Learning to polish your car
08/16/08
Washing and waxing your car regularly will help keep it looking new and fresh. You should try to wash your car at least once per month and to use some sort of car polish at least 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 applied as a thin, transparent layer over the paint. It not only protects it from the elements, but hides minor flaws in the paint, such as scratches, and makes them less visible. Car polish also seals the paint, making it less susceptible to corrosion. Begin waxing only after your have thoroughly washed and dried your car.
Dry the car off, then apply the car polish one small section at a time to the exterior. I would suggest testing your car polish on a small, non-visible section to make sure that it won't have adverse effects on the finish. I try to work from the top to the bottom of the car-there is a great chance of having dirt 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.
So there you have it-the easiest way to keep your car looking as good 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!