You should polish your car more

07/14/08

Washing and waxing your car regularly will help keep it looking new and fresh. Your goal should be to try and wash your car at least once per month and apply car polish once every three to four months. Washing your car will prevent build up of everything that you don't want- bugs, salt build up, etc. Using car polish or wax protects the paint from fading and makes your car look shiny.

Usually, I like to wash my car about once per week. I use change from my car compartments when I stop at the self-serve car wash on my way home. Most of the time, I like to wash the car once per week and wax it on Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. This definitely helps prevent corrosion and keeps my car look its best.

Waxing a car is actually pretty simple. Car polish, or wax, is applied as a thin, transparent layer over the paint. It not only protects it from the elements, but hides minor flaws in the paint, such as scratches, and makes them less visible. Car polish also seals the paint, making it less susceptible to corrosion. You should always begin waxing just after washing and drying your car.

After drying the car, apply the car polish one section at a time to the car. I would suggest testing your car polish on a small, non-visible section to make sure that it won't have adverse effects on the finish. I like to start at the top of the car and work down because there is a better chance of dirt being left on the bottom of the car. You won't want to rub that all over the car-you want that to be the last part that you do.

When you have finished applying, buff the car to a shine using a clean, soft cloth. I like to buy a towel specifically for this process, but anything you have on hand that is clean and soft will work just fine.

These are some basic instructions that will help you to keep your car just as shiny and beautiful as the day you brought it home. This process doesn't take long, and can actually be fun if you do it with a friend!