash your car before waxing it. Dirt can be gritty and can damage your car's finish.

Perhaps the most important step in the DIY car waxing process is choosing the right wax product for the job. Chances are, a non-abrasive wax is your best choice since most cars have clear coat finishes today and a non-abrasive product won‘t scratch the paint. If your vehicle is older, with oxidized paint, consider purchasing a polishing compound so that you can take off the top layer of that faded and oxidized paint.

Move your car to the shade or wait for a cloudy day before you set to work. Next, take a decently thick sponge, dampen it, and squirt a teaspoon-size amount of wax onto it. Rub the wax on the car in a circular motion. Cover the entire car, work in sections moving from one end to the other and from the top down to the sides. Be careful not to put the wax on too thickly. Less is definitely more when it comes to car wax.

Once you've done the whole car, go back to where you started. The wax should now be dry. Take a microfiber towel-- and wipe down your car, again moving your hand in a circular motion, but in the opposite direction from when you put the wax on. You'll now be buffing the car and removing the wax.

Once you're done, get a clean towel or soft cloth and go over your car again to remove any residue, streaks or spots.

And then be sure to step back and admire the work you've done. You've polished your car to a wonderful shine and, by doing it yourself, saved yourself a decent amount of money.

Sarah Gorren is the Marketing Manager for 3D Products, an auto detailing products manufacturer that specializes in high quality car waxes and professional car wash grade soaps and shampoos.