A quick guide to car wax

 When it comes to car detailing, applying a coat or two of a quality wax is one of the most important steps on the list of to-dos. Car wax protects your vehicle's paint from the exterior elements, keeps it looking like new, and also helps prevent big expenditures in the future. However, which type of wax should you be using for your ride? Toyota of N Charlotte's auto service experts are here with a quick guide to help you wade through the choices. 

Toyota of Orlando's breakdown

First, let's talk about the main options available to you when it comes to car wax - synthetic and natural. Here are the basics: 

• Synthetic wax is made from artificial ingredients. They're usually easier to apply than other waxes because of their consistency. They tend to last a fair amount of time and are pretty inexpensive, but they don't have the same glossy shine that you'll get with other natural waxes. 
• On the other end of the spectrum, natural waxes are made from natural ingredients. They offer great protection and a very glossy finish, which makes your car look brand-new again. However, the finish won't last as long as a synthetic wax and these car waxes do tend to be a bit more expensive. The most common one is carnauba, which is a wax made from a very specific palm tree that grows in Brazil. 

The five main categories of car waxes

After you've chosen a natural or synthetic wax, you'll have more choices to make - here's a quick outline of the five main categories of car waxes. 

Liquid wax: This type of car wax is the longest lasting and the most commonly used. It's almost always made from synthetic materials but while it comes out of the bottle smoothly, it can be tricky to apply because it dries so quickly. 

Paste wax: This type of wax has a hard, almost putty-like texture in the can - in fact, a lot of natural waxes can be found in paste form. It's been around for a long time and is another popular option because of its glossy finish and how water beads right off of it. However, they can be more expensive than synthetic options and don't have the longevity that a liquid wax does. 

Spray wax: Spray options are super easy to apply - especially if you just want the wax in one localized area - and they also leave a high gloss finish. However, they aren't a long-term solution and won't give you a lot of longevity. 

Colored wax: This type of car wax is popular for some and not so much for others. It's basically got a hue to it so it can hide scratches better, but many argue that most scratches don't go past the clear coat so you wouldn't need the color, anyway. 

Rubbing compound: This product can help hide small scratches and imperfections in the paint, which makes it a great option for classic car owners trying to get their rides looking like new again. 

Whether you need to shop for a car wax or have questions about the many types available, you can get everything you need at Toyota of N Charlotte! Visit us today at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.