So you just got your car painted and you want it to last as long as possible, right? When you’re proud of your European car, whether you have a Mercedes or Volkswagen, you want it to look as shiny as possible for as long as possible. Simply washing your car isn’t enough. You’ll have to wax it regularly, too.

There are three main types of wax. Here’s a look at all of them.

1. Spray Wax

This option works well for newer paint and it’s the easiest of the three to use. Simply spray the wax on and then wipe it off. Do this once a month.

2. Paste Wax

These are the most common and fairly easy to apply, although they take a bit more effort than spray-on wax. One disadvantage to paste wax is that it loses its shine in two or three months. Plus, some paste waxes are abrasive, which will help get contaminants off your car. However, you have to be careful or you could scratch your finish. These are best for newer vehicles or newer paint protection.

3. Liquid Wax

This type leads the pack for shine and longevity. Better on older finishes where you may require a bit more abrasive quality to polish and clean, these last between three and six months.

How Often to Wax Your Car

Waxing your car protects it from the elements, but how often should you do it? This can be tough to determine due to so many variables, many of which will depend on the region you live in. Whether it’s the hot sun in Dallas or the salted and icy roads of the East coast, these variables matter.

Consider harshness of your climate and adjust your vehicle care practices to adapt to those needs. If you are located in a milder climate and drive a new car, spray on wax will be just fine for your purposes. But if you live in a harsh, sunny climate or colder climate, consider using a good quality liquid wax.

In general, the best car wax for high-temp regions like Texas is carnauba wax, which has additives that make application and buffing easier, or – even better — you can opt for synthetic formulas which are even more long-lasting.

Products containing acrylic polymers and polyurethane polymers don’t absorb UV light as quickly, so they are more resistant to photo degradation. When reading the labels, look for this wording:

Entirely synthetic
Withstands high temperatures
High bonding qualities
Durable protection

Contact Hance’s European

Got a repair or some maintenance that’s needed on your European vehicle? To schedule a service appointment, please contact us in Dallas at 214-761-3247.