Car Wax Temperature: When Is the Best Time to Wax Your Car? (2024)

FAQs

Car Wax Temperature: When Is the Best Time to Wax Your Car? ›

The best temperature is around 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, at which range the wax will be liquid and easy to apply. At the same time, you don't want the car surface to be too hot when you apply the product because the latter will not stick well. Remember to set aside enough time to wax your car from top to bottom.

Car wax should ideally be applied when the temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees, but wax will still be liquid at around 50 degrees, and can be put onto the car. Before waxing, do a little bit of car detailing to make sure the surface is completely clean, and then spread the wax over in small, quick circles.

When working on a cool surface in the shade, all waxes will perform their best. The recommended time of day to wax the car during summer is definitely in the evening, so that the car has several hours of darkness to fully dry before being exposed to the midday sun.

As a professional detailer, I apply spray wax after every wash, both to customers vehicles, and my own personal ones. With the ease of application, it ensures a a fresh uniform coat of wax after each and every wash, which ultimately equals peace of mind.

Applying Wax On A Wet Surface

If you are waxing your car after a wash, you need to let its surface dry out completely before waxing it. Applying any type of wax to your car when you have even the slightest amount of moisture on your paint will prevent it from evenly bonding with your finish.

Soft waxes are applied at 30-40°C( 86-104°F ) and take around 20 minutes to get to the optimal temperature. Hard waxes normally take about 30 minutes to warmth as well as they are applied at 37-45°C (130°F). If you are utilizing large amounts of wax, you might require to heat it for a bit much longer.

Layers of wax will only enhance the way the paint already looks and as mentioned before, 1-2 layers of wax is ideal. Applying more to “improve” the appearance of the paint is not going to protect longer, it is simply using way too much wax than is needed.

Additionally, you can expect to have a higher pain tolerance in the late afternoon as opposed to early in the morning. Finally, consider any medical conditions or medications you'll be on at the time of your wax.

BEST CONDITIONS FOR WAXING

First things first, don't attempt the process in direct sunlight or freezing conditions. Car wax works best when used at the optimum, cool temperature, so work in the shade on a hot day, or in a garage on a cold one.

What do you put on your car before waxing? ›

Using car shampoo and water, thoroughly clean your vehicle in preparation for waxing. The car should be completely clean and dry before applying car wax to achieve the best results. Always be sure to read through the instructions on the wax packaging you have chosen, and follow the guidelines of the manufacturer.

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.

If you leave it on too long, it dries out, is difficult to remove and will be streaky. Never put it on in the sun. It will dry out immediately and is almost impossible to remove. If you like to wax your car frequently, use a non abrasive wax like turtle wax, so you don't wear thru your paint.

There's an old myth that you should never wax in circles as you can induce swirls - but this comes from the days of older cleaner waxes that contain abrasives as well which could cause light swirling. These days, pure waxes are non abrasive so as long as your applicator pad is clean you wont inflict swirls.

With the correct training the technician can apply express wax much faster than by hand, yet the application tends to be more even and thorough. Moreover, since the orbital machine applies wax more evenly and in lighter coats, it uses as much as 75 percent less product than hand application.

Is it better to wax your car in the summer or winter? During colder months it's not typically recommended that you apply wax as low temperatures can cause streaks or smears on the paint. The wax doesn't become bond to the paint well enough, and it's hard to spread evenly.

Although you can use any kind of wax (including the most popular carnauba wax), many experts recommend going for a synthetic wax or more protective paint sealant during the winter months. This is because the chemicals, road salts, and built-up gravel from the winter roads are a bit more damaging this time of year.

It Has Various Properties

Carnauba wax has a high melting point around 185 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps the substance be a strong and durable natural wax.

Warm temperature wax works by repelling the water much faster and easer than just your bare bases can. This reduces drag and increase their performance. Cold temperature wax is harder and does not adhere as easily to the porous bases of your skis and snowboards.