Have you ever seen those really, really old movies and wondered how did they make that Cadillac so shiny and nice to look at? That must have been some kind of a movie trick to make the car more appealing to the audience, right?
Well, I cannot deny with 100% certainty that there was no movie magic involved, but the shine and gloss look of the car that you always wanted to drive and always wanted to have a chase scene in could be sitting in front of your house. How could it be possible?
The first step to have your dream car is basically buying the car of your dreams. However, I can give you some hints with that shining and gloss part. Let’s face it everybody would like to have a car that leaves other people breathless.
If you have ever gone to a car show, you have probably noticed that there are showrooms full of cars which look absolutely amazing. They are almost the same as from TV or your favorite magazine. The secret is simple – the people around those vehicles are taking care of them and making them look irresistible thanks to various techniques.
Once you have the time and love for your car you can have the same results with the right tools.
Best Car Wax 2018
I am of course talking about best car waxes which can help you improve the looks and condition of your car. Don’t be misled by the initial thoughts that car waxes are only good for the shine, gloss and wet appearance of the paint of your vehicle.
On the contrary, the waxes on my list are not only looks improving but provide a protection as well. It is true that when buying a wax you have to make the conscious decision to spend your free time once in a while to take care of your car, but believe me it is worth it. If you prefer spend your free time grilling, go check out our best gas grills picks!
- Easy application
- Dries fast
- Easy to wipe off
- Not for black cars
- Lower durability
- Not so sleek
- Great shine
- Easy to wipe off
- Pleasant smell
- Durability
- May leave stains
- Doesn't layer well
- Full kit
- Easy to wipe off
- Hides imperfections
- Can be messy
- Have to use applicator
- Too many steps
- Easy application
- UV protection
- Long lasting effect
- Need 2 layers
- Medium shine
- Hard removal
- Great spreading
- Tremendous look
- Volume
- Application
- Smell
- Price
- Durability
- Bonded with the paint
- Easy to apply
- Hard to wipe off
- Price
- Smooth application
- Durability
- Price
- Time consuming
- A bit dry
- Packaging
- Easy to use
- Amazing shine
- Great for black cars
- Small pads
- Durability
- Price
1. Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax
Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax is a wax of the liquid category and belongs to the list of the best car waxes. It is made out of clean synthetic wax with a water-repelling technology. The thin layers that are formed represent the easiest application and polishing. The top notch synthetic polymer technology used during the production of this car wax is the most modern way of wax protection, shine support and water repelling.
The product is easily applicable as well as wiped when needed, even when direct sunshine is present. You won’t see any white spots on plastic surfaces either. In the box, you can find: 1x Ultimate Wax, 1x foam applicator, and 1x microfiber towel.
Features
Product Weight: 16 ounce
Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 4.7 x 10.2 inches
- Easy application on the surface as well as easy to wipe off
- No film visible on the paint
- Dries fast after application
- Nice wet look
- Not quite as good for black cars
- Durability can vary depending on conditions
2. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax – My personal choice
The Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax is a carnauba wax of liquid form which can be the right aid for you. It features a better formula than before which creates a deep and wet look. In addition, your car will be protected against UVA and UVB as well. The spreading attribute was improved as well when compared to previous predecessors.
You are probably wondering why there is the word “butter” in the product name of a car wax. Well, the meaning couldn’t be more literal – the overall application and easy to use nature of this car wax just makes you think of a melted butter spreading across a toast. The shine that this car wax will provide for your vehicle is one of the best on the market and can be used for multiple kinds of surfaces.
Features
Product Weight: 1.1 pounds
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches
- Very natural application on the vehicle but also easy to wipe off
- Leaves a mirroring deep shine on the car
- The car looks just like it has come out of a car wash
- The wax has a pleasant smell
- Long lasting effect
- If not applied correctly may leave stains in some circumstances
- The durability can be flexible
3. Turtle Wax T-3KT Black Box Kit
This product, the Turtle Wax T-3KT, is not an ordinary car wax. You see there is a whole black box kit auto wax with all the elements you need for your waxing. The entire set can be described as one of the best waxes for black cars because it emphasizes the original black of your car and renews its gloss wet nature.
If you have some scratches, swirls or the surface is not yet totally prepared to be treated with a wax you can always use the pre-cleaner and conditioner which will help you solve this issue. In the kit you can find: 1x Pre Wax Cleaner and Conditioner, 1x Deep Black Carnauba Wax, 2x Black Spray Detailers and 2x Applicator Pads.
Features
Product Weight: 4 pounds
Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 9 inches
- The water still runs down even after several showers and harsh conditions
- The kit has a potential to last for several months or even years since when applied correctly you do not use up a lot of it
- Nicely hides small imperfections
- Easy to wipe away
- Can leave stains on your hands if applicator pads are not used
- Can be messy when used
4. Mothers California Gold
The Mothers California Gold car wax is the fourth liquid wax on my list which already gives you a nice range of products which you can compare and choose from. And there are more to come! You can use this auto wax for many materials such as: aluminum, billet, stainless steel, nickel, brass, silver and copper.
Furthermore, it can help you recover and heal the injuries on your car’s paintwork which it has gathered during your highway adventures. Long-term durability and heat resistance are guaranteed by the carnauba extract, provided you use the product regularly and apply two layers for a better protection of the selected area.
Apart from maintenance aspects, this car wax offers deep gloss and glow thanks to emollients. For the application, you can use your bare hands or some of the other products from the Mothers PowerBall collection.
Features
Product Weight: 1.1 pounds
Product Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 9 inches
- Easy application by hand or microfiber towel
- Great product for protection against UV
- Long lasting effect which has been on the market for years
- Some customers prefer paste wax
- Takes more time to apply mainly because of the recommended two layer
5. Car guys Premium Liquid Wax
The Car guys Premium Liquid Wax has been evaluated in several car wax reviews and scored nice results. The nano-polymer additives which are present in this auto wax limit and diminish the preparatory time needed for your car. These features affect the durability of the wax and therefore you are not obliged to apply it as often as you would think.
The science behind this product is remarkable and works between molecules which results in better shine and longer protection. In addition, the wax gives your vehicle the mirror shine attribute which is always nice and appreciated. The application is super easy and doesn’t need any special instructions.
You will be able to enjoy the quality time with your car.
Features
Product Weight: 2.5 pounds
Product Dimensions: 8 x 2.5 x 8.5 inches
- Reasonable volume used for one application plus great spreading
- Saves time because it is quick to work with also for newcomers
- The overall look of the car is tremendous
- Makes the surface of the vehicle smooth and slick
- Careful application is needed, otherwise, white stripes may appear
6. 3M Synthetic Wax
This synthetic wax is the last liquid car wax on my list. Its functionality is based on the relationship of the synthetic polymers and the paint of your car. In other words, they bond and form a connection between them which offers a nice shine and protection.
However, cars are not the only vehicle you can apply this wax on. Feel free to use it on motorcycles, trucks and even on snowmobiles. This auto wax can last up to 6 months which can also mirror in the way your car looks and behaves in times of bad weather of sunshine.
Features
Product Weight: 4.8 pounds
Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.7 x 8.5 inches
- Quick application on the car and easy wiping
- The way is rather bonded with the paint, not sitting on top of it like a film
- Durability is long lasting – for some cars, it is sufficient to use it only twice a year
- It may leave spots and bugs on the film
7. Meguiars Gold Class Carnauba Plus Paste Wax
This auto wax opens a new section on my list because it changes the category. It is the first car wax which isn’t liquid but has a paste texture instead. Some people say that paste waxes are the best car waxes so it is only fair to give them some space.
The Meguiars Gold Class paste wax is a product made of carnauba which provides long-term protection and great mirror like gloss and diamond-like shine. It is all mainly thanks to the polymers which so to speak bond with the paint.
In the package, you can find a soft foam applicator which makes it easier for you to wipe the wax.
Features
Product Weight: 2.1 pounds
Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 4 inches
- Application of the wax is smooth
- Compared to the liquid waxes it is less messy and comes out nicely out of the can in which it is packaged in
- Nice durability and it smells awesome
- Can take more time to apply than a liquid wax
- The storage of the product is equally important, do not let your paste wax dry out
8. P21S Carnauba Wax
The P21S Concours Carnauba wax is a premium quality product which is used to give vehicles deeper shine and gloss. This paste wax can be applied using your hand or by a particular machine designed for this activity. However, it was perfected to enable as simple usage as possible, so you should be able to spread it by your hands quite easily.
Some auto waxes often leave mark on different surfaces such as the plastic or rubber parts of your vehicle. In addition, it has an overall natural consistency and smell which is always nice since you will spend some time with this wax while taking care of your car.
Features
Product Weight: 6.2 ounces
Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 3 inches
- Extremely easy to use even with your hands and the finish looks astonishing
- Wiping after application is just as easy and the water protection works fine as well, no water spots visible
- It does not leave any stains or spots including other materials than paint, such as plastic or rubber
- The application pad is of a smaller size, therefore you may prefer hand application
9. Zymol Carbon Wax
The Zymol Carbon Wax is a paste wax which is obviously different in some aspects in comparison to the liquid ones. This particular car wax was engineered to provide shine, gloss, and protection to medium, dark colored or blackish paints. In addition, this is also a carnauba wax which makes it even more special.
The composition of the wax is 37% Florida and Brazilian yellow carnauba plus coconut and banana. It is advised to clean your car of any previous waxes or residue before using this product. Otherwise, the Zymol Carbon Wax may not work completely and you might get mediocre results.
In this case, the manufacturer recommends you to use smaller doses and apply them mildly on your car’s surface and do not let the wax to dry completely before wiping.
Features
Product Weight: 9.6 ounces
Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 5 inches
- The smell of the wax is unbelievable
- Application of the wax is simple and easy to master
- No attraction of dust
- Does not need to be used for black cars only
- The car has to be prepared for this wax, in other words, it should be smooth and with no left-over material on. Only then can be the wax applied.
- Once the wax is open and not used entirely it has to be put in a fridge or freezer to prevent enzymes from dying out
Best Car Wax 2018 – Buyer’s Guide
A car is for some people a representation of their opinion, believe or taste. It can express your way of life. The purchase of a vehicle is no easy task and requires multiple hours of searching and browsing to find the most suitable car for your needs. It is logical because you are not buying cheap gas grill. There are several types of cars: the sports design cars, pickups, vans, trucks or the probably most common car type in recent years, SUV’s.
However, basically all these cars are the same if you look at them from a technical point of view. Of course, there might be some high-tech devices in some of them, but the basic structure is the same. The products that you have just read through are destined to help you protect your favorite vehicle mainly in terms of surface care.
Liquid Wax vs. Paste Wax
The entries on my list gave you the opportunity to see some of the best car waxes on the market right now. I have divided them into two key categories:
- liquid waxes
- paste waxes
In addition, these paintwork helpers can be split to those who are created to support and enhance medium and black colored cars, in this article you can find the selection of the best black car waxes, and those which are for common use.
Composition of Wax
Another criterion based on which you can judge a car wax is its composition. Some experts recommend trying out the carnauba wax which is an ingredient from Brazil. The carnauba is an extract from a special Brazilian palm tree which is widely used in the car wax industry.
Applicability
Applicability and wiping is also a feature to consider. The vast majority of these waxes are easy to spread and some of them even come with a pad, towel or brush so you have a specifically designed tool for this action. This might come in handy mainly when using liquid waxes which tend to be messier than their paste brothers.
If such aid is provided it is usually better to use it since it has been manufactured precisely for this sole purpose, to make the wax usage easier and less time-consuming.
Durability
Moreover, durability is also a valid feature.
This aspect is one of the most important ones because the time your wax actually stays efficient is probably the key info for the majority of customers. This is also connected to the occurrence of dust and its settling as well as to water beading which is not only an aesthetic element but is crucial for maintenance of the car, too.
Still, it is not only these natural conditions which may cause harm to your vehicle, the sun and its sunshine can also create some issues for your paintwork. Of course, it is true that mainly the daylight can emphasize all the effort you have put into preparing and detailing, but it surely leaves a mark on the overall condition of the car as well. Therefore it may be nice to look for the best car wax out there which also has a UV protection.
