[JD76]

I took my new 328 for its first car wash - I went to a hand wash place. The guy at the car wash said its good to get the car waxed every 3-4 washes to protect the paint. Is this true or is he just trying to make extra money off of me.

[sinnet112]

Should be in the Detailing section, but nonetheless...it varies on where you live. NYC gets quite a bit of rain, so it might be more than 3-4 washes. Most waxes cause the water to bead up. When you see the water bead, that means your wax is okay. When it starts to sheet off, then you're due for a re-waxing. Some waxes sheet rather than bead, so it does vary, but most do bead. For the most part, what he says is correct.

[BK]

Read up on this forum for the difference between traditional waxes and sealants. Many of us use sealants on our cars (like Zaino). The long and short of it is that both look good, both help protect your clearcoat, waxes last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months (depending on the wax and the weather) and sealant typically lasts about six months.

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by JD76

I took my new 328 for its first car wash - I went to a hand wash place. The guy at the car wash said its good to get the car waxed every 3-4 washes to protect the paint. Is this true or is he just trying to make extra money off of me.

The first 'wax' is very different from any subsequent 'waxes'.

The first wax, you would expect the car is clayed, sealed & polished and protected. This can be a one step forumula or a 3-step forumula.

If the first 'wax' is done correctly, the shine should last for 6 months. So, you need to find out what processes and waxing he will do for you the first time.

A much less intensive top-up waxing can be carried out on a monthly basis, this will maintain the protection of the paint.

After six months, the same very first detailing process should be done again to polish, fix any swirls and minor scratches and restore the car to the shine as before.

t

[picus]

There are only a couple waxes that last 6 months under any conditions. Most waxes last 4-6 weeks, so every 4 weeks isn't unreasonable. If you are concerned about the frequency I would suggest having him use a sealant.

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by picus

There are only a couple waxes that last 6 months under any conditions. Most waxes last 4-6 weeks, so every 4 weeks isn't unreasonable. If you are concerned about the frequency I would suggest having him use a sealant.

Agree. Adding to this is, infamous sealant products such as Meguiars #20 Polymer Sealant, Mothers Sealer & Glaze , Klasse SG are all claimed to have the show car shine last for six months. Wax, which gives protection, on the otherhand, should be top up once a month. I DIY my JB using Mothers Sealer & Glaze and overlayed with the Carnuaba wax for protection; and yes, after two washes, the shine has not dimenished.