Car Wash Wax: 5 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Waterless Cleaner
Waterless car wash/wax products are at the forefront of car care. They are extremely popular with auto detailers because they save time, money, and energy without sacrificing performance. There are many brands of waterless cleaning products available for cars, such as Quic Shine 99 and FW1/Fast Wax, but they are not the same. Be sure to ask the following 5 questions when shopping around to ensure you select the best product available.
1. How long does the shine last?
After applying a waterless detailing product and buffing, a brilliant shine will remain. That shine will keep your vehicle looking pristine while protecting it from the elements. The best waterless products produce a protective shine that lasts for months. It’s also important to find out how long a car wash runs without water and wax drips after storms. Some brands, like FW1/Fast Wax, don’t drip water at all, while other brands drip water for months after just one application.
2. How much does it cost and what does the price include?
Prices for waterless car detailing products vary widely, but you should expect to pay around $19.99 for a can containing 17.5 oz. To get more for your money, find out if the company offers discounts when you order in bulk. Also, check to see if the company offers value packs that contain additional products and freebies to sweeten the deal.
3. What are the active ingredients?
The active ingredients contained in the waterless car wash and wax include waxes, polishes, lubricants, and cleaning agents. For best results, use a waterless car cleaner made with carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is a vegetable by-product, so it does not cause incompatibility issues with automotive paint. Produces a hard film that protects your vehicle’s surface and provides a long-lasting shine. Quic Shine 99 and FW1/Fast Wax both contain carnauba wax, but independent tests have shown that they do not produce as deep a shine, so the amount of wax they contain is probably minimal. For best results, opt for a brand of waterless cleaner that contains a higher concentration of carnauba wax.
4. Is it ecological?
Just because a car wash doesn’t require you to use water doesn’t necessarily mean it’s eco-friendly. If you want to ensure that a waterless wash spray bottle does not emit harmful levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), make sure it is VOC compliant.
5. Is it easy to use?
When comparing different waterless detailing products, evaluate how easy they are to use. Do they come in aerosol or with a pump? If they come in a spray can, is the spray tip secure or does it fall off? It’s important to choose a waterless car wash and wax that is easy to apply, since you’ll need to apply it to every inch of your car’s painted surface. The easier a formula is to apply, the faster you can clean your car.