When it comes to removing imperfections and making a car shiny as new, you need to decide between car wax or car polish. Most of the time, people use whichever product is easily available, be it car wax or car polish. Many don’t realize that is a difference between the two processes. While it sounds confusing, the difference is quite significant.
Let’s learn the difference between car wax and polish, the purpose of the two services for your car and help you settle the car wax vs car polish debate and find out which one is best for your car.
What is Car Wax?
For a shiny look, car wax is applied on the exterior of your vehicle after it is polished or washed. Moreover, this non-abrasive wax serves as a protective layer on the car’s body.
What is Car Polish?
Car wax vs car polish, the difference between the two is pretty much clear here since the two hold different properties. It is used for removing oxidation, small scratches and swirl marks from the car’s body. Car polish is available in abrasive and non-abrasive textures, and you need to mix it with other cleaning products before using it on the vehicle’s body.
Car polish renders a smooth finish as it removes the paintworks fine coat and blends it with the other areas of the car’s body. Hence, the marks are completely removed.
Car Wax vs. Car Polish- What’s the Difference
Car wax vs car polish, now let’s learn about the function of the two and application methods:
The Function of Car Wax
Car wax’s primary function is to protect the exterior of the vehicle and give a polished effect. Here is an overview of wax’s properties that aids in its primary function:
- The wax serves as a protective coating, given its non-dissolvable water property. It protects the car body from acid rain, washes and heavy rains.
- It also protects the car’s body from air-borne pollutants that may stick on it.
- The wax has UV inhibition properties, therefore, the coat on the exterior keeps the paint safe from UV rays.
- The car wax has a melting point of more than 180 degree Fahrenheit and hence, it does not melt if exposed to high temperature during summers.
The Function of Car Polish
Car polish holds comparatively different properties that contribute to its function. Here are a few details:
- Polishing removes spots and perfects paint finish, thus making the car’s body smooth.
- Polish gives your car a better appearance and shine just like new, if done regularly (as suggested by car care service provider or auto brand).
- Car polish serves as a surface corrector by removing spots and blemishes.
Application
The car wax is applied to the entire exterior and is wiped off with a microfiber cloth or using specialized tools. In contrast, the car polish is mixed with chemicals and cleansers to improve the car surface. It is applied to the car’s body using a specific tool. You can easily buy automotive tools online as well as from the market.
Cost of Car Polishing and Waxing
The cost of car polishing in the UAE ranges between AED 300 and AED 600. Certain factors determine the car polishing cost. For example, garage, type of vehicle and products used. Whereas, if you intend to wax your car yourself, then it may cost you quite low. Car wax prices are between AED 20 to AED 35, and the rates depend on the brand.
Besides, the cost of car polishing at home may depend on the product and tools you choose. A car polisher in the market has a starting price of AED 25, which is a one time cost that you have to pay. But the polish machine price varies from brand to brand and depends on the type and if additional tools are included in the kit. While the price of polish is as low as AED 13, which again may vary, depending on the brand.
Besides, a complete car detailing service cost starts from AED 600. Almost all the car care service providers in the UAE have car waxing and polishing services included in their car detailing packages, along with buffing, clay baring and sanding. If you are based in Dubai, go through this list of car detailing services in the emirate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Wax or Polish My Car?
Car wax vs car polish? It can be rather tricky to decide which product to use for your car. However, both wax and polish serve different purposes and have different chemical compositions.
However, selecting either of the two completely depends on your vehicle’s exterior condition. The car may require waxing for shine, while a polish will blend the protective layer and remove minor blemishes and scratches.
Do You Wax or Polish Your Car First?
Car polish is done first, and then wax is applied to protect the polished body of your vehicle and enhance its outlook and shine. If car waxing is done before polishing, then the dirt or debris will seal, and polishing will not work.
How Often Should I Polish Car?
Car wax and polish services should be availed at least two times a year. But, this frequency depends on your car’s condition. You might need to get car polish or wax done more than two times. Therefore, it is important to keep a consistent check on the car’s exterior surface for small blemishes and scratches.
Car waxing or car polishing, the discussion on which one is better comes to an end here. We now know that both serve different purposes and do not serve as a substitute for each other. If you are still confused about whether you should get your car waxed or polished, then it’s better that you opt for car polishing and then apply wax to protect the polished look.
However, if you are still not happy with the outlook of your car after polishing or waxing, then it may be time to replace it. You can look for used cars for sale in the UAE if you are looking for an affordable option. A large number of second-hand cars are up for sale on dubizzle, and a few from the list are:
- Used Mercedes-Benz in the UAE for sale
- Second-hand Toyota cars in the UAE for sale
- Used Nissan for sale online in the UAE
- Second-hand BMW in the UAE for sale online
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more detail on different car care services, repair and more.
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