Overwhelmed by commercials on television promoting the very latest in car care technology, car owners are often bewildered by the difference between car waxes. Since it’s often difficult to decide during a brief commercial the difference between waxes, the science behind them, and the results they produce, a consumer may often assume that the more expensive a wax, the better it must be. However, since there may be more reasons than quality alone that defines price, this is not an accurate way of making a good decision.
Subtle, Rather Than Dramatic Differences
Although price may indeed indicate value, in some instances a $10 wax may even be superior to a $20 wax. Waxes range in price. Some can go for as much as $50, $100, or even $200. However, common sense suggests that a car wax that sells for $200 is highly unlikely to deliver 20 times more value than one that sells for $20. It may deliver more gloss, but it would be ridiculous to assume that it will be 20 times brighter.
The distinctions between waxes is usually subtle and unless you are driving a Ferrari, it probably will not make that much of a difference whether you pick a value priced wax or a top of the line wax. Perhaps, if you are a car dealer selling new cars or a car collector showing off a vintage model car, it is important to get a boutique quality wax job, but, for the average person, spending $100 on a wax will not significantly improve their lives.
Interestingly enough, waxes designed to dazzle in showrooms and exhibitions often don’t hold their luster for long. Although they may glow with a deep, wet look, they also tend to attract more dust. Moreover, after a few car washes, even the best of waxes will strip off. Alternatively, waxes designed for the budget-conscious car owner may not shine as brightly, but they will do the job they were designed to do, which is protect the car from rust, oxidation, UV radiation and other environmental insults.
The More Expensive the Wax, the Harder It Is To Apply
Ironically, when it comes to waxes, the better the wax, the deeper the luster it imparts, the more effort it takes to apply it in the first place. High cost car waxes are rarely, if ever, quick and easy to apply; and, in fact, it may take several applications before you can fully appreciate the full effect of the wax. Applying the wax properly will take a considerable amount of time because you will have to wait for each coat to properly dry before you can apply the next one. It will be neither quick nor easy to manifest the full potential of the wax. In addition, sometimes it takes a synergy of products before a wax can create a glossy, wet look that attracts attention. You will require the right cloths and buffing tools to bring out the depth of color in the car. All things considered, the more expensive the wax, the higher the level of expertise required to apply it correctly. Sometimes, if you put on too much, it could ruin the paint on a car. Sometimes if you don’t rub it with the right cloth or let it dry properly before applying the next coat, then the fine scratches, blemishes, and discolorations on your car will not disappear at all.
Although an expensive wax may provide value for a professional detailer, a car dealer, or a car enthusiast who displays vintage cars at car shows, it may not be worth the price for someone who merely wants to brighten up their car on a free Sunday morning in the driveway. Alternatively, a cheap wax may have enough ingredients to satisfy most car requirements and it generally will not require much skill to use it properly. When it comes to deciding on the price and quality of a wax, you first have to define your own needs because it’s easy to get carried away and to pay too much.