How do I know when to re-apply wax??

[davey g-force]

Ok, I know this one's probably been asked before, and I know it varies depending on many different factors, but Im after a little guidance on this one.

How do I know when it's time to wax my car again? How often should I wax her?

My car is washed every weekend, and when I wax her, I use Nxt Generation wax (luv it!).
It's parked undercover 98% of the time - both at home and at work.

Any thoughts??

[Murr1525]

Here is a thread yo ucan read with info about this....

Squeak Test

[Mike Phillips]

If you're washing your car once a week, then keep in mind just the act of washing the car will remove the wax as the contact between your mitt and the paint will micro-abrade the wax off the surface.

If you're a fanatic for having a great looking car, then wax often to keep your car looking like it was just waxed. If you wash and wax often, waxing should go very fast.

Another option would be to become good friends with one of our Spray Waxes and use this in-between normal coats of wax.



Here are two threads that discuss how to apply and remove Meguiar's spray waxes...

Using Meguiar's Even Coat Applicator to apply NXT Spray Wax

How To Get Great Results With Meguiar's Spray Wax!

[sneek]

i thought it was when QD becomes slow to wipe off?
... thats the only time i use QD my cars eather really dirty or really clean

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by sneek
i thought it was when QD becomes slow to wipe off?
... thats the only time i use QD my cars eather really dirty or really clean

Oops! Sometimes the easiest answers are overlooked! You're right, when Quik Detailer becomes slower to wipe off, this is an indicator that it's time to add another coat of wax.

[davey g-force]

Thanx heaps guys for the info (especially Mike) that was perfect.

I'll try the "sqeak test" as an indicator.

Just as a very rough indication, given the conditions I mentioned in my first post, what you reckon? Every couple of months or so??

Oh yeah - and is it possible to wax your car too often? I was waxing every weekend at one stage when I had more time (now every couple months). Can it damage your paint doing it too often?

[Murr1525]

Well, you cant apply wax too much. Wax will always help protect the car.

What you want to be carefull of is that the paint is very clean. You dont want to skip the cleaning step, then drag any dirt across the surface. Just be sure to wash everything well.

[RDVT4ME]

I just got to say.....that car of yours is SWEET!!!

Please post some pix if you have them and give us more details about your car. I assume that is a Holden.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by davey g-force

Just as a very rough indication, given the conditions I mentioned in my first post, what you reckon? Every couple of months or so??

If you always want your car to look like it was just waxed... then just wax it.

Oh yeah - and is it possible to wax your car too often? I was waxing every weekend at one stage when I had more time (now every couple months). Can it damage your paint doing it too often?

Not as long as you're using a non-abrasive wax. If you stick with a quality wax like the NXT Tech Wax, you should never have any problems, nor worries.

Like Murr1525 said, the most important thing is to make sure the car is clean before applying a wax, and always use clean, soft applicators and removal cloths.

[RCBuddha]

I personally use these three categories:

1. Feel
2. Look
3. Water Reaction

Feel
Does the paint still "feel" smooth and slick (w/o having some QD sprayed on it)?

Look
Does the paint still look glossy (or glassy if you like), deep, or wet?

Water Reaction
Does the water "pool" up and runoff? Does it "stick" and not runoff the paint? I look for the water to "pool" up and runoff, this is a sign to me that there is protection.

FWIW, these are the criteria that I use, YMMV....I personally end up waxing monthly, so durability never seems to be an issue.

[WaspHunter]

Holden Monaro, the last of its breed if I'm not wrong mate (Can't tell if its an -8 from the pic)?

Do you live near the water here? My car is garaged most of the time, but I've had to QD and, recently, clay a lot more than I expected from other posts just from the salt-water. Its only been a month and a half and I'm close to needing a new coat of wax.

Also, if your car had some minor swirls before it was waxed that were covered, these will start to reappear. But judging from all the Monaro's (and XR's) I've seen fresh from the showroom, I doubt you'd be able to use that as an indicator.

[davey g-force]

Thanx very much for the responses guys - very helpful.

Originally posted by RDVT4ME
I just got to say.....that car of yours is SWEET!!!

Please post some pix if you have them and give us more details about your car. I assume that is a Holden.

Thanx for the compliment! Yep, that's my girl....
Im glad you like it - I thought Americans had different tastes in cars...

Yes, it is a Holden. A Monaro GTO to be exact. I think Holden exports them over there as Pontiacs?? The Pontiacs look a bit different though, but still have those two sexy bonnet scoops...

It has a 6.0 litre V8 engine and 300 kW (sorry I dont know what that is in horsepower, but lets just say its damn quick!!!) I will try to post up some pix soon...

[sneek]

yep its the Pontiac GTO here and it has 400Hp
those are the hood scoops :p

[davey g-force]

Originally posted by sneek
yep its the Pontiac GTO here and it has 400Hp
those are the hood scoops :p

Yeah thats it!!

I might be biased, but i reckon the Holden looks better...

[WaspHunter]

No bias here

Wave if you ever see a bright red '06 Subie Hatch in the area.