When it comes to maintaining the external appearance of your car, it’s not always easy to know what is best. Most of us know that regular washes are important, but they are ultimately not enough to keep the car’s surface protected and looking its bright and shiny best. This is where car wax and polish come in.
But, is there any difference between car polish and wax, or do they serve the same purpose? Actually, car polish and wax are two different products, with quite differing roles! Here, we take a look at the key differences between the two, to help you make an informed decision on how best to maintain the appearance of your car.
Before we delve deeper into the difference between car polish and wax, let’s take a quick look at what each product is and its specific role:
A mildly abrasive liquid compound, car polish is designed to polish, smooth and improve the look of your car’s paint. It removes abrasion marks, small scratches and oxidation from the paint, making it look newer and brighter by restoring its original shine and colour. By polishing your car, you’re helping to make old and dull-looking paint shiny again.
A protective and transparent coating, car wax can be made from either natural ingredients or synthetic materials. It works by creating a barrier between your car’s paint and outside elements. Once applied to your car, it effectively acts as a shield against dirt, dust, chemicals and UV rays, all of which can cause damage to the paint.
Car wax causes water to bead up on the car’s surface — this hydrophobic effect not only makes cleaning and protecting the car’s paint easier, but it also enhances the appearance of the car, giving it an attractive, shiny finish.
No doubt, car polish and wax are both essential for maintaining the overall appearance of your car and can do so for years to come.
One of the great things about the two products is their ability to work either on their own or together — it ultimately depends on the needs of the car. For example, car polish can be used to remove any flaws from the paint, before using car wax to protect the paint.
Yet despite their similarities and ability to work well together, there are some key differences between the two products. Here they are:
In order to get the most out of your car polish and wax — and maintain the appearance of your car for years to come — it’s important to know when to use each product. Here are some basic guidelines:
There are several different types of car polish — each designed for a distinct purpose, surface or finish. Here are some common types of car polish:
As with car polish, there are a range of car wax types, suitable for a variety of purposes, surfaces and finishes. Here they are:
Hopefully, this article has helped to clarify the differences between car wax vs polish! At Jim’s Car Detailing, we’re your local car cleaning and detailing experts who always want to help you make an informed decision about keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape. We provide a range of detailing services, including convenient mobile car detailing, full cut and polish and more.
For peace of mind, our police-vetted, professional car detailers are fully qualified and fully insured. With us, your vehicle is in trusted and capable hands at all times. Get in touch to request a free quote for your vehicle today!
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