Waxing is Bad?

[k8ebug8]

I was told that you shouldn't wax newer cars because it damages the clear coat. I have a 2003 Mini Cooper (just got it), and it looks like it needs a good wax job. Any comments?

[kellyinkc]

As far as I know clear coat IS paint minus pigments. Thus it needs protection from the elements.

[Murr1525]

Well, someone is telling you nonsense unfortunately.

Wax acts as a sacrificial barrier to protect the clear coat, so that polluatnts, etc wont damage it.

As far as looking like it needs a wax, it probably needs a few steps of preparation first. Give these threads a read over, and ask away some more .


Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

How To Remove Swirls By Hand


How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

[kpagel]

I'm thinking whoever told you this misunderstood another bit of information. They probably heard someone say that you should not wax a freshly painted vehicle within the first 30-60 days as the wax does not allow the paint to cure properly. However, this only applies to aftermarket paint and body shop repairs, not factory paint jobs.

Anyways, your vehicle is around 3 years old at this point and definitely needs wax and a few other steps. Murr's advice was perfect, read up on the 5 step cycle.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Waxing is Bad?

Originally posted by k8ebug8
I was told that you shouldn't wax newer cars because it damages the clear coat. I have a 2003 Mini Cooper (just got it), and it looks like it needs a good wax job. Any comments?

Remember, clear coat paints, just like any paints, need to be maintained in order to preserve the finish integrity and appearance quality.

If you don't take care if it, it will get worse and worse with time, not better and better. Just look at the paint on any cars in any parking lot that area a year or two older and ask yourself if the finish looks as good as it did on the showroom floor? or worse?

Following Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle will keep your Mini looking new, doing nothing will cause it to go downhill...

We've held a number of classes here for Mini Cooper owners, all with great results, here's a link to one of our first...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5

[foris2]

I concur with kpagel
!

[k8ebug8]

Thanks for all the feedback! Now, next question... I ran to Wal-mart on my lunch break to get all the products (clay and all!), but only found wax and the quick detail. Where should I go to get the rest (without spending a small fortune)?

[Magic]

AutoZone or Pepboys just to name a few..

[kellyinkc]

O'Reilly Auto parts if you have one there.

[TrufflePig]

i always thought that a brand new car from the dealer is okay to wax right away.

but a paint job after market you have to wait like 90 days b/c they can't cure it in the oven like when it is shipped to a dealer fromt the factory.

is this not correct?

[the other pc]

Yes, a factory paint job can be waxed immediately. As kpagel points out, it's reprays that need time to cure.

k8ebug8, to MOL!

Whereabouts in CA are you? If you're within driving range of Irvine you should sign up for one of Meguiar's Saturday classes or a Wednesday wax night.


PC.