Why I'll Never Wax A Car Again...
About this episode
A deep dive into the reasons for moving away from traditional car waxing in favor of modern ceramic coatings. The host shares personal experiences and experiments that led to the conclusion that waxing is often a nostalgic but ultimately inferior method of paint protection. He discusses the temporary nature of wax, the benefits of ceramic coatings, and how they provide better durability and protection. The episode balances practical advice with reflections on the joy of detailing, making a case for efficiency over nostalgia in car care.
In this episode, I break down why traditional car wax — both natural and synthetic — no longer makes sense for me when it comes to real paint protection. Yes, wax can give your car a beautiful glow. Yes, the "wax on, wax off" process can be therapeutic. But when you look at durability, chemical resistance, heat breakdown, and the amount of labor involved, the return just isn't there anymore.
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PRODUCTS TALKED ABOUT:
Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TAS or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4r5UxYr
The Super Soaper: https://jimbosdetailing.com/TSS or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49KEM2d
Picture Perfect Polish: https://jimbosdetailing.com/PPP or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sQWpWu
Microfiber towels: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/orange-wash-microfiber or https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/everyday-microfiber
Cut & Finish Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/cut-finish-pad or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LsxJ69
Finishing Pad: https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/black-finishing-pad or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJNDCPTG
SHOP ALL JIMBO'S DETAILING ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3LX3mVE
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durability for wax
"...that's why durability for wax is a couple weeks, maybe a month if you start getting into synthetic"
Durability for wax is how long the wax on your car will last before it needs to be put on again. Regular wax might last a few weeks, but synthetic wax can last a month or more.
Durability for wax refers to how long a car wax can protect the paint before it needs to be reapplied. Natural waxes typically last a few weeks, while synthetic waxes can last longer due to their chemical composition.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"Six years ago when I got the Land Cruiser, I thought, you know what, I'm not gonna ceramic coat it right away..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a large SUV that is very tough and can handle rough terrains. It's known for being reliable and is popular for both city driving and off-roading.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has a long history of being a reliable vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures.
ceramic coat
"I'm not gonna ceramic coat it right away, I'm just gonna kind of apply some spray waxes..."
Ceramic coating is a special liquid that you put on a car's paint to protect it from dirt and scratches. It also makes the car look shiny and helps keep it clean.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle to provide a protective layer against environmental contaminants. It enhances the car's shine and makes it easier to clean.
spray wax
"I'm just gonna kind of apply some spray waxes at the time I was real big on the turtle wax."
Spray wax is a product you can spray on your car to make it shiny and protect the paint. It's easy to use and can be applied after washing the car.
Spray wax is a quick and easy way to add a layer of protection and shine to a vehicle's paint. It can be applied after washing the car to enhance its appearance and provide some protection against the elements.
Turtle Wax
"...I was real big on the turtle wax. I spray wax and seal and shine..."
Turtle Wax is a brand that makes products to help keep cars clean and shiny. They have a variety of items like wax and cleaners that people use on their cars.
Turtle Wax is a well-known brand that produces car care products, including waxes, polishes, and cleaners. They are popular among car enthusiasts for their effectiveness in maintaining vehicle appearance.
paste wax
"...or even a paste wax is it wears off so fast, you're having to continuously reapply..."
Paste wax is another type of product used to make your car shiny and protect its paint. It comes in a solid form and you apply it by hand, but you need to use it often to keep your car looking good.
Paste wax is a traditional car wax that comes in a solid form and is applied by hand. It provides a protective layer and enhances the shine of the vehicle's paint, but it requires regular reapplication to maintain its effectiveness.
paint protection
"And so because that's how I look at paint protection. So paint protection, any form of paint protection, whether wax or ceramic coating, is insurance against the unknown, really..."
Paint protection is anything you do to keep your car's paint safe from damage. This can include applying wax or special coatings that help prevent scratches and fading from the sun.
Paint protection refers to various methods and products used to safeguard a vehicle's paint from damage caused by environmental factors, such as dirt, debris, and UV rays. Common forms include wax, sealants, and ceramic coatings, each offering different levels of protection and durability.
bird bomb
"...insurance on the paint, that if I get a bird bomb in the parking lot, I don't have to like hurry up and get it off..."
A 'bird bomb' is just a fancy way of saying bird poop. If it sits on your car for too long, it can hurt the paint.
A 'bird bomb' refers to bird droppings that can damage a car's paint if not cleaned off promptly. The acidity in bird droppings can etch into the clear coat and paint, leading to permanent damage if left untreated.
clear coat
"...that bird poop's not gonna etch through, right? If I go on a road trip..."
The clear coat is the shiny top layer of paint on your car. It helps protect the color underneath and keeps it looking nice.
The clear coat is a transparent layer of paint applied over the base color coat of a vehicle. It provides a glossy finish and protects the underlying paint from UV rays, scratches, and chemical damage.
show car
"And if you have a show car or you have a car show car or a weekend car or a date night car, I think, you know, trailer queen, a garage queen, whatever..."
A show car is a car that people make look really nice to show off at events. It's not usually driven every day, just kept for special occasions.
A show car is a vehicle that is modified or maintained to be displayed at car shows, often showcasing high levels of detail and customization. These cars are typically not used for daily driving but rather for exhibition purposes.
trailer queen
"...I think, you know, trailer queen, a garage queen, whatever, I think that wax could serve a purpose for you in that."
A trailer queen is a car that is too nice to drive on the road, so it's carried on a trailer to car shows instead. This keeps it safe and looking perfect.
A trailer queen is a term used to describe a car that is so pristine or valuable that it is transported on a trailer rather than driven on the road. This is often done to avoid wear and tear and to maintain the vehicle's condition for shows or events.
garage queen
"...I think, you know, trailer queen, a garage queen, whatever, I think that wax could serve a purpose for you in that."
A garage queen is a car that is kept in perfect shape and usually stays in the garage instead of being driven often. People take care of it really well and only use it for special events.
A garage queen refers to a vehicle that is kept in pristine condition and rarely driven, often stored in a garage to protect it from the elements. Owners of garage queens typically maintain these cars meticulously and use them primarily for special occasions or shows.
Sonax
"Even if you're gonna wax and you want something quick, I still think that Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer is a fantastic detail spray."
Sonax is a brand that makes products to clean and protect cars. They have sprays and waxes that help your car look shiny and new.
Sonax is a well-known brand that specializes in car care products, including detailing sprays, waxes, and other cleaning solutions. Their products are designed to enhance the appearance and protection of vehicles.
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