Learning to polish your car
Posted 04/06/09
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. Car polish or wax makes your car look shiny and protects it from fading.I like to add washing the car to my weekly routine. 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. It keeps my car looking fresh and clean and helps prevent corrosion.
Waxing a car is a relatively simple process. Car polish or wax is actually just a thin, transparent layer over the paint. The car polish protects the paint job from the elements and masks minor flaws such as scratches. Car polish also seals the paint, making it less susceptible to corrosion. You should always begin waxing just after washing and drying your car.
Dry the car off, then apply the car polish one small section at a time to the exterior. You might want to test it on a section of the car that isn't visible a few days before just to be absolutely certain that nothing bad will happen, for example, your paint rubbing off. 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. If you make that your last section, you won't rub dirt all over the entire car-it will be concentrated to that one area.
Once you have completed the application process, buff your car to a nice shine using a soft, clean towel. I prefer to buy a towel to use specifically for this process, but an old house towel will do the job as long as it's clean and soft.
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!