Any car enthusiast will tell you what they think is the best car wax, but there are a number of different options available that can be easily applied and create a more durable barrier than the older style waxes.
Modern waxes have been formulated to be easy to apply and wipe off while still giving the user the signature mirror-like shine seen in showrooms. Some waxes can be used to wet cars while others will need to be applied on dry surfaces.
The best car wax also doesn’t have to be expensive and there are many economical products on our list that can provide excellent results and feature the same polymer technology as pricier brands.
How We Chose Our Ratings
Honesty and accuracy are important to us, and so we collected feedback from a number of different sites and users before compiling our list of best car wax products. Modern car waxes feature new synthetic compounds that offer different levels of performance.
Our ratings also take into account brand reputation, and the user experience with different vehicles. We have also cross-referenced this data with advice from experts to ensure the best products make it on our list.
Top 12 Best Car Waxes
There are a number of different kinds of car waxes on the market and some seal the surface of your car while others provide a protective layer or enhance the finish. It can be overwhelming to see all of the options, but if you go with the most familiar brand you risk missing out on some great new features.
Car wax doesn’t have to be difficult and time-consuming to apply, and new synthetic components allow the formulas to be much more effective and require far less effort from the user. Many waxes no longer need to be buffed out with a polishing device, and there are several that can be easily wiped off with a microfiber cloth.
Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit
The Aero Cosmetics wax kit includes 144 ounces of wax that is water-based and free from alcohol and ammonia. The formula is biodegradable as well and is safe for use on all parts of your car.
To apply this wax, you spray it on and wipe it off. The kit includes one gallon of wax, one full 16-ounce spray bottle, and four microfiber towels that measure 16 inches square. The package also includes a product guide, how-to guide, and a guide for where to use this product on your car.
With this kit you can wax your car up to 36 times if it is dry, but if you “dry as you wax” your car you may be able to get as many as 57 applications. This product needs to be applied to a clean car and shouldn’t be used on dull or oxidized finishes.
This brand also offers a money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with their products and they provide a customer service number on the product that they encourage users to call if they have any issues. This wax can also be used on RV’s, and boats, and can be applied in virtually any location.
Car Guys Hybrid Wax Sealant
The Car Guys Hybrid wax sealant is an excellent product if you want to spray on wax and quickly wipe it off without sacrificing a mirror-like shine. This spray-on wax resists streaking, and the synthetic polymers help to prolong the life of each coat of wax you apply to your car.
There’s no need to buff this wax to get a glossy shine, and you can easily wipe it off without much effort. This wax is also safe for use on other parts of your car such as trims without turning plastic or rubber white like other carnauba-based waxes.The hydrophobic layer that this wax creates help to shed water and speed drying time efficiently, but if you aren’t satisfied the brand offers full refunds so you can try it without risk.
Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax
Meguiar’s Ultimate liquid wax comes in both 16 ounce and 20-ounce sizes. The synthetic polymer wax features “thin film” technology that helps keep the application process easy but still provides a mirror shine.
You can apply this wax in full sunlight, and it’s safe for use on non-painted surfaces such as trim. This hydrophobic polymer helps to protect paint by allowing the water to roll off the car’s exterior, and it can be used on all glossy painted surfaces and clear coats. This wax can be applied with a polisher if desired, but it’s easy enough to apply it by hand with a microfiber cloth. The package also includes an applicator and a microfiber cloth with each bottle of wax.
Car Guys Liquid Wax
The Car Guys liquid wax is a highly durable wax that contains patented additives to help extend the life of the wax beyond the competitors waxes. This type of wax only needs to be applied once or twice a year, and it is formulated to be extra easy to apply without the need for a polisher.
This wax gives a wet, mirror-like shine to car surfaces that resist pooling water and road dirt. The brand boasts their product is backed by scientific research that allows them to harness the power of Nano polymers to create a mirror finish that can be achieved quickly and easily. The company also offers full refunds if you aren’t happy with their product and a 16-ounce kit is available online. You can also purchase an 8-ounce package.
Meguiar’s Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax
Meguiar’s spray wax is a great option if you like a wet-looking finish, but don’t want to deal with multiple small bottles of wax. This one-gallon jug can be used in a spray bottle of your choice so you can customize how much product you use in each spray.
This wax can be applied on surfaces that are hot or in the direct sun, and it will dry clear on plastic trims. This synthetic wax also helps to keep water from pooling on your car and fights moisture away from surfaces where it is applied.To apply this wax, you mist the surface of your clean car and wipe it off. There’s no need to dry the car first or remove previous layers of wax. You can also apply this wax to glass and chrome as a protective layer, and it’s recommended that you use a microfiber cloth to wipe this wax off of all surfaces.
Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax
Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik wax is another spray-on wax option that uses polymers to create a deep glossy shine that resists water for weeks. This wax is effective for use on all of your car’s external surfaces and can create a wet-looking finish in as little as 15 minutes.
Because this wax is polymer based, it can be applied in a variety of different temperatures, and even in direct sunlight. This wax can also be used on hot surfaces without leaving behind residue or unsightly streaks like other carnauba-based waxes.
The 15.2-ounce spray bottle is available online and can be used as a primary layer of protection on your car’s surface, or serve as a maintenance wax for an existing coat of wax on your car.You’ll want to shake this wax well before spraying it on and wiping it with a microfiber towel. You can also use a powered polisher, but it’s not necessary. You’ll also want to make sure that your car is both clean and dry before applying this wax for the best finish.
Turtle Wax 1-Step Wax & Dry
The 1-Step wax by Turtle Wax is a good option if you are looking to spray wax on your vehicle and avoid any excessive rubbing. The wax leaves a highly glossy finish and protects your car from the elements and other road debris.
The 1-Step wax is formulated from protective polymers blended with carnauba wax for maximum durability and a shiny finish that is easy to achieve with just a microfiber cloth. One 26-ounce bottle can wax up to 17 cars, and there is no need to dry your car before applying this wax. This wax works to prevent water from sitting on your car and creating spots and also helps to repel rain and accelerate the drying of your car’s surface. You can purchase a 2-pack kit of this wax that includes a microfiber cloth online.
P21S Carnauba Wax
P21S Carnauba wax is a blend of carnauba wax and beeswax for a glossy shine and paste-like consistency that is easy to apply. You can apply this wax using a polisher, or just by hand with a soft cloth.
This wax will buff efficiently and doesn’t leave behind any kind of residue, so it’s a good option for all colors of cars. It’s also suitable for some plastics and rubber without leaving any white residue behind. P21S wax is available on Amazon and is free from perfumes, dyes, and other additives that can leave stains or residue behind that is visible after the wax is applied. You will need to wash and dry your vehicle before using this wax, and it should not be applied if your car is hot from being in the sun.
Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax
Butter wax is a unique kind of wax that looks yellow and gel-like in appearance, similar to very soft melted butter. This wax comes in sizes ranging from 4 ounces to one gallon.
This wax is made from 100% carnauba-based wax that has been reformulated for easy application in a variety of conditions. The wax leaves a deep, wet, mirror shine and offers your car both UVA and UVB protection for an extended amount of time. This wax can improve the look of any surfaces that aren’t textured, such as chrome bumpers, painted wheels, glass pieces, windshields, and steel exhaust end caps.
The wax helps to gently clean as it is applied for a shiny finish that is showroom ready. Butter wax is durable enough to keep water from pooling and may make it easier to remove other debris that can end up on your car such as bird droppings, road dirt, and tar.
Meguiar’s Ultimate Paste Wax
Meguiars paste wax is another favorite on our list that has been used by car owners for some time. This wax takes only one step to apply and provides the best synthetic coating to protect your car without affecting the color or leaving streaks.
This wax is quite durable and is also suitable for most colors of cars. This paste wax can be applied in a variety of conditions, including in full sunlight, and will wipe off easily without excessive rubbing that can damage the clear coat over your paint. The polymer-based technology in this wax makes it so water beads up and falls off of the car instead of pooling in small puddles. Even when not wet, the wax creates a wet-look on the car surface for that highly desired mirror finish. The Meguiar paste wax is safe on all glossy coats and clear coats and can be applied using a polisher or simply rubbed on by hand. This wax includes an applicator and towel in the package.
Zymol Carbon Wax
Zymol is a kind of car wax that is recommended for medium colored and dark colored cars. When the product is exposed to air, it becomes a wax that bonds to the surface of the car and acts as a protective layer.
This car wax is made from a minimum of 37% Florida, and Brazil derived Carnauba wax with the addition of coconut and banana. Before applying this wax, you’ll want to make sure and remove any old layers of wax from your car to ensure the best application. This wax comes in a special container sealed with a nitrile ‘O’ ring to ensure freshness. Each jar is also tagged with a serial number on the label.
Turtle Wax Super Hard-Shell Paste Wax
Turtle Wax is a favorite brand of car wax and the super solid formulation of this paste wax can last for up to twelve months but can also be easily removed when necessary. This 14-ounce container also comes with an applicator located under the lid.
This wax works to fight harmful UV rays and can be used on cars of all colors. This formulation is also designed to provide greater shine and more extended protection than other brands that may need to be reapplied in as little as three months.
Buyer’s Guide
When selecting a car wax it’s important to remember that there are a number of different products and you should consider the following:
- How long does one application last
- Your budget for wax and accessories
- How often you want to wax your car
Most modern waxes available are suitable for all different car colors, but they do make waxes specifically for light, medium, and dark colored vehicles.
Some waxes have a higher level of durability and only need to be applied twice a year, while others will need to be applied every few weeks. Unless you would like to use a polisher to get a full shine, you may also want to try a polymer-based wax that you can wipe off with a cloth.
Many car waxes come as part of a kit that includes a microfiber cloth. For most spray-on waxes a microfiber cloth is recommended for applying the wax so if one doesn’t come with the bottle of wax you’ll want to purchase a few to have on hand.
Many polymer waxes that are either liquid or a gel will provide a deep and glossy shine to your vehicle but may require multiple coats. It’s a good idea to read user reviews on products, and also purchase ones that offer a money back guarantee in case you aren’t happy with the results of the wax.
Some waxes can be applied to wet cars are you dry them and this can offer additional time savings. These waxes may need to be applied more often but spray on waxes applied to a dry car require only slightly more effort.