The Best Car Waxes in 2020 – Review and Buying Guide

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best car waxes
BEST OVERALL
PREMIUM CHOICE
GREAT OVERALL
Meguiar’s G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax
Chemical Guys WAC 201 Butter Wet Wax
Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All Wet
Meguiar's G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax, 16 Fluid Ounces, 1 Pack
Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet Wax, Deep Wet Shine for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, RVs & More, 16 fl oz, Banana Scent
Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax 128 fl. oz. Aircraft Quality for your Car, RV, Boat, Motorcycle Anywhere, Anytime, Home, Office, School, Garage, Parking Lots.
BEST OVERALL
Meguiar’s G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax
Meguiar's G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax, 16 Fluid Ounces, 1 Pack
PREMIUM CHOICE
Chemical Guys WAC 201 Butter Wet Wax
Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet Wax, Deep Wet Shine for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, RVs & More, 16 fl oz, Banana Scent
GREAT OVERALL
Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All Wet
Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax 128 fl. oz. Aircraft Quality for your Car, RV, Boat, Motorcycle Anywhere, Anytime, Home, Office, School, Garage, Parking Lots.
Waxing a car is far more than just giving it a mirror-like, excellent showroom finish. When it is done the right way, the life of your car’s paint job will also extend substantially, giving your vehicle a look that makes heads go turning as you drive. This can be attained through only one way, and that is by getting the best car wax. This list of ten best car waxes will walk you through the most effective and popular car waxes used by automobile owners and professional car retailers.

The Ten Best Car Waxes Product Review

1. Meguiar’s G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax

1. Meguiar’s G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax
Nonetheless, many professional car dealers use Meguiar’s car products more than any other brand’s, due to the ultimate quality and result in the products provide. Taking the example of G18216 Ultimate Liquid Wax, for instance, it is produced using synthetic wax, and the advanced technology used in its formula provides maximum protection on use, along with giving any car an in-depth color, paint durability and finish reflection. Any car quickly gets an ‘Ultimate’ showroom finish, thanks to the combination of Thin Film technology and hydrophobic polymer in it. Application of this wax is effortless using several methods, so you need not work with your hands necessarily. You can never go wrong with the Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax for your car, that’s an assurance!

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Application using multiple methods
  • Advanced Synthetic Polymer Formulation
  • Paint and Clear Coat Safe
  • Thin-Film ease of application technology in formulation

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brand: Meguiar’s
  • Model: G18216
  • Weight: 1.54lbs

2. Chemical Guys WAC 201 Butter Wet Wax

2. Chemical Guys WAC 201 Butter Wet Wax
If you are among those who love the conventional carnauba wax on your car and are still looking for one, Chemical Guys’ Butter Wet Wax has a fantastic solution for you. This product from their line is formulated, especially in a butter-like texture that makes it extremely easy for application. 100% carnauba wax is used to produce it, making it a perfect choice for people who value the use of such wax on their cars. The formulation of this product also provides superb UV protection to your vehicle and helps it preserve the showroom finish you love for an extended period.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Application using multiple methods
  • Advanced Synthetic Polymer Formulation
  • Paint and Clear Coat Safe
  • Thin-Film ease of application technology in formulation

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brand: Meguiar’s
  • Model: G18216
  • Weight: 1.54lbs

3. Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All Wet

3. Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All Wet
Produced using premium synthetic material, duly tested for effectiveness and safety on various kinds of surfaces, the Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All has to be one of the best car waxes you can ever use on your vehicle. The point to ponder upon is that if you have a product generally used in the maintenance of high-performance airplane parts, using the same on your car has to bring some guaranteed, near-perfection results every time it is applied. Wash Wax All is among those few products in the market that can be used on both wet and dry surfaces. This means you can have a shiny showroom finish without even washing your car. The formulation of this product is all water-based and plant-derived, making it an eco-friendly one as well. Hence, it is not surprising that it has a lot better reviews than even established players of the market like Meguiar’s.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Comprises of non-sticky UV protective coating
  • Dual application formulation for both wet and waterless application
  • Water-based and plant-derived – an eco-friendly formula

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brand: Aero Cosmetics
  • Model: FBA_wcwk
  • Weight: 10.6lbs

4. P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax

4. P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax
If you are looking for an intense shine on your car, you may have to give the P21S’s Carnauba Wax a try. The labeling says that it is produced with carnauba wax, if you look at its list of ingredients up close, it also includes beeswax in the formula. There is no evidence of the percentage of carnauba wax in this formula, but it does provide excellent protection and luster on the car’s paint, and hence is an excellent product to use.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Easy application and removal
  • Non-powdery formula
  • Made with pure carnauba wax and beeswax

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brand: P21S
  • Model: 12700W
  • Weight: 6.2oz

5. Car Guys Premium Wax

5. Car Guys Premium Wax
Many of us do not like to wax our cars now and then. If you are also among those of us, the Car Guys Premium liquid Wax will be a good pick for you. The formulation of this particular wax is made with eco-friendly ingredients and an innovative nano-technology to connect the power of polymer sealants, giving your car a UV protected, durable finish that will last for up to one year after application. Each application provides an excellent mirror-like finish and is very easy to apply on exterior made of glass, metals, alloys, and car paint. So, if you love the idea of waxing your vehicle just once or twice a year, this product is designed especially for you!

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Durable UV protection
  • Nanotechnology polymer sealants give a lasting finish
  • Use on multiple exterior surfaces
  • The long-lasting formula, apply just once or twice a year

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brand: Car Guys
  • Model: LW-8OZ
  • Weight: 12.8oz

6. G7014J Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Paste Wax

6. G7014J Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Paste Wax
The Meguiar’s Gold Class can be easily called a successful matrimonial between the superb UV protection provided by synthetic waxes and the traditionally elegant finish that comes with carnauba wax. This magnificent combination of aesthetics and protections makes the Meguiar’s Gold Class an absolute favorite blend of car waxes of many car owners. It can be easily applied to several exterior surfaces without damaging the paint’s clear coat. It is a go-to product for those who are in love with the idea of using both carnauba and polymer strength in their cars.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Soft Foam Applicator provided
  • Paint-safe formula
  • Exclusive blend of polymers and carnauba
  • Adaptable Application

7. Meguiar’s A2216 Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax

7. Meguiar’s A2216 Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax
Meguiar’s has brought for you a liquid version of the carnauba wax with the Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax, that makes the application much easier while retaining the fantastic protective properties and a robust finished effect. When compared to conventional carnauba waxes, the Deep Crystal costs much cheaper. However, it can not be said if this is because of the reduced carnauba percentage integrated into the formula. Regardless of all these things, coming in a more liquid formulation, the application has become much more comfortable with this version.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • No abrasive chemicals included
  • UV-protective and easy to use formula
  • Produced with high-grade carnauba wax

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brand: Meguiar’s
  • Model: A2216
  • Weight: 8oz

8. Collinite No. 845 Liquid Insulator Wax

8. Collinite No. 845 Liquid Insulator Wax
One of the best industrial grades, long-running, heavy-duty liquid waxes witnessed by the market, has to be this No. 845 Liquid Insulator Wax by Collinite. It has been used extensively in multiple heavy-duty applications like marine equipment and machinery, aeronautical components, RV, and automotive industries. It is explicitly designed to protect the power companies against high voltage power failures, electrical fires, and accidental explosions. Now one can imagine how tough the Collinite No. 845 is. If such harsh conditions can be withstood by it, protecting a small car should not be a big deal. Furthermore, this wax also has remarkably long-lasting effects. Meanwhile, other liquid waxes will have to be applied frequently; the No.845 has to be used just once every 4-5 months. Collinite may not be as popular as Meguiar’s for its products, but for those with more knowledge, it is a name one can easily rely on. Besides this, the company is also producing durable car care products since 1912.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Clearcoat safe formulation, minimal buffing required
  • Heavy-duty, industrial-grade wax formula
  • 40 years’ extensive use across various applications

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brand: Collinite
  • Model: 845
  • Weight: 15.4oz

9. OPT SW200BP Optimum Car Wax

9. OPT SW200BP Optimum Car Wax
  • Convenient and Speedy Wax: With this spray wax it takes less than 15 minutes to wax most standard...
  • The Best Car Wax is Easy to Use: There's no buffing required and no residues to remove; The...
  • Extended Protection: Unlike some other car wax spray products, this wax offers up to 5 months of UV...
  • High Quality Car Wax Formulation: This environmentally-friendly spray on car wax contains no harsh...
  • Great for All Exterior Surfaces: Unlike other auto wax products, the Optimum Spray Wax formula is...

10. Griot’s Garage 10962 Spray-On Wax

10. Griot’s Garage 10962 Spray-On Wax
If you need an inexpensive product to dig out the deep natural shine of your car, while also giving it a protective treatment, the Griot’s Garage Spray-On Wax is an excellent choice. If your vehicle already has a layer of wax, it will work even better and will apply like an enhancer. Some liquid waxes have polymers in their formula, the Griot has used carnauba as the base of this product. This gives a unique deep shine that you look forward to on using such waxes.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Quick Application formula
  • Easy to use technology
  • Includes residue removing ingredients

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Brand: Griot’s Garage
  • Model: 10962
  • Weight: 1.4lbs

Best Car Wax and Polish Buying Guide

Choosing the right wax for your vehicle depends primarily on what purpose you want to apply the wax, which will also help you determine what type of wax you need for your car. It should also be determined if it is a car wax that you are looking for or a car polish or maybe a little of both of these. The type of car wax you are choosing is also essential as it decides the frequency at which the car needs to be waxed. The following FAQ is prepared to help you attain a better understanding of what you are looking for.

What Are the Benefits of Waxing Your Car?

Many people believe that car waxing does not bring any benefits to the vehicle. However, in reality, when you wax your car regularly or at least twice a year, it can bring a range of benefits to both you as a driver and particularly for the vehicle as well.

1. Protecting the Car Against Any Superficial Damage

One of the most important benefits of applying a good quality wax to your vehicle, as cited by professional retailers and automotive experts, is the protection of the car against any superficial damage. The slippery surface created by the wax prevents the debris and dirt particles from sticking on the surface that prevents both dirt and dents/scratches on the car’s exterior. If species of avian suddenly plan to drop their excretion on your beloved car, wiping that off will also be made much easier due to the waxy surface.

2. Additional Layer of Protection is Provided By Wax

The clear coat of a car is just like the outermost layer of one’s skin. If it is not there, the inner structures of the body will be exposed and become prone to several threats. This is also true for the clear coat of the car. It has been designed by manufacturers to be tough on UV light, dirt, debris, and anything that decides to come on the car’s surface. However, unfortunately, this layer can get chipped over time. If it gets a little more exposure or damage further after that, the damage shall slowly seep into the inner layers of the paint. An additional top-coat layer is provided by waxing, so even if the damaging substance gets to the top clear coat, it must fight with the wax layer first. To get through this slippery layer will be a tricky job for such materials, and you must ensure using a high- quality scratch remover along with waxing it.

3. Reduces Repair Expenses

Imagine your car repair shop has advised an urgent paint job for your vehicle, just because you were not ready to apply wax in the first place, can you estimate the cost you will have to incur in the case, to restore the original look and shape of your car? Depending on the make, brand, and color of your car, you will now be spending thousands of dollars on getting this job done. If you own the car already, it should not be much of an issue. However, if you are leasing it, this is something you are expected to get done before returning to the lessor. Why not opt for the more straightforward and easier method then? Go, wax!

4. Contributes to Enhancing the Resale Value of the Car

Considering to sell your car already? It is evident that you could ask for a much higher price, had your car’s paint job been maintained. One of the first things buyers look at when considering any vehicle is how it looks, and the paint job is one of the first things they put a keen eye on. This tells them how the previous owner has kept the car; if it is full of scratches, chipping off, dents or cracks, they know it right there that the owner couldn’t care less about the vehicle. If there are so many issues on the exterior only, what could one expect from the deep-seated issued like electrical or mechanical issues? And there you bid a potential buyer, farewell! When you keep your car in the showroom, it shows that your vehicle is the most favorite thing for you on earth, and you can do anything to take care of it at the fullest. So, even if you quote a hefty sum of price for the drive, people will happily and readily give that in. Of course, you have to take care of other things as well, but this is also one of the primary elements.

5. You Will Drive More Carefully and Sensibly

It is a weird, unknown science, but it has been noticed that people who wax their cars regularly tend to be much more careful when driving and think a gazillion times before spinning their wheels. When parking, they are very cautious as they do not want their car to be dirty or get down. If they see the smallest sign of dirt or debris on the surface, they immediately pull out a cloth and wipe it off. You won’t even see them driving recklessly as any wrong step can damage their car substantially, and they understand this fact very well. So yes, in a way, we can say that when you wax your vehicle, you become a tad bit more cautious when driving it.

6. Reduces the Number of Car Washes Needed

This may be unknown to many, but another benefit of waxing your car regularly is this. Yes, when you wax the car, a slippery surface is created whose nature is such that almost every other particle will not get stuck on it, which means you do not have to rush for a car wash every week. Just a wipe and you are good to go as all the debris and dirt shall be removed from the surface.

What is The Difference Between Waxing and Polishing a Car?

When you give your car a nice, fresh wash, naturally, the question will pop up in your mind whether to wax or polish the car afterward or maybe do both. Some car owners get quite confused about the difference between polishing and waxing, as both have more or less the same process of applying similar products finished off with buffing it. Lets simply the two concepts to you have a better understanding of what exactly is the difference between the two.

Polishing:

The simplest word to describe polishing is ‘smoothening’ or making the surface as refined as possible. This can be interpreted as simple as making the surface free of any imperfections. Polishing is usually indicated in cars having scratches or small marks and lines that are considered as imperfections. When light strikes on the surface, you will notice inner grooves of such lines, the irregular angle that this reflects on is relative to the surface surrounding it. Hence, the scratch marks stand out due to this reflection of light. The primary purpose of polishing can be defined as removing or filling such irregular surfaces. Filling them in prevents the sharp light reflection at an angle that makes these marks and lines almost invisible to the human eye. Polish is usually applied pre-waxing to refined any imperfections and let the actual color of the vehicle stand out.

Waxing:

Waxing is almost the same as polishing, except for their purpose is slightly different than each other. While polishing makes the car’s surface look perfect, the aim to wax a car is making sure that this clean surface of the vehicle lasts long. Technically, we are trying to establish that waxing gives your car’s paint the required protection while helping it enhance the natural luster it has. Now, here’s the tricky part. If you have surface problems like signs of oxidation or dullness already, waxing conceals such imperfections but do not address them like what car polishes do. Hence, it is mostly used in those cars which do not have any surface issues. You can also do a combination of both polishing and waxing. Polish the imperfections on the surface before getting on to applying the protective wax, and this is how you will attain the best of both!

What Wax Should I Use? Synthetic or Carnauba?

When we talk about car waxes, there are two kinds of them available in the market.

Carnauba:

This is the wax that is preferred and recommended by most automobile collectors, professional dealers, and avid drivers. This is primarily due to the vibrant, warm glow and the in-depth, wet look it brings to the vehicle. It does not look ‘waxy’ on the car but instead blends in with the paint job very well. When we talk about showroom finish, carnauba waxes are the ones you must go for. It does an excellent job of protecting the paint job from the harsh UV rays of the sun. The only offside of this is that it won’t last very long. For most ones, the carnauba wax finish begins to wear off in almost six to eight years of its application.

Synthetic:

These are more common and better known as paint sealants, and yes, they do address the carnauba wax’s downside i.e., durability. Some synthetic car waxes out there are made to protect your car’s paint for almost 2-3 years, although an average period is 5-6 months. In either case, it is still much better than the maximum 8-weeks provided by carnauba. The downside in this case, however, is that you do not get that in-depth, classic wet look you look for in your car.

How Often Should I Wax My Car?

The frequency at which you apply wax on your car repeatedly depends on the type of car wax you are opting for your car. Based on what we discussed about the carnauba waxes, the carnauba wax will last for only six to eight weeks, which means you have to re-wax your car every six-eight weeks. This is also true if you are using synthetics. However, it is generally recommended that you should wax your car at least twice a year – the more frequent it is, the better! Waxing a vehicle can enhance its aesthetics generally and protect its paint against the damages of its surface, including the harsh sun rays as well. And while you are still coming up to the decision whether to get synthetic wax or carnauba, go to our list of ten best car waxes and choose the best one for your vehicle.