Your Guide to the Longest-Lasting Car Wax | GetJerry.com (2024)

The top longest-lasting car waxes include Car Guys Hybrid Wax, Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax, Turtle Wax 1-Step Wax and Dry, Chemical Guys HydroSlick Hyper Wax, and Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax.

Waxing your car’s paint isn’t just for dedicated motorheads. Every car owner should implement a regular wax into your vehicle maintenance routine to keep your car’s paint job in good shape. Having a good, long-lasting car wax will protect your vehicle’s paint from scratches and scuffs, grime and dirt, and harmful UV rays that leave the paint looking dull and dingy.

There are a lot of different car waxes out there, and choosing the right one for you and your car can seem overwhelming. Should you go for a paste or a spray? Natural or synthetic? Which brand is the best?

To help you sort through these questions and more, the

super app

for car owners,

Jerry

, has compiled this guide on the car wax need-to-knows—and ways you can save big on your

car insurance

, too.

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Why use a car wax

Waxing your car may seem like something that is just cosmetic, something a little extra to get that pretty shine. While your car will likely look more pleasing and probably catch more eyes than without, car wax is used as a protectant as well.

With an even coat of wax, your vehicle’s

paint job

is more protected from harmful UV rays that work to dull your car’s color. Car wax also forms a barrier between contaminants and its paint, so dirt, debris, bird poop, sap, tar, and crushed bugs will have a harder time sticking to your paint. That means you’ll save time and money on car washes too!

Your car’s resale value also will increase if you maintain a regular waxing schedule—that shiny, intact paint job can be used as a selling point.

What to consider when buying a long-lasting car wax

So you’ve decided you’re going to wax your car this weekend! But then you get to the store and realize there are so many options and now you’re overwhelmed and how do you know what is best for your needs? Here are some things to consider that will make buying car wax a bit easier:

  • Your budget. There are a lot of options that span a large range of prices, so identifying a budget will narrow down your choices.

  • Your time. Spray wax is typically the quickest application, while a paste wax job could take place over a whole weekend.

  • Your preferences. There are non-toxic and natural options, synthetic options, or a combination of the two. Consider whether you’d prefer scented or unscented. Do you favor a particular brand? Are you looking for a wax that just waxes or one that cleans too?

  • Your vehicle. The color of your vehicle may determine what kind of wax you need—if you have a black car, you may want to look into black wax. You should also note if your car’s paint has a shiny or matte finish and select the type of car wax that works best for that finish.

MORE:

Why should I pay car insurance in full instead of monthly payments?

Types of car wax

With many different types of wax out there, knowing the basics of the different types will help you select the best wax for your ride. You can consider factors like the type of shine you want or if you want the wax to function as a washing product as well—and how much time you can dedicate to the waxing process.

In general, there are three different formulas of car wax available:

Car wax application types

There are also three main car wax application types:

  • Spray wax is considered the easiest application. You’ll simply have to spray an even coat on your vehicle’s paint and wipe it down according to the bottle’s instructions.

  • Liquid wax is a bit more time-consuming but typically leaves a deeper shine than spray wax. This method involves pouring wax onto a microfiber cloth or soft foam applicator and applying the wax according to the instructions. Once it dries, you’ll use a clean cloth to buff the residue away.

  • Paste wax requires the most effort but is generally regarded as the best protectant. Using a soft foam applicator or a microfiber cloth, apply the wax to your car’s paint according to your specific wax’s directions, and then buff it clean.

MORE:

How do I get liability insurance for a financed car?

Pro Tip Look up a few options of car waxes and read the reviews! Every brand wants to sell itself, but the real-life users will have more objective views.

Top 5 best longest lasting car wax

Create an enchanting shine while protecting your vehicle’s paint from contaminants and sunlight! Check out the options below for some of the best and longest-lasting car waxes on the market.

1. Car Guys Hybrid Wax

Available from

Amazon

, $19.97

Car Guys Hybrid Wax produces a deep surface shine for your car’s paint, glass, or plastic. This hybrid wax is infused with Carnauba wax and offers long-lasting protection with easy application. Each product is mixed and bottled in the U.S.

Pros

  • Long-lasting sleek shine and protectant

  • Easy to apply

Cons

  • More expensive than similar products

2. Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax

Available from

Amazon

, $19.97

Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax will “melt” all over your vehicle, boat, motorcycle, or RV’s paint job to produce a deep, protective shine. This liquid wax is beginner-friendly and will protect your vehicle from UVB and UVA rays.

Pros

Cons

  • Reports of low durability

  • Not recommended for matte finishes

3. Turtle Wax Carnauba Cleaner Paste Wax

Available from

Amazon

, $10.84

Turtle Wax Carnauba Cleaner Paste Wax uses micro-polishing agents in the wax that are used to buff away any scuffs, scratches, and marks on your car’s paint job. The finish provides a durable and water-repellent surface that protects your vehicle from damaging contaminants.

Pros

  • Resilient barrier

  • Smells good

  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Reports of difficulty buffing out

4. Chemical Guys HydroSlick Hyper Wax

Available from

Amazon

, $39.97

Another one from Chemical Guys, their HydroSlick Hyper Wax is a gel wax that contains properties of both traditional wax and ceramic coating. This combination produces a clear, smooth, and durable shine and an impressive water-repelling formula.

Pros

  • Easy application

  • Great water beading

  • Makes colors pop

Cons

  • A pain to buff off if left too long

  • Expensive

5. Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax

Available from

Amazon

, $12.50

Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax is made of a specialized formula that produces a deep, reflective shine. There are strong protective polymers in the wax and it can be used on glossy and clear coat paint finishes.

Pros

  • Easy application

  • Brilliant shine

  • Protective finish

Cons

  • May need a few coats to cover marks

  • Can be a little tougher to buff out

MORE:

How to find the best cheap car insurance

How to find affordable car insurance

Now that your vehicle looks all shiny and new with its fresh coat of wax, seal it up with a great

car insurance

policy! Finding affordable car insurance that still comes with the coverage you want is a breeze when you use

Jerry

.

Jerry is an

insurance comparison app

that shops for low prices with dozens of different insurance companies for free. Have a question about your coverage? Jerry’s friendly agents are here to answer your questions and provide advice on the best coverage options. As your life changes, your insurance changes, and Jerry is ready to make those adjustments for you.

“I was tired of looking around multiple websites, so I decided to give

Jerry

a try. Let me tell you—the process is so easy and simple, and they really find you the best prices for your coverage level. Getting insurance for my new car was quick and easy!” —Joanna D.

Are you overpaying for your car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Compare Rates Now

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees

Your Guide to the Longest-Lasting Car Wax | GetJerry.com (1)4.717k Ratings

5M+Drivers Joined

7M+Cars Garaged

FAQs

Your Guide to the Longest-Lasting Car Wax | GetJerry.com (2024)

FAQs

What wax do professional detailers use? ›

Most professional detailers use some type of carnauba paste wax. However, applying paste-style carnauba waxes can sometimes require more elbow grease than liquid or spray waxes. Many at-home detailers find that they get a satisfactory shine and protection from easier-to-apply spray or liquid waxes.

How long does car wax really last? ›

On average, car wax tends to last for as long as three to six months. But, it primarily depends on the type of wax used. If it's liquid or synthetic wax, the effect fades away sooner. This results in a reapplication after every 6 to 8 weeks.

What is Meguiar's best wax? ›

If you are looking for "best protection", then an advanced synthetic polymer product like Meguiar's Ultimate Wax will give you the best protection.

What car polish do the professionals use? ›

Classic PDI: The Ultimate Professional Car Polish

This exceptional product is renowned for its ability to keep vehicles in top condition and protect paintwork from corrosion, resulting in a high-quality finish.

Is carnauba wax better than ceramic? ›

Carnauba wax provides a temporary layer of protection that requires more frequent reapplication. While it enhances the appearance of the vehicle and provides some level of protection, it is not as durable as ceramic coatings or graphene coatings.

How many coats of wax should I put on my car? ›

With carnauba waxes, you can layer right over each layer as many times as your heart desires. All you have to look out for is that each layer has cured before adding more wax – simply let it haze, buff the excess with a microfiber towel, and reapply.

What kind of wax do automatic car washes use? ›

Many automatic car washes also use a “wax” type sealant such as Armor All ® Extreme Shine Wax. Armor All ® Extreme Shine Wax features Carnauba wax and is applied to the surface of your vehicle. Carnauba wax applied by hand offers a much longer-lasting protection than even the best automatic car washes.

How long does meguiar's carnauba paste wax last? ›

Meguiar's Gold Class will make it look three feet deep and easily last a year.

Can you wax a car too much? ›

However, applying wax too much will become redundant – as it won't make much difference past two applications. For the best results, use two layers of a protective product, with the first (or bottom) layer being the product with more longevity.

Should I wax my car after every wash? ›

Although you probably don't need to wax your car every single time you get a wash, you should consider adding it on to your car wash every couple of months – you may be surprised by the difference it makes. To help you understand the importance of car waxing, here are our favourite perks of a high quality car wax.

What is better than car wax? ›

In conclusion, a ceramic coat is an excellent solution for someone who has little time available to spend on their vehicles. It has significantly better durability than any wax and, once applied, takes very little effort to maintain the desired just-waxed look.

Is paste or liquid wax better? ›

If you're looking to create the most beautiful, eye-popping shine, we'd recommend a paste over a liquid wax. Paste waxes provide the greatest return on your investment when it comes to looks, especially if you're looking to feature your car at a show.

Is ceramic coating better than wax? ›

It has significantly better durability than any wax and, once applied, takes very little effort to maintain the desired just-waxed look. The downside to this option is simply that due to time restraints and/or lack of a controlled environment, ceramic coatings aren't accessible to everyone.

How many times a year should you wax your car? ›

Most cars get plenty of benefits from waxing once in spring and once in fall. However, waxing once per season will give you even better results if you're willing to put in the work!

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 6118

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.