The Best Car Waxes of 2022

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There’s something eye-catching about a perfectly polished car or truck. The way the light hits the vehicle’s curves, the reflection in the glass, and the look of a beautiful leather interior are all breathtaking. Here’s the secret: Those car owners aren’t paying professionals; they’re polishing their cars themselves.

To get that level of finish, nothing can replace the best car waxes available. These quality products leave a shiny finish that protects the clear coat and the paint underneath. They help shed water and even rejuvenate an old finish.

Keep reading to learn more about choosing and using these products at home. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.

BEST OVERALL: CAR GUYS Hybrid Wax – Advanced Car Wax
BEST BUDGET: Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Paste Wax
BEST NATURAL: Mothers 05701 California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Wax
BEST TRADITIONAL: P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax
BEST SYNTHETIC: Carfidant Ultimate Liquid Wax
BEST CERAMIC: Ethos Ceramic Wax PRO – Aerospace Coating Protection
BEST HYBRID CERAMIC: Meguiar’s Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Car Wax

Whether it’s to protect a car’s finish for resale value or longevity, or to simply add a great-looking finish to your pride and joy, the best car wax can help. But there are quite a few points to keep in mind when considering which one to purchase. The following section will highlight those important considerations in the name of smart shopping.

Type

Car waxes continue to protect the vehicle after application, unlike a product like an upholstery cleaner that simply removes dirt and grime. Just like the variety of vehicles on the market, there are many types of car wax available. Each has its strengths, so familiarize yourself with each type.

Carnauba wax comes from the leaves of a palm tree native to Brazil. During processing, manufacturers mix it with beeswax and turpentine to create the high-quality product that so many car show participants rely on. Carnauba wax seems to soak into the surface of the car paint, protecting from within. Although the finish doesn’t last incredibly long (6 to 8 weeks, usually), the shine and water-repellency are top-notch.
Synthetic waxes (or paint sealants) are a less natural approach to car wax. These waxes use tens of thousands of polymers to create a hard, protective shell on the outside of the car paint. Because they don’t need to soak into the surface of the car, they’re easier to apply. Each application can last between 4 and 6 months.
Ceramic waxes contain synthetic wax with a ceramic polymer and are otherwise known as liquid car waxes. It creates an even harder shell over the vehicle than synthetic wax and has a longer lifespan.
Hybrid ceramic wax is typically long lasting and has a high viscosity, giving your car advanced shine. It includes the same ingredients as ceramic wax (synthetic wax and ceramic polymer), but lasts for over 12 months without requiring another application.
Specialty waxes exist as well. Cleaner waxes can help remove imperfections in the car’s paint and restore the color of a faded surface. There are also waxes made specifically for certain colors, though they’re no more effective than a typical wax as all modern vehicles have clear coats over the paint.
Paste wax is one of the oldest forms of car wax, and it ranges from a butter wet wax texture to a hard paste. This wax is formulated with natural ingredients for advanced shine but tends to require more maintenance and applications than the typical car wax.

Form

Would-be detailers can also buy wax in different forms, with varying styles of application.

Paste wax is a solid form of wax that users apply with a buffing pad. These waxes usually come in shallow jars, and while they’re the least messy option, they’re also the most difficult to apply.
Liquid wax comes out of a squeeze bottle and has the consistency of hand lotion. These waxes are typically synthetic-based, even if they contain carnauba. They’re straightforward to apply but can get a bit messy.
Spray waxes contain a thin liquid that users can apply to a vehicle with a spray bottle. This is by far the easiest way to wax a vehicle, but due to its diluted nature, a spray wax finish doesn’t last as long as one achieved with paste or liquid wax.

Keep in mind that no matter the form of wax, it will need buffing after it cures, so no one product is better for hard-to-reach places than another.

Desired Finish

When choosing the best car wax, keeping the desired finish in mind is key to a job well done. All waxes offer some form of shine and protection, but some offer a shinier look than others.

If you’d prefer a shinier, perpetually wet look, there are products available that can deliver the goods. These options typically come in a carnauba paste car wax or a liquid bottle, and they leave behind a glossier, shinier finish. Just beware that glossier finishes don’t necessarily indicate better protection, and frequent reapplication might be necessary to maintain that level of shine.

Environmental Factors

The reason car waxes wear off or lose their protective qualities is most often due to environmental factors. For one, the sun’s UV rays can do a number on a painted surface; it makes sense that they’ll wear down the protective coating as well. As is the case with your car’s interior and carpets, salt from roads and acid rain can also shorten the lifespan of a wax coating.

High-quality synthetic car waxes account for these environmental factors and use formulas specifically designed to minimize their effects. Manufacturers will use specific combinations of polymers, ceramic coatings, and more to offer as long-lasting a coat as possible. Carnauba, as a natural product, doesn’t provide as much protection, though mixing it with these polymers to create a hybrid formula can be effective.

Longevity

As previously mentioned, certain waxes and formulas last longer than others, which could be the most important factor when choosing a product.

If you’re shopping for the best car wax based on longevity, a synthetic liquid wax is probably the best bet. These waxes can protect a vehicle’s surface for 6 months or longer. The quality of the finish might not be as high or as shiny as that of a carnauba wax application, but the level of protection against rain, sun, salt, and other enemies of paint is unmatched.

Carnauba waxes offer the beautiful, show-stopping, glossy finishes that come to mind when most think of a car wax, but their protective coat doesn’t last quite as long as a synthetic.

Application

Application is an entirely different consideration that needs some thought. For those who don’t want to devote an afternoon to waxing a car, spray wax is by far the fastest way to protect the vehicle’s surface. With the help of a microfiber cloth, users can quickly spray and wipe a surface, allowing them to finish an entire vehicle in just a few minutes.

Liquid wax is also very convenient, as users can put a dab on a microfiber cloth or foam buffing pad and apply it over a large surface quickly. This wax also has to set on the surface until it becomes hazy before it’s buffed with a clean cloth, a buffing pad, or a buffer. That setup time takes around 5 minutes, depending on the conditions. The liquid can be runny and messy, however, so be sure to keep that in mind while applying.

Paste wax is the least messy to deal with, but the process of applying it does take a bit longer. Users will need to rub an application pad or a microfiber cloth on the wax, creating a bit of friction and heat, and then apply it to the surface of the vehicle. Like liquid wax, paste wax has a haze before buffing it off with a clean buffing pad, a microfiber cloth, or an electric buffer. On colder days, it can be difficult to get paste wax to soak into the paint, but this wax is still preferred by many car enthusiasts.

Our Top Picks

With that bit of background on choosing the best car wax, putting a shiny, protective coat on that special ride just got a little easier. To help streamline the shopping process even more, check out the following list of products. It consists of some of the best car waxes on the market, and there’s an option for just about any vehicle and preference.

Best Overall

CAR GUYS Hybrid Wax – Advanced Car Wax

See It

Car Guys Hybrid Wax Advanced Car Wax formula offers the butter wet wax shine of a carnauba wax with the durable, long-lasting protection of a synthetic wax for the best of both worlds. This spray wax product applies easily and leaves behind a show-car shine that protects the car’s paint against the sun’s UV rays while offering a water-repellent barrier.

When spraying, don’t worry about accidentally splashing the car’s windows or windshield: This wax is safe for any paint on cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs, as well as plastic, glass, and anywhere else a detailer might accidentally hit. Once applied, it leaves a streak-free shine and a layer of protection that lasts for 3 to 6 months.

Product Specs

Type: Carnauba and synthetic wax
Application: Spray
Longevity: 3 to 6 months

Pros

Dual-action formula
Easy to apply
UV and water resistant
Suitable for cars, RVs, boats, motorcycles, and more

Cons

Should not be applied on hot or warm surfaces

Get the CAR GUYS car wax on Amazon.

Best Budget

Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Paste Wax

See It

Home detailers with a few waxings to their name will recognize Turtle Wax’s Super Hard Shell Paste Wax. A favorite among vehicle owners, this inexpensive product offers a high water repellency and protects a vehicle’s finish for up to 12 months.

This 14-ounce container of carnauba wax and silicone is easy to apply and creates a protective shell over the vehicle. Since it’s carnauba- and silicone-based, it will work on any vehicle, RV, trailer, boat, and lots of other surfaces. Purchase includes an applicator pad for spreading the wax.

Product Specs

Type: Paste wax
Application: Microfiber pad or cloth
Longevity: 12 months

Pros

Water-repellent formula
Ample quantity provided
Easy to apply
Suitable for cars, RVs, trailers, boats, and more

Cons

Not intended for wood, vinyl, or flat paint
Should not be applied in direct sunlight

Get the Turtle Wax car wax on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Best Natural

Mothers 05701 California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Wax

See It

When it comes to finding a product based on natural ingredients, Mothers California Gold Brazilian Carnauba Wax might tick the box. This liquid product uses pure carnauba wax mixed with polymers that allow the user to apply it easily. The heat-resistant formula gives it a longer lifespan than most carnauba waxes in direct sunlight.

Made using a special formula, this liquid wax also cleans the surface, removing impurities as it polishes. It can even help restore some paint fade on older vehicles. Keep in mind that this squeeze bottle doesn’t come with an applicator, so be sure to purchase one separately.

Product Specs

Type: Carnauba wax
Application: Microfiber applicator or cloth
Longevity: 2 to 3 months

Pros

Natural formula
Heat resistant
Cleans and polishes simultaneously

Cons

Shorter longevity compared with similar products
Applicator not included

Get the Mothers car wax on

Amazon

or at

The Home Depot

Best Traditional

P21S 12700W Carnauba Wax

See It

Easy to apply and effective, the P21S Concours-Look Carnauba Wax comes in a 6.2-ounce container and lasts for 5 to 6 weeks between applications. Formulated with beeswax and carnauba wax, this formula comes with an applicator but can also be applied with a microfiber cloth for an added high-gloss finish.

This P21S pick also contains no dyes, additives, or perfumes, which makes it an eco-friendly, low-chemical option that works on cars, rubber, and plastic. Be advised, however, that this wax should not be applied in direct sunlight.

Product Specs

Type: Carnauba wax and beeswax
Application: Applicator or microfiber cloth
Longevity: 5 to 6 weeks

Pros

Carnauba and beeswax-infused formula
Applicator included
Suitable for use on cars, plastic, and rubber

Cons

Should not be applied in direct sunlight
Small quantity compared with similar options

Get the P21S car wax on Amazon.

Best Synthetic

Carfidant Ultimate Liquid Wax

See It

For long-lasting and effective waxing, the Carfidant Ultimate Liquid Wax is easy to apply and remove with the included applicator and microfiber cloth. This nano-polymer synthetic formula provides protection against moisture and UV rays while also offering a glistening shine.

While it can polish the exterior of any color vehicle, it can also be used on mirrors and windows and acts as a paint sealant. For even more convenience, this 18-ounce container only needs to be pulled out every 6 to 12 months for polishing.

Product Specs

Type: Synthetic wax
Application: Microfiber cloth or applicator
Longevity: 6 to 12 months

Pros

Nano-polymer synthetic formula
Protects against UV rays and moisture
Long lasting
Comes with a microfiber cloth and applicator

Cons

Pricey

Get the Carfidant car wax on Amazon.

Best Ceramic

Ethos Ceramic Wax PRO – Aerospace Coating Protection

See It

Vehicle owners looking to apply a mirror-like shine that they can see themselves in should look into this ceramic wax from Ethos. This synthetic product allows users to wax, polish, and seal their car’s paint with just one product. It prevents paint fade, fills minor scratches, and leaves an ultra-slick shine.

In addition to protecting vehicles against sun, rain, and salt for up to 12 months, this product is easy to apply with a foam applicator pad, and it buffs easily with a microfiber cloth.

Product Specs

Type: Ceramic and synthetic wax
Application: Foam applicator pad or microfiber cloth
Longevity: 12 months

Pros

Waxes, polishes, and seals paint
Protects against faded paint, scratches, sun, rain, and salt
Easy to apply

Cons

Requires 24 hours of curing if applied to fiberglass

Get the Ethos car wax on Amazon.

Best Hybrid Ceramic

Meguiar’s Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax

See It

If you have multiple cars or need a lot of wax for that butter wet wax shine, the Meguiar’s X-Press Spray Wax may be just the ticket. With 128 ounces of wax included, this pick is long lasting in quantity and longevity as you can wait 2 to 4 months between applications.

Apply this wax to a wet or dry car in the shade or direct sunlight with a mister or spray bottle (not included), wipe with a microfiber cloth or applicator, and then rinse. For added convenience, you can also apply this pick to either wet or dry paint for a wet-look shine.

Product Specs

Type: Hybrid ceramic wax
Application: Spray
Longevity: 2 to 4 months

Pros

Ample quantity included
Can be applied in direct sunlight
Works on a wet or dry surface
Suitable for wet or dry paint applications

Cons

Pricey
Product cannot be left on any surface without rinsing

Get the Meguiar’s car wax on Amazon.

Our Verdict

One of the best options overall is the CAR GUYS wax with its carnauba and synthetic wax formula, easy spray application, and 3-to-6-month longevity. It can be used on RVs, boats, vehicles, and trailers. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option, the Turtle Wax pick is a water-repellent paste formula that can be applied with a microfiber pad or cloth and lasts for up to 12 months.

How We Chose the Best Car Waxes

We researched the most sought-after car waxes in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their type, ease of application, longevity, versatility, and other special features included by select brands.

While looking for the best car waxes on the market, we found that the carnauba and paste car wax options were among the most popular for their ease of application, longevity, and the convenience of having applicators or microfiber cloths included. While not as popular, ceramic, hybrid ceramic, and synthetic waxes are also viable options for protecting your paint from scratches, UV rays, and moisture.

No matter the type, each of the above picks lasts for months at a time between applications, can be applied to multiple surfaces including RVs, boats, and trailers, and comes with enough wax to last through multiple applications.

FAQs

Even with that extensive primer on the best car wax, there might be some new questions popping up that need to be answered. This section aims to help, as it’s a collection of some of the most frequently asked questions about car waxes and taking care of your car properly.

Q: What is the difference between car polish and wax?

Car polishes use small abrasives in the formula to remove scratches and swirl marks. Car waxes seal that surface and protect it against rain, snow, salt, sun, and other environmental hazards.

Q: What should be done first: polishing or waxing?

If the vehicle needs both polishing and waxing, start with the polishing step first. This allows the surface to be corrected before sealing it with wax.

Q: Is liquid or paste car wax better?

Liquid wax is easy to apply, but it can be messy. Paste wax can be difficult to apply, but it’s far less messy to work with. For pros used to working with liquid waxes regularly, liquid wax is fine. Vehicle owners waxing their vehicles for the first time should consider starting out with a paste wax.

Q: How often should a car be waxed?

Most car waxes can last up to about 6 months, which means a car should be waxed twice a year. It’s best to wax the vehicle before winter, so salt and road brine don’t stick as well to the vehicle, and again in the spring when the winter grime is washed off the surface.