How To Wax Your Car

Why do we wax our cars?

Not only will waxing your car improve it’s overall look, but it’ll help keep the paint on longer as well. It defends against scratches, and gives you that all over shiny look we all love. If you learn how to do it properly, you could save a ton of money over time!

What do you need to do it?

• An electrical orbital buffer. One can be purchased for around $40, however if you want to get a higher end one it’ll cost around $300. If you don’t use a buffer, you can also use a high speed angle grinder with a buffing wheel attachment for around $50 (higher end is $500). An electrical orbital buffer is more for beginners, where a high speed angle grinder could be for the experienced.
• Buffing pads. These are about $5, and you’ll also need the compound to go with it.
• A kit. It’s recommended to buy a kit, where you can get car polish, wax and cloths (typically runs between $10-30).

How do you do it?

This process if split up into two stages, buffing and waxing.

Buffing: 

• Apply a good amount of buffing compound to a harsh surface.
• Spread the compound out evenly with a buffing pad (while buffer isn’t in motion).
• Turn the buffer on and work in circular motions, always holding pad flat.

Buffing should be done about once a year. Some things to note; avoid getting compound on chrome, rubber or glass. If you live in a coastal region, you may need to do this 2-3 times a year. Waxing should be done after buffing, which we’ll get into next!

Waxing:

• Apply car wax using a clean buffer pad.
• Spread it evenly, lightly pulsing the trigger of the buffer (versus keeping it on continuously).
• Cover one-quarter of a panel at a time before removing wax.
• Use a microfiber cloth to remove wax using circular motions.
• Repeat the process across the entire surface of the paint.

Because it’s generally recommended that you wax your car every three months (but don’t buff every time you wax), car waxing is a good skill to have.

We inspire DIY here at UwrenchIt! So stop by our location in Norcross, GA to find used car parts, so you’ll have the tools you need to complete your own projects! We have a complete online inventory updated weekly, and you can find our weekly deals on our Facebook page.