The offers by the many car detailing shops are tempting: wash and wax your car at a discount, making is always look neat and shiny. Can one overdo it with the car care and could it actually have a negative effect is a question German Motors hears often.
To answer this query, one needs to look at what actually happens when we polish and wax our cars. First, we polish the vehicle. This is done using chemicals that work similar to sand paper (or your booth paste even). In essence the polish applied works as it is a mildly abrasive compound. By applying it, one removes a thin layer of paint, which eliminates minor scratches, swirls, and oxidation. In doing so, it then smooths the surface to restore shine. These abrasives in the polish "level" the surface. When the product is then removed, it is leaving a smoother, clearer paint layer underneath. Thus, tiny, superficial scratches, which dull the surface, will be removed.
This process will remove a thin layer of paint every time it is administered. Hence, it is not recommended to carry out this task too often. Eventually, the protective clear coating will be worn thin and completely removed. The next polish may then demolish the coloured paint that is usually protected by the layer of clear coating. German Motors recommends a yearly polish, or every six months the most.
Car waxing on the other hand is beneficial for the vehicle as a layer of protective coating is applied. The wax, rubbed onto the paint, will act as an additional layer of coating. Such layer of wax will protect the paint. Water runs off easier, and the wax protects the paint from sunlight. Through waxing, water stains can be removed and the shine of the vehicle restored. Some specialist waxes are even designed to protect against minor damage from stones hitting the car’s body.
As wax is not abrasive, it can be applied more often. However, in our climate, waxing a car is recommended every three months. The wax coating will last for some time, hence any more often does not harm the paint, but is an extra effort that does not offer benefits.
In conclusion, you can polish your car too often, but waxing it more then recommended would only result in extra time spent.
