Best Car Wax On The Market? Consumer Reports Tested Them

[RaskyR1]

Originally Posted by Rems07si

whats the best Scratch and Swirl Remover?

Because paint varies so much car to car I don't believe there is such a thing...just like wax. You also have to factor in how it is applied...machine or hand. Meguiars has a huge selection which allows you to find something that works best for your specific application.

[FIJIROB]

My experience:

I bought Zaino just after buying the car (Fiji Coupe) - thinking I would make the car sparkle. I spent a lot of money, and was dissappointed.

Then I switched to NXT, had great results - no better than the Zaino, but far quicker, easier, and less expensive.

Then I had a weekend to waste detailing the car - so I used Zaino. I used ZFX, and added 3 coats of polish. It looked GREAT - better than the NXT. Again - I spent ALL day and ALL night. It only started looking BETTER than NXT after the second or third coat...

I have a detail product addiction problem - I walk through the car section of Walmart everytime I go, and if there's a new high-end product, I'll buy it and try it. So I have bottles of NXT, Ice, Black Magic, Zymol - and Zaino (and more)- sitting in my laundry room shelf - always trying to find the "Best" thing... it's maddening - and half the products go bad in the bottle because I've had them too long...

Here's my daily-driver recommendations:

1. Car Wash: NXT Car wash - Walmart. Use a microfiber sponge with two buckets.

2. Drying: Microfiber towels - Walmart. Get the bigger ones.

3. Polish/Wax : NXT. - Walmart.

4. Polishing Cloths: Use the NXT applicator pad to apply, and buy microfiber cloths from Walmart to remove.

5. Tires: Zaino. Their tire dressing is THE BEST that I've used. Tires look brand-new after you use it, rather than looking like you've painted them with clear nail polish. Again - Microfiber rags to applly.

6. Wheels - Elbow grease and a separate rag when you're washing the car. I've screwed up a set of wheels by using a strong wheel cleaner before - I stay away from wheel cleaners now.. I wipe mine with detailer spray when detailing.

7. Between washes - Meguires Ultimate Quick Detailer - Walmart, with a clean Micro-fiber cloth. I used to think detail sprays like this were a gimmick, and that if you used them without washing the car, it would scratch or swirl the paint. I'm a believer now - actually, an addict. I drive at least 70 miles a day, and I will take 10 minutes with this stuff, and the care stays immaculate. I use it almost every day. The trick is to keep clean microfiber cloths around. - Use a side of the towel until it's slightly dirty - then switch. Do the lower body last, and then the wheels.

So to sum it up - if you have nothing but time on the weekends Zaino is really great, but not much more than NXT. NXT has worked great for bi-weekely or monthly polishings. Get the Zaino tire dressing. Mequires Ultimate Quick Detailer with clean microfiber cloths will keep the car looking amazing for 10 minutes a day...

[quality_sound]

You need to invest in some GOOD microfibers like Cobra's. Those Wal-Mart microfibers are gonna swirl the crap out of your paint.

[FIJIROB]

Originally Posted by quality_sound

You need to invest in some GOOD microfibers like Cobra's. Those Wal-Mart microfibers are gonna swirl the crap out of your paint.

I disagree.

The ones I get from Wally-world haven't left a scratch or swirl. I've used them for several years now - on my old Civic and my wife's Accord.

I say this after following Zaino's instructions - and buying super nice cotton towels. (Try showing up with nicer towels than you have in the bathrooms - and then telling your wife they are for the car..). The wally-world microfiber towels work better than premium cotton towels from JCPenny - with Zaino or any other product...

I've never used Cobra's - and I'm sure they are actually better towels than the ones at Wally-world, but I've had no problem with the ones from Wally-world. Actually, I have - make sure you wash them once before using them - and DON't use fabric softner or sheets - and wash separately.

Believe me - I would FREAK if I found swirls or scratches.

[Checoman]

And has anyone tried F21 ??? this because the article stated that today wax and polish are used meaning the same ... the protectant really works very well ...

[quality_sound]

Originally Posted by Checoman

And has anyone tried F21 ??? this because the article stated that today wax and polish are used meaning the same ... the protectant really works very well ...

waxes and plishes are two VERY different things. waxes and sealants do the same thing but go about it two different ways.

[jjohan35]

If you guys all have new Civics, I have no idea why you guys are jumping on the Black Magic wax. It's an abrasive polisher that isn't good for newer cars.

[HondaFREAK]

so then what would be the best protecting wax that doesn't swirl NHPB. I use the Ice from turtle wax and it doesn't seem to stay on there that long...looking for a longer protecting wax because I'm at college all the time and I can't wash/wax all the time.

[4DoorWhore]

don't forget to clay bar before you wax. It makes all the difference!!!

[Izzy]

Zaino itself doesn't make the car sparkle. It does seal and protect though. It's advisable -- and often done -- to use another wax as well. A lot of the show shine people use Zaino then use Carnuba P21S to bring out the depth and wet.

[RaskyR1]

Originally Posted by HondaFREAK

so then what would be the best protecting wax that doesn't swirl NHPB. I use the Ice from turtle wax and it doesn't seem to stay on there that long...looking for a longer protecting wax because I'm at college all the time and I can't wash/wax all the time.

No wax should swirl the paint. If it does than the process you are using to apply it with is flawed.

[Izzy]

Spiderwebbing can be caused from using too much soap or cleaner. Car soap is abrasive, so get the dirt washed off as much as you can with the hose, then only use a capful of soap with a bucketful of water. This lessens abrasions while still being able to clean the car. I use two capfuls myself, but, yeah.

Swirls are generally caused by something dirty, coarse, or abrasive in its ingredients.

Also, try to use a wool or microfiber mitt to wash. I love my wool mitt! Sponges and such are deemed worthy of only wheel cleaning.

[si_civic]

^ yes.

People think the more soap, the better. In a way, it can protect. Its the only barrier between the brush and the paint. However, just enough to provide lubricity (cap-ful, like izzy said) is enough.

Darryl

[quality_sound]

Originally Posted by HondaFREAK

so then what would be the best protecting wax that doesn't swirl NHPB. I use the Ice from turtle wax and it doesn't seem to stay on there that long...looking for a longer protecting wax because I'm at college all the time and I can't wash/wax all the time.

If all your after is protection use a sealant and not a wax. BTW, to see if you REALLY need to wax again take a clean terry cloth towel, bunch up one end, push it against the paint with some decent pressure and spin it like a screwdriver type of motion. If it squeaks you need to wax, if not you're good.

Oh, and wax doesn't swirl paint, ever. it's what you're using to wash, apply wax and remove wax that swirls paint.

[timbakersr]

ZIANO Bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't care what you say until you use it and them wash your car and feel your car and look at your car, you won't get it. Seeing is believing. 2 oz's can do a Civic 4 times!

[quality_sound]

Originally Posted by Izzy

Spiderwebbing can be caused from using too much soap or cleaner. Car soap is abrasive,

Who told you that load of crap? Car soap is NOT abrasive, it's basic (as in pH) but it's NOT abrasive. And how much you use is up to the manufacturers. Meg's wants you to use 6 capfuls PER GALLON of the NXT wash.

[Izzy]

Thanks for clearing that up then.

[divinebarrel]

ear wax gets the job done

[Civic4u]

Originally Posted by divinebarrel

ear wax gets the job done

[ryker]

Originally Posted by RaskyR1

No wax should swirl the paint. If it does than the process you are using to apply it with is flawed.

a general all in one wax contains abrasive cleaners and abrasive polish. So it can/could cause very micro swirls. I only use pure wax products.