We all know the importance of waxing a car. It protects our car’s surfaces from the harsh rays of the sun. It also gives our car that high-gloss, showroom finish we all aspire for in our rides. Waxing also helps prevent water spots should we drive in a drizzle. With all these amazing benefits of waxing cars, it is inevitable that many car owners also wax their windows and windshields. But is it a good idea?
Related Post: Best Car Waxes
Why Wash Car Windows
Your car’s windows give you a good view of the world around you. If you’ve ever driven an armored vehicle with very small rectangular windows and windshields, then you know that it is not a very fascinating ride. The small openings give you a very limited view of the road and your surroundings. Now imagine driving in a car with the same setup. It will remove the joys of driving.
In essence, windows give us the ability to look at the road we are driving on. It also helps increase our situational awareness so we can avoid accidents. It is for this reason that car windows should be at their best condition – crystal clear.
Washing car windows is one of the best ways you can ensure greater visibility on the road. Some car owners use homemade solutions to clean their windows. Some use a solution of water and vinegar while others use water and dishwashing liquid.
After cleaning the car windows, many car owners will put wax. But why?
Related Post: Best Auto Glass Cleaner
Why Waxing Your Car’s Windows and Windshield is a Good Idea
Waxing your car’s windows is often regarded as a good idea since you are capitalizing on the unique properties of wax. In general, wax leaves a very thin film of hydrophobic layer on any surface. This means that water will not form into beads and cling to the surface. Instead, water will roll down.
This can have interesting implications when driving in rainy conditions. Since the windows have a slippery surface, water beads will not accumulate and obstruct your view of the road. True, you can have your windshield wiper working for you. But there will always be sections in your windshield where water droplets can accumulate. This can hamper your view of the road. It is better to maintain the clarity of the entire windshield rather than just the area cleaned by your wipers.
Moreover, your side and rear windows do not have wipers installed on them. You may not feel the need to have clear side windows, but they can help you better navigate tighter roads. You may have a small window wiper at the rear, but this also doesn’t give you a full view of the back.
There’s another reason why applying wax on your windshield is a good idea. Since wax creates a slippery surface, this can reduce the noise coming from your wipers. As the blades make a pass, the slick surface will help reduce friction and eliminate unwanted noise. This can lead to a more enjoyable ride in the rain as you won’t have the annoying squeaking sound of wiper blades on your windshield.
Car owners in snowy environments can also attest to the usefulness of waxing car windows. This helps prevent the sticking of snow to the windshield. This makes it a lot easier to remove snow buildup on your windshield so you can go on your way, especially in the mornings.
Waxing your car windows can solve these issues by providing a thin hydrophobic layer on your glass. This is the fundamental reason why many car owners put wax on their car windows.
Related Post: Best Car Wash Soaps
Waxing Your Car Windows
When waxing your car windows, it is important to begin with a thorough cleaning of your car. You need to make sure that there are no particles, debris, or dust that may be present on your windows before you apply wax. These particles can make it difficult for the wax molecules to adhere to the surface of the glass window. It is best to use water and mild soap to clean your car windows.
It is also important to dry your car windows thoroughly. Any moisture left on the surface of the window can make it difficult for the wax to adhere to the surface. Remember, wax is an oily substance, and oil and water are never the best of friends.
When you’re done drying the car, make sure you are using a car wax and not a car polish. Car waxes contain carnauba and other waxes. On the other hand, car polishes contain other chemicals like Teflon resin, mostly abrasive compounds. Car detailers and car owners alike recommend car wax over car polish when it comes to car windows.
When it comes to the type of wax, you can choose between a paste and a liquid formulation. Detailers prefer car wax paste because it is a lot easier to manage and control. On the other hand, car owners prefer liquid car waxes because they are a lot easier to apply. While there are no hard and fast rules as to which wax is best, you can go for a liquid wax if your car is not older than 3 years.
In applying the car wax to your window, it is best to use microfiber towel. This is a gentler material than other types of cloth. It will not scratch your car windows and can also remove swirl marks that occur after waxing.
Professionals recommend double waxing car windows for better results. You can start with a synthetic wax before wiping and buffing it off. Apply a second layer of wax using the wax of your choice. Allow it to dry before wiping it off and buff to give it a good shine.
Keep in mind to wax your car windows in the shade. This will help prevent the wax from drying very fast. You won’t be able to buff it well if it turns into a waxy residue.
Yes, it is a good idea to wax your car windows. For best results, you can wax it every 6 months to maintain its integrity.
Sources:
- How to Clean Car Windows Inside and Out – YourMechanic
- Wax – How Car Washes Work – HowStuffWorks
