Waxing your car was an important step in the car washing process where I grew up out West. I now live on the East Coast and most people do not even own car wax. In California, cars are much more than just cars. People spend a lot more money on dressing up their cars than they do here. They add chrome wheels and custom door lock knobs. It is a way to express yourself. It is who you are. A car is a way to get around on the East Coast. The sun also does a lot more damage to your car out West, so even if your car is simply a car to you, car wax is a regular part of the upkeep. Regular waxing will keep your car looking as new as when you bought it.
How do you know when it is time to wax your car? Most car experts say it depends on what kind of car wax you use and how flawless you want your car to look. If you are a perfectionist, you could be waxing your car all the time under those rules. According to the description on car wax containers, it is time to wax again if rain water does not bead up on the paint.
You can get your car waxed one of two ways. You can have a professional do it, or do it yourself. Whenever I wax my car, it does not seem to stay shiny as long as when I have a car detailing place do it. I am guessing that I just do not have the same skill as them, regardless of the kind of car wax I would use. If you do it yourself, here is how. Wash your car thoroughly first. You do not want to apply wax if your car is in the hot sun or if the temperature outside is too cold. Make sure you do not feel any grit when you run your hand over the paint. If you do, you can apply a non abrasive cleaner meant for car surfaces to smooth it up. Use a damp sponge and douse it in the car wax. Rub it on your car in small circles. Make sure you remember where you have applied it, as you cover the entire painted surface. Remove the wax (in the order in which it was applied) with a cloth or cloth diaper. To avoid streaking and build up, shake out your towel every so often. Use a new clean cloth to polish the entire surface and make sure there are no spots of wax left.

