Let’s get to the bottom of it: waxing your car provides a beautiful, shiny gloss AND extends the life of your paint job. That’s why we searched the web far and wide to find you the longest lasting car wax. With so many options of brands, types, and product ingredients, we worked to compile a list of all of the best car wax options to make your shopping easy.
Benefits of Car Wax
On the superficial side, waxing your car should be part of your car cleaning and maintenance to-do list. No matter what type of wax you choose to use, you’ll achieve a lovely and shiny finish after you wax your car that should turn heads.
Along with that, waxprotects your paint from superficial damage. How does it do this? The protective coating that wax leaves behind allows various contaminants such as tar, bird poop, or tree sap to glide off of your car’s paint job instead of damaging it. While the clear coat also helps with this, the additional layer of wax protects against UV rays, dirt, debris, and more
If you have any scratches on your car, check out our step-by-step guide on how to touch up car paint or our buying guide for the best car scratch removers. Once you touch up the blemish, you can wax the car to add a protective layer and keep your paint in good shape.
Along with the two main benefits of creating a shiny finish and protecting your paint, regularly waxing your car also increases your car’s resale value and helps you wash your car less frequently. With a well-maintained paint job, your car will hold its value better when it comes time to sell it to get a new ride. And the slippery, water-repellent wax coating means dirt and debris are less likely to get caked on. With that, you should be able to spot clean your car at home whenever needed and only have to do a deep clean car wash every so often.
Types of Car Wax
When it comes to finding the best car wax for your needs, the number of options can feel daunting. To get started, let’s break down the most common types of car wax. Across liquid, paste, and spray waxes, you will most often find either carnauba wax, synthetic wax, or a synthetic blend of both.
Carnauba wax gives the paint more of a smooth, warm glow because it is made of natural ingredients. Along with that, carnauba wax tends to need reapplication more often. With that being said, we’ve looked to find carnauba wax that lasts the longest in relation to other carnauba wax. On the other hand, synthetic wax gives the paint a classic, sleek shine and generally is a quicker application. And, it tends to need less-frequent reapplication.
Spray car wax tends to be the easiest to apply which can save you a lot of time. Many people opt to use spray car wax as their sole car waxing method while others use spray car wax between their more detailed paste car wax applications. To apply, simply spray the wax on and then wipe it off. With spray car wax, you can find numerous multi-purpose sprays that also polish as well as single-purpose sprays that only wax the car.
Liquid car wax is perhaps the most common car wax out there. With liquid wax, it’s main ingredients can be carnauba, synthetic, or a hybrid of both. Liquid car wax is the second quickest application. Many users recommend liquid car wax for older cars that may require more wax. This is because liquid car wax goes on easily and covers a large surface area with a quick application.
Paste car wax requires the most time-consuming application, but it produces very noticeable results in terms of a shiny finish and a solid protective layer. With that being said, using a buffer instead of your hands may be the best option to apply paste car wax. You want to get an even coat across your whole car. Since paste car wax is the thickest, you’ll have to work the hardest to get a nice, even coat.
The 10 Longest Lasting Car Waxes on The Market Today
Below, we’ve outlined the 10 best wax for cars on the market today. After our extensive guide on the best products, we’ve also outlined how to best apply wax to your vehicle as well as answered all of your most frequently asked questions surrounding the best wax for cars. With that, let’s take a look at all the best long-lasting car waxes!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran when it comes to waxing your car, Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax is one of the best waxes for cars. Because it is liquid, the application couldn’t be easier. Simply apply to the car using a soft pad or microfiber cloth. Allow to dry for 3-5 minutes, and then remove it with a little bit of elbow grease using a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
While it is always best to apply wax in the shade, Meguiar’s claims this liquid wax can actually be applied in direct sunlight. So if you live in an area where shade is hard to come by, this could be the best car wax for you. The synthetic polymer blend not only makes this liquid wax extremely easy to apply but will also give your car that undeniably striking shine. Also, the synthetic polymers tend to hold up extremely well between applications.
When applied correctly, you can expect a full 6 months of coverage from this long-lasting car wax. And Meguiar’s guarantees that this car wax won’t leave behind any white residue. When washing your car before you wax, you can use Meguiar’s Gold Class car wash soap. An for extra glamour, use their Ultimate Polish Pre-Waxing Glaze.
If you’re looking for a carnauba wax that’ll talk the talk and walk the walk, the P21S Carnauba Wax is the answer. For those who love giving their car a lot of attention, this paste wax will produce an amazing shine and continued protection that exceeds most other car waxes out there.
Though this wax will require a bit more time and elbow grease to apply, that doesn’t mean you have to use a buffer or orbital polisher (although you can). You can wax your vehicle by hand using the included applicator and some determination. P21S uses beeswax as a softening agent in this carnauba blend. This wax will provide a streak-free and smudge-free shine that is seriously showroom quality. And it does an excellent job repelling rain, so you won’t have any water spots on your paint job.
Across the board, car wax that is made from only carnauba tends to be less long-lasting than blends or synthetic waxes. This carnauba wax is formulated to last around 2 months before reapplication is needed which is on the higher end for carnauba waxes which typically last 3-8 weeks.
Why call a car wax “butter?” Well, the Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax will melt onto your car just like butter. This, in turn, gives your paint a deep surface shine. Unlike butter, this 100% carnauba creme wax is easy to remove once it dries. This wax provides UVB and UVA protection and repels water, tar, and other contaminants to keep your paint protected and vibrant.
No matter what type of paint your car has — metallic, solid color, ceramic or clear-coated — this amazing car wax will restore your car to a shine that’s even better than the first day you laid eyes on it. And, it can even be applied when the car is still wet from washing it! Use a Chemical Guys microfiber applicator to apply the wax after shaking the bottle up. Putting a small dab of wax on the applicator and apply using a gentle circular motion.
When applied correctly, this wax will last around 3 months. Looking for a spray wax from Chemical Guys? The Blazin’ Banana Spray Wax works on paintwork, glass, and clear plastics — giving all your surfaces a beautiful, protective shine.
The Last Coat is a little something different … in the best way possible. This simplified spray wax triples as car wax, car polish, and a ceramic coating. All you have to do? Spray a clean microfiber towel with The Last Coat and wipe the microfiber towel across the car, reapplying as needed. Leave it for about three minutes and then use another towel to buff your car.
When you are finished, this spray will leave behind a glossy, streak-free, protective coat on the exterior of your vehicle that should last up to 6 months. In addition to adding shine, this spray will protect your car from UV rays, water stains, dirt, debris, and more. With this revolutionary spray, your car will be the most vibrant one on the block.
The Last Coat backs all of its products with a 30-day, money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the product for any reason. Along with this wax working great on a car’s exterior, it can also be used on dashboards, leather seats, glass, and instrument panels.
Not only is the Car Guys Liquid Wax an amazing high gloss synthetic car wax, but it also doubles as a paint sealant! The synthetic liquid is infused with carnauba wax, and when applied, gives your car a stunning shine while providing long-lasting paint protection. Best of all, it comes with a foam applicator AND a cloth to remove the wax once it dries. When you use this premium wax, you should only need to apply it one to two times per year.
This wax provides durable UV protection, is environmentally friendly, and is fully mixed, bottled, and made in the USA. Along with using this on your car, it also works great on RVs, boats, and motorcycles. The included applicators can be used safely on various surfaces including rims, metal, paint, and glass. You can expect this liquid wax to work great across all car paint colors.
Car Guys believes in their product so much that they provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at any point you aren’t completely satisfied, they will give you a full refund. You can expect this wax to last around 3-6 months when applied correctly. Along with that, the protective finish should last for up to one year after application, making this a high contender for one of the longest lasting car waxes on the market.
6. Meguiar's Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Paste Wax
When it comes to any product in the Meguiar’s Gold Class line, you can expect top-quality and longevity. Along with the buttery carnauba wax paste, this formula also utilizes protective polymers that will keep your car’s finish in top shape. It is suitable for use on all glossy paint and any kind of clear coat.
With the brand new formula, this premium wax gives your car the best possible reflective shine. Along with the wax, you also get a foam applicator for ease of use. In terms of application, you can apply by hand or with a dual-action or orbital polisher. Once the wax dries after a few minutes, remove it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. When applied correctly, this wax will last around 3-6 months depending on the varying elements your car is exposed to and how often you drive your car.
Prefer Meguiar’s Gold Class in liquid wax or in a spray bottle? We’ve got you covered for that too! For best application, apply wax in a cool, dry, shaded area. With this wax, you can expect a shine that lasts for a long time and leaves absolutely no white residue. It is so easy to apply and the result is so sleek that people may think you got a brand new paint job.
When it comes to simplicity and reliability all with a budget-friendly price, Turtle Wax is the best choice. With that, the application of this spray wax couldn’t be easier. How is waxing possible one step? All you need to do is spray the wax directly onto the car and then wipe it dry. That is all you need to do to give your car added shine and protection.
The spray wax itself is formulated with carnauba wax and protective polymers. With your purchase, you get two spray bottles and a microfiber cloth. Each spray bottle is said to have enough to wax 17 cars. With that, when you purchase this wax, you should be set for a long time without breaking the bank.
This particular wax can be applied to the car when it is wet. Because of this, you can use this wax right after washing your car. This spray wax will protect your car from common contaminants after application and also is rain-repellent to prevent water spots.
Griot’s Garage calls their liquid glass poly wax the “Perfectionist’s Synthetic Wax.” This is because it gives your car a stunning wet-look finish with easy application and removal. How? It utilizes synthetic polymer protection with added longevity for a sleek finish for your car’s paint job. It also comes with a hand wax applicator pad and a wax remover towel.
While undoubtedly the biggest draw to this liquid wax is how it makes your car’s paint look, the added bonus is the wax’s optimal protection. Plus, the included towel is not just any microfiber towel — you can use one side to wipe away the wax and the other side to gently buff the vehicle. The applicator and removal cloth are both machine washable.
This long-lasting wax is designed to be applied once or twice a year, saving you time and energy. Along with this great product, Griot’s Garage also sells spray-on carnauba wax if you’re looking for a quicker application.
This heavy-duty wax from Collinite combines carnauba and synthetic wax to give your car a stunning high-gloss shine. It also has added durability when it comes to protecting your car’s paint and is safe to apply across all clear coats.
This wax comes in a 16-oz container alongside an applicator cloth/sponge hybrid. Since it is a hybrid, the carnauba provides that show-stopping warm shine while the synthetic wax gives you just as much protection as a sealant.
With the application of this wax, you can expect up to 5 months of protection against dirt, debris, and other contaminants. It also serves as a rain repellant to reduce water spots. With this product, less is more. Apply a few drops to the applicator at a time, adding more when there’s no more wax left on the applicator.
What if we told you that Car Guys makes a product that is both a sealant and wax? The Car Guys Hybrid Wax is a dream come true. It is a spray sealant infused with carnauba wax. You can simply spray this right onto the car and then rub it in with the provided microfiber towel.
There’s no need to remove the wax and buff the car afterward. This wax and sealant combo stays on your car to give you a protective shine without leaving behind any white residue. This product is entirely streak-free and provides durable UV protection.
In addition to working well on car paint, it can also work on any surface — glass, rims, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, and more. If you’re looking for a single product that will shine, seal, and protect, this is absolutely the one for you. This protection can last for up to 6 months with a simple, less than 15-minute application.
No matter what type of car wax you use, having the best possible car wax will keep your car looking beautiful while protecting your paint. Looking to purchase an entire car detailing kit? Check out our guide highlighting the best all-in-one car detailing kits for ALL of your car cleaning needs.
Features to Look For in Car Wax
First and foremost, you want to decide what type of car wax you need. This starts with either carnauba, synthetic, or a blend of both. After that, decide on whether you’d like liquid, spray, or paste car wax.
Once you decide on the type of car wax, consider the brand and price. With endless brands and a wide range in prices, it is important to know how much you want to spend and what brand you prefer.
Other key features to look for in car wax:
Ease of application
Eco-friendly or natural ingredients
Versatility
Scent
UV-protection
Consider Your Specific Car’s Needs
When choosing what wax is best for your car, it is important to consider your particular car. Depending on the paint type and color, there may be a more specialized wax to get the job done. In addition, if your car is on the older side and your paint has seen some wear, you may need more wax than if you have a new car.
How to Apply Wax to Your Car
Before you even begin the waxing process using the best wax for cars, you absolutely must wash and dry your entire car. The exact wax application process will depend on the product you choose, but there are some general rules that apply no matter what.
After washing your car, apply the wax by hand using a microfiber cloth or soft pad or use an orbital polisher.
When applying, spread the wax as thin and evenly as possible.
Apply the wax in small, circular motions to get an even coat.
Always apply wax in the shade as opposed to direct sunlight.
Cover ALL painted surfaces with the wax.
To avoid getting wax on unpainted surfaces, use painter’s tape.
When done with the initial waxing, inspect your car to see if you missed any spots.
Apply wax to the missing spots if applicable.
Remove the wax using a dry microfiber towel after 5-20 minutes (refer to the product’s instructions for recommended dry times).
You may need to use more than one microfiber towel to effectively remove all of the wax.
Now your car is shiny, stunning, and protected!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best car wax on the market?
According to our research, the Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax is the best, longest-lasting car wax currently on the market.
What kind of wax should I use — carnauba or synthetic?
Carnauba is made from natural ingredients and produces a warm glow on your car’s finish. Along with that, it provides a shine that is often longer-lasting.
Synthetic waxes produce a classic, shiny finish. With that, synthetic wax is known to be more protective — typically protecting against light scratches and UV rays.
The kind of wax you use largely depends on personal preference, the type of vehicle, and other factors you are looking for in wax for your car. With that being said, whether you opt for carnauba or synthetic or a blend of both, all are excellent options.
Do I really need to wax my car?
If not for any other reason, waxing your car is important to protect your paint and maintain your car’s value. Wax helps slow the general wear and tear of car paint from the elements. In addition, it prevents future damage by added protective qualities to your car’s clear coat which can wear out and lose its effectiveness over time.
Does paste wax last longer than liquid wax?
Both liquid and paste waxes are designed to provide long-lasting protection. If you purchase a high-quality wax in either form and apply it as directed, you should enjoy lasting protection for up to 6 months. Keep in mind that some of the cheaper spray waxes may not last as long as higher-end paste and liquid waxes.
Do I need to wash my car before waxing my car?
YES! You must thoroughly wash your car before waxing. If you don’t, you will trap dirt and debris in your wax job. This can scratch the pain … which is exactly what you are trying to avoid!
How often should I wax my car?
The general rule-of-thumb is to wax your car every 6 months. With that being said, you may need to wax more or less frequently depending on factors such as how frequently you drive your car, the weather conditions, and whether or not you park your car in a garage.
Is it worth putting two coats of wax?
If you use high-quality wax, there shouldn’t be any need to add a second coat of wax. Be sure to purchase a quality applicator and focus on getting a nice, even coat on your first round, and you should be all set.
How long should wax stay on a car?
Wax should stay on a car for approximately 5-20 minutes in order to dry. To test if the wax has fully dried, simply wipe your finger over the wax. If it’s a clean swipe, the wax is dry and ready to be removed.
Can wax damage car paint?
If applied correctly according to the product’s directions, wax should not damage car paint.
Can I wax without polishing?
Yes, you can wax without polishing your car. As long as you wash your car before waxing, you are good to go! If you do decide to polish your car, do so after washing the car and before applying wax.
Joybeth Sullivan is an accomplished content creator. She does it all as a writer, photographer, and videographer. Her work has been published in local and international outlets. She graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 2020 with a dual-degree in English & Film. Today, she is based out of Denver, CO. When she isn't writing, you can find her on long drives in the mountains with her husky, Newman, riding shotgun.
