Hi. There is no doubt that washing your car has benefits. You can actually see that the dirt is being washed off. But how about waxing? What does it actually do for the paint? You put it on, then take it off. How is the paint different after you have taken the wax off? The automotive supply industry has a lot to gain by promoting wax for cars.

What if I didn't wax a small three square inch section of car for the next 20 years. How would that section be different from the rest of the car that has been fully waxed?

I am not trying to be a troll or start an argument. I have just finished waxing my car and would like to be encouraged by the benefits of my effort.

 

Waxing gives the paint a deeper, brighter shine. Try waxing only half the car and look at the difference. It also helps rain water bead off the surface.

 

dont some waxes keep UV out and help slow down fading of paint?

 

it actually sticks to your paint... what you wipe off is excess. the wax fills the pores of the paint- it protects the paint cause its a light coat of thin protection.

a bit better explanation:
http://properautocare.com/wax.html

and my favorite- as usual, very complete explanation- from our friend david bynon ("autopia" on our board):

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-wax.html

please read his entire article, but the relevant part that says what i said a million times better is:

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"It was European coach builders that first applied coatings of animal fats and wax to protect the custom paint on their horse-drawn carriages. This tradition has endured over 100 years and is still a great way to protect the paint on modern-day coaches.

Today, the multilayered finish on your car, from the primer through the top clearcoat, is only .004 to .006 of an inch thick. Regardless of how fine the finish is now, it will deteriorate and dull. Radiant and ultraviolet energy, acid rain, salt, atmospheric pollution, insect fluids and bird droppings wage a constant war on your car's finish. Waxing provides an easily renewable, transparent barrier between the finish and a hostile environment.

Waxing also makes your car, new or old, look better. Quality waxes now combine enriching oils that "wet" the surface with protective formulas of Brazilian carnauba or modern polymers for a high-gloss shine. This brings us to the subject of selecting a wax. Waxes can be made from a natural wax, usually Brazilian carnauba, or synthetically made of polymers and acrylic resins."

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Thanks wanabe, you have provided a very encouraging answer.

 

you are welcome my friend!

 

This is the result of no wax for 14 years...paint oxidation, then a new paint job





if the paint is thick enuf, you can still get a good polish and finish

 

Contrary to popular belief, wax and sythetic LSP's are mostly used to protect paint anmd clearcoat. On a properly prepped car they are responsible for only the last 5-10% of shine.