Winter is coming, and if you want to make sure that your car’s bodywork is prepared for the onslaught of ice, grit and salt on the roads, then you’re going to need to give it some protection. Unless you plan on keeping your car in the garage for the duration, you can’t stop the elements trying to eat away at your car’s pristine exterior, but what you can do is put a protective layer in between – and car wax represents by far the best way of fending off the winter weather.
As you’d expect, car wax is big business, and that means there’s hundreds of products on the market – some good, and some bad. To help you buy the best car wax, we’ve teamed up with our colleagues over on Auto Express to put together this list of the best car wax and sealants you can buy right now. And if you’re not sure what to look for, then our bite-size buying guide below will run you through everything you need to know.
So, want to know which car wax you should be applying this weekend? Keep reading for the best car wax of 2017.
How to buy the best car wax for your car
What kinds of car wax are there?
There are actually several different types and forms of car wax, and as you’d expect, each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Natural car waxes If you’re not familiar with car wax, then chances are you’re probably thinking of a traditional natural car wax. To be considered a natural car wax, a product must contain some Carnauba wax, derived from the Brazilian Copernicia cerifera plant. In 2017, many natural car waxes also contain other synthetic additives, but as a rule, the more expensive waxes will contain more Carnauba.
Synthetic car waxes and sealants The cheaper end of the market will consist of synthetic car waxes. As you’d expect, synthetic products do pretty much the same thing as natural waxes – but at a lower cost.
What’s the difference between a wax and a sealant?
Natural waxes only come in a paste form, and although they take extra effort to use, they produce the best results. The catch? They tend to be more expensive, and also only last for six to eight weeks.
In contrast, synthetic waxes and sealants are much cheaper and last much longer. They’re often available in sprayable or liquid forms so they’re easier to apply. However, they’re regarded as providing a slightly inferior finish to real wax.
What form do waxes come in?
Waxes can come in different forms, and that means they need to be applied in different ways. Natural waxes usually come in paste form, and they take the longest to apply properly. Synthetic waxes and sealants are often sprayable or even liquids – so they’re easier and quicker to apply.
What’s the best way to apply car wax?
There is no best way to apply car wax, but generally, pastes will produce a better finish. They do take longer to apply though. Sprays and liquids can be applied much faster, but their finishes tend to be less impressive.
How often do you need to apply car wax? How long does each treatment last?
Natural car waxes tend to last for a good six to eight weeks, while synthetic waxes and sealants can work longer – often for over three months. Don’t expect them to look as good, though.
The best car waxes in 2017
1. Bilt Hamber double speed-wax: The best car wax under £20
Price: Around £15
Bilt Hamber’s double speed-wax, is pretty fast, but it’s also extremely durable. After a small amount of buffing, the section we tested with Bilt Hamber’s wax was hard to fill with water even after seven weeks. It’s easy on the wallet, and when you add the cloth and applicator, this is a cracking deal.
Key specs – Size: 250ml; Price per 100ml:£6; Contact: www.bilthamber.com
2. Soft 99 Fusso Coat Dark: The best car wax under £30
Price: Around £22
This and Bilt Hamber’s double speed-wax are the picks of the bunch, with our winner just about having the edge. However, Fusso Coat is a little more expensive, and unlike Bilt Hamber’s wax, it only gives you a single sponge. Either way, it’s a great wax if you’re prepared to spend a little extra money.
Key specs – Size: 200g; Price per 100g:£11; Contact: www.nipponshine.com
3. Halfords Car Polish: The best cheap car polish
Price: Around £3.50
Halford’s Car Polish is one of the cheapest entries here at just £3.50, but you can’t argue with its performance. Sure, it’s not the best on offer – but it provided surprisingly durable protection for the money. We’ve seen this ability in previous tests and the milder weather certainly seems to suit Car Polish. It buffs very easily and makes some paste rivals look rather expensive.
Key specs – Size: 500ml; Price per 100ml: 70p; Contact: www.halfords.com
4. Armor All Shield: Affordable, and the easiest car wax to apply
Price: Around £20
If you are looking for an easy application, Armor All’s Shield is the wax for you. There’s no need to wait for it to dry before buffing, and Armor All even claims this wax is revived by washing. Add a keen price, with a sponge and microfibre cloth, and this is a great choice.
Key specs – Size: 500ml; Price per 100ml:£4; Contact: www.armorall.eu
5. Angelwax The Fifth Element: The ultimate car wax, but it’s supremely expensive
Price: Around £24
At £110 this hand-poured wax from Angelwax needs to be good, even if it does include a cloth and applicator. However, it performs well and is very consistent, justifying claims this is a ‘high-endurance show wax’. As for the name? It’s to do with the formula, which is made from four waxes and a mystery fifth element.
Key specs – Size: 250ml; Price per 100ml:£44; Contact: www.angelwax.co.uk