What Are The Best Car Waxes? A Buyer’s Guide

Whether you own one of those brand new, glossy, magnificent looking cars which we see on freshly printed magazine pages or just a normal everyday car, you would, beyond a doubt, love to keep it clean and neat. The easiest way is to take it to the car wash, but for many, taking care of their car is a ritual which they do with pleasure.

After washing a vehicle, applying wax on the clean car body surface is a cherry on top even though it’s not an easy task. It could take more than an hour when done properly. This guide is a one-stop-shop to help you find the best car wax for the best results.

Best Car Waxes 2017

1. Meguiar’s G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax

   Our Pick as Best Car Wax for 2017

   
   

2. Mothers California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax

   Best Value Car Wax for 2017

   
   

3. Nu Finish Liquid Car Polish

   Best Once-A-Year Polish for 2017

   
   

4. Turtle Wax T-9 1-Step Wax & Dry

   Best Spray-On Wax for 2017

   
   

5. Meguiars G17516 Ultimate Quik Wax

   Best Spray-On Top Up for 2017

   
   

Best Car Wax Buying Guide

Below are some key factors you should consider before choosing the best car wax for you.

Brands: Normally, top brands are popular owing to the fact that they offer good quality. Moreover, the best brands offer a variety of car wax types and they are organized in classes by their price. However, according to many car wax reviews, when looking for a top brand, it can happen that you face slightly overrated price of the product.

Price: The best wax for your car is very affordable. You can find premium, top quality car waxes for less than $20. The price usually depends on the type you choose. Car wax ratings on the internet indicate that even the cheapest car wax can be very effective.

Types: Car waxes come in three major forms: paste, liquid, and spray.  Traditional paste waxes offer good long-lasting protection; most of them dry to a haze within a minute. Liquid ones offer a very similar quality of protection while spray waxes don’t last as long as the other two.

Usability: Paste waxes are easy to apply but slightly difficult to remove comparing them to liquid ones. Both types require patience and time. Spray waxes are simple to use, they are made for fast infliction and can be wiped off without drying.

Car Wax Reviews

Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax

Maguire’s Ultimate formula offers you synthetic long-lasting protective barrier which will secure your car’s paint job from the worst weather conditions. Hydrophobic Polymer technology gives stronger tension to the surface so the water can easily bread and roll right off the pain. Even though it takes time to cover the whole surface, it is very easy to apply and remove. It takes about few minutes to dry to a haze and you can spread it out in full sun on a warm surface, it won’t leave any stains.  

According to some people, black paint jobs could miss the expected glossy effect. What is more, considering the fact that this is the top quality product, among the most expensive ones, you certainly expect both durability and visual effect.

Mothers California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax

If you prefer paste waxes rather than liquid ones, Mothers California offers you a traditional formula that will guarantee you top quality protection from road grime, corrosion, and oxidization. It is slightly harder to spread it out and it takes more time to remove it but it does an excellent job of bringing out a rich, deep shine. Furthermore, you can use it for wheel protection as well.

It dries to haze very fast and you will have to do one panel at the time because if it stays on your paint for few extra minutes it will be much harder to remove it. For the same reason, it is not recommended to be applied on full sunshine.

Turtle Wax T-9 1-Step Wax & Dry

Turtle T-9 spray wax gives you the quickest and the easiest way to protect your car’s paint job. Like all spray waxes, it is fairly simple to use. It will take you only a few minutes to spread it out over the car body which is a huge time saving compared to the other car wax types. It dries out within few seconds, you can wipe it off immediately and it won’t leave any residue. Your car will look glossy regardless of its color – it doesn’t make any difference between light and dark paint jobs.

One should bear in mind that Turtle spray wax, as well as other spray waxes, does not provide long-lasting care. Don’t expect top quality protection from road grime during winter months. What is more, you will probably have to inflict the wax every time after washing your car.

Nu Finish Once-A-Year Car Polish

This liquid wax gives your car needed protection throughout the whole year. It will secure your vehicle from road grime, bird droppings, rust, corrosion and especially salt which can make your car body really suffer during the tough winter months. As well as other liquid waxes, Nu Finish is easy to inflict and remove and you will have no problems with applying it on full sun.

Although it is among the best quality waxes, Nu Finish can’t boast with its rough smell. For many, this is not a crucial factor but for those who really enjoy the ritual of waxing and polishing, it can play a big role.

Meguiar’s G17516 Ultimate Quik Wax

Spray waxes are the easiest way to give your car needed protection and better outside look and Meguiar’s G17516 can be the right choice for you. According to many satisfied consumers, Meguiar’s has succeeded to deliver well-known formula from liquid wax to the spray form. They have developed Hydrophobic Polymer Technology in a spray which offers relentless water beading protection that lasts for weeks which is quite a decent period of time for one spray wax. It is safe to use on all painted surfaces including plastic and it will not leave any stains.

Meguiar’s G17516 is premium spray wax but sadly, it will not give you expected glitter. Its price is near to some liquid waxes that could offer you longer-lasting protection and for that reason, many customers decide to purchase cheaper alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Since the car waxes market is quite saturated, it wasn’t an easy job to pick 5 best car waxes. Bear in mind that all products we have mentioned as well as all other products on the market are not perfect and that each one of them has its downsides. We have tried to mark off right ones keeping in mind desires and needs of the customer. Moreover, while writing and collecting needed information, we always looked for a quality-price ratio.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you find the best car wax for you. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.