Wax vs. Ceramic Coating: What’s Best for Your Vehicle?

Summer’s here and you want to take your ride out for that much-anticipated road trip. But you want to be sure that your car’s paint job will be protected and looking its best while out on the open road. You’ve heard a lot about ceramic coatings, but your dad and grandfather always swore by car wax.

Both car wax and ceramic coatings are useful ways to protect your car’s top coat, but they definitely each have ideal applications. What are the differences between these substances, which one is best for your car care needs, and where can you go for expert auto detailing in Cleveland? Let’s get into it.

What Is Car Wax?

Car wax is one of several types of compounds that are typically solid but pliable at room temperature and water repellant. Wax used for auto detailing applications can be natural, derived from plant, animal or mineral sources, or they can be synthetic, manufactured through chemical processes. Each wax will have its own set of properties, but they all can protect surfaces and prevent infiltration from water and contaminants. Car waxes are also generally an affordable option for protecting a car’s top coat and are typically applied by hand. Clearly, there is a reason why generations of car owners use and love car wax.

At our center for exterior and interior auto detailing in North Olmsted, Ohio, the Andy’s Autowash crew hand applies carnauba wax to your freshly cleaned and polished car exterior. 

What Is Ceramic Coating?

This one isn’t as obvious. The term “ceramic” is used because silicon dioxide (AKA “silica”) is a primary component in this popular protective coating. Silica is also naturally present in sand, quartz, and products made from these substances, like glass and ceramics. So a ceramic coating is vastly different from actual ceramics, but a key ingredient is the same and the name really is highlighting how protective and hard-wearing this coating can be, much like the physical properties of ceramic materials. Now that we know where this term originates from, just what is ceramic coating and how does it work?

Ceramic coatings contain natural silica but are a type of liquid polymer that will cure to form a hard, durable layer on a vehicle's surface. The layer of ceramic coating bonds with your car’s clear coat, creating an enhanced layer of protection from the many potential factors that could otherwise break it down. Ceramic coatings are highly water-repellant, allowing rainwater to bead up and easily roll off, along with any dirt or grime that’s present. They can be applied by hand or automatically, via a car wash’s equipment.

At Andy’s Autowash, your source for auto detailing in North Olmsted, ceramic coating is applied as part of our exterior detailing services once a full exterior reconditioning has been done.

Which Is Better: Wax or Ceramic?

Wax and ceramic coatings can both be useful when it comes to protecting your car’s paint job and top coat from external and environmental forces, but each has its own ideal applications and reasons for use. Let’s break things down.

Car wax can offer a good amount of protection and shine, but it is a relatively temporary barrier. While wax will ward off intense UV rays and environmental contaminants for a while, it only ever offers about 50–70% UV protection and there comes a point where it succumbs to these stressors and becomes ineffective. Wax needs to be reapplied every two or three months to ensure that your car’s clear coat is protected. It is also less resistant to scratching or potentially corrosive materials that your car may be exposed to during normal use. Car wax is generally a more affordable option, but it also requires more frequent car washing to maintain its protective qualities.

On the other hand, ceramic coatings can really stand up to whatever mother nature and daily use dish out, and for years at a time. Ceramic coatings will help to protect your car’s finish from acid rain, bird droppings, tar, tree sap, bugs remains and harmful UV rays for up to two years. In fact a ceramic coating can block up to 99% of UV rays with a much slower degradation rate than traditional wax. For long-term protection, durability, and a hands-off approach, ceramic coatings really can’t be beat. A car with a ceramic coating will also be easier to keep clean, as even the worst contaminants are far less likely to stick to the ceramic.

We’ve talked about UV protection, but just how important is that? It’s more than a mere aesthetic concern. As UV rays break down paint layers, moisture can breach the compromised barrier, causing rust and costly structural damage. Comparatively, the cost for protection from wax or ceramic coating is minimal in comparison to extensive bodywork or other repairs and helps to prevent these and other issues while also keeping your car looking great all year round–what’s not to love?

So, what’s the verdict? Is wax or ceramic coating better for your vehicle? It’s really up to you and your preferences. If you don’t mind making the time for and paying for regular application and exterior detailing service, then wax might be your preferred way to protect your vehicle. But if you’d like a more hands off approach and the guarantee of protection in even very tough environments, then ceramic might be your better option. Someone who drives their vehicle every day and doesn’t park it in a sheltered location might fall into this category. In general, most experts agree that ceramic coatings do a better job of preserving your car’s paint quality, but regular waxing can also offer a decent level of protection.

Can I Use Both Wax and Ceramic Coatings?

It’s the typical question: if one is good, both are better, right? You certainly can use both, with wax being applied periodically over a freshly washed and dried ceramic coating, but it really isn’t a necessary step. The slick surface of the ceramic coating may make it less effective than you hope, since it isn’t likely that the wax will stick very well. Of course, it’s really up to you how you handle your vehicle’s protection. If you want to go above and beyond, we certainly understand–it’s easier than having to make preventable repairs down the road.

Your Local Source For Auto Detailing In Cleveland

Now that you know what’s involved and what each type of protective auto coating entails, you can better make an informed decision and choose the option that works best for you and your lifestyle and preferences. But regardless of what you decide, you’ll still need regular car washes and both wax and ceramic coatings are available as part of various packages for exterior auto detailing in North Olmsted. You can trust that you’ll get the best service and results from Andy’s Auto Wash, whether you opt for wax or ceramic coating.

What are you waiting for? Get your all-year pass to a cleaner, shinier, longer-lasting car with our exterior auto detailing in North Olmsted, Ohio! Contact us to learn more about our services and specials.