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Car Care Guide -> Waxing Protects the Paintwork

Although automobile paint has come a long way, regular waxing is still the best way to protect painted surfaces of your car. The following guidelines will tell you WHY, HOW OFTEN and HOW you should wax your car. The WAX SELECTION GUIDE will help you choose the right wax.

Why Wax the Car?

• A waxed surface is attractive and easy to keep clean.
• The wax layer protects painted surfaces from the abrasive effects of salt, grime, mud, and corrosive airborne impurities.
• A well-maintained automobile is enjoyable to drive and retains its value longer.

How Often is Waxing Necessary?

Waxing frequency depends on the use of the car and amount of washings. As a rule, your car should be waxed at least twice a year, in the spring and in the autumn.

The autumn waxing repels grime and protects your car from the harsh effects of winter. The spring waxing protects your car from the discolouring effects of sunlight and removes grime accumulated during the winter.

Wax in a Warm Place

The best place to wax your car is a warm (about 15 - 20°C), dry, and well-lit space such as a garage. Car washes are usually too damp for waxing to be completely successful.

For outdoor waxing, find a shady location, as final polishing will be difficult if sunshine "burns" drying wax into the paintwork. At the other extreme, a temperature that is too low (less than 10°C) will slow the wax drying, resulting in laborious polishing work and an unsatisfactory waxing result.

The condition of a car's painted surfaces is revealed by the Finger Test. Your finger will slide easily over a waxed surface in good condition. TRY IT!

How to Choose Wax

Before waxing, your car should be washed and carefully dried. It is extremely important that you select the right wax according to the particular condition and quality of the painted surface. Refer to the WAX SELECTION GUIDE for assistance.

When you want to avoid too much work, choose Quick Wax. It is quick and easy to use.

Classic is traditional carnauba wax. Cleaner polishes and cleans before normal waxing. Use Cleaner only on paint jobs that are in bad condition.

See the wax selection guide.

Proper Polishing Finishes off the Surface

Use two cloths for waxing: one to wipe away excess wax, the other to polish. For example, you can use an old towel to wipe off excess wax. Korrek Wipex is a good cloth for polishing. When the cloth gets too dirty or full of wax, clean it or change to a fresh cloth.

Wax the Side Windows, too!

It is worthwhile to wax the side windows, since this makes it easier to clean snow and ice off of them.

Avoid Streaks

Streaks are mainly a problem with red paint and other car paints with weak pigment. The better the quality of car paint, the less streaks and greying will occur.

It is good to use Korrek Cleaner before normal waxing on a car that has streaks. This will remove the damaged layer of paint, after which a long-lasting wax such as Korrek Classic II can be applied to the surface.

Apply the Wax Little by Little

Apply the wax with a sponge, one small area at a time. Let it dry and polish with a clean rag or Korrek Wipex car cloth.

Always Read the Directions

Read the directions before waxing. If necessary, a second coat of wax may be applied.

Don't Forget to Treat the Doorframes

Don't forget to help prevent corrosion by regularly waxing the doorframes and the undersides of the doors.

After waxing, treat the exterior rubber and plastic surfaces of your car with Korrek Cockpit brightener or Black Wax to restore their original colour and lustre.

Helpful Tips for Waxing Your Car

• Before waxing, apply the wax little by little over limited areas such as a door, roof, or bonnet. Do not wax freshly painted surfaces. New cars may usually be waxed immediately.
• Do not apply wax in direct sunlight or to hot metal surfaces.
• Apply wax in thin layers.
• Avoid waxing in cold or damp locations.
• A piece of sponge is excellent for applying wax.
• An old cotton T-shirt makes an excellent polishing cloth.
• Often the wax's lustre is best after a few washings.
• Use only Korrek car waxes. Korrek car waxes have been proven superior in tests, so you can be sure that your work will not be in vain!

If the Wax Sticks On the Surface:

If it is difficult to polish the wax the reason is usually too much drying.

• Has the wax been left to dry too long?
• Have you spread the wax on surface that was too hot?
• Have you waxed the car in the sunshine?

We recommend testing the wax on a small area, for example the lower part of the door, before waxing the car.