Wheels are exposed to dangerous elements on the road, which keeps them dirty and damages them. That’s why drivers prefer to wax them to provide a protective coating.
Wheel wax vs regular wax, which one to use? A dedicated wheel wax does a better job of protecting the wheels from mud, road salt, and brake dust. Also, it’s compatible with various wheel surfaces, including alloy, chrome, and coated. However, dedicated wheel wax is expensive compared to regular wax used on other car parts.
Want to know more? Read on for a better explanation of each wax and its best use.
Wheel Wax Vs Regular Wax – Discover the Key Differences
Both dedicated wheel wax and regular wax have advantages that you can consider when deciding. Look at the table below to have an overview of these two.
| Aspects | Wheel Wax | Regular Wax |
| Strength | Better protection on wheels | Better protection on car body |
| Durability | Durable | Durable if washed less |
| Look | More appealing on wheels | Appealing on car body |
| Temperature Range | Can Withstand higher temperatures | Cannot withstand high temperature |
| Wheel Compatibility | Compatible with many types of wheels | Used on specific wheels |
| Cost | Costly (starting at $16) | Cheaper (starting at $10) |
| Use | Used only on wheels | Variety of use |
| Application requirement | Require precision when applying | Easier application |
Why Is It Important to Wax Car Wheels?
Wheels are parts of a vehicle with direct contact with the cruelty of the elements on the roads. They risk getting damaged, which shortens their lifespan if they’re not protected.
That is where the wax comes in to provide the protective layer against these harsh road elements. Some of these elements that wax protects the wheels from include;
- Snow
- Road salts
- Ultraviolet rays
- Brake dust
- Dirt
- Grime
Other than providing a protective layer, the wax keeps the wheels looking new and appealing. By the way, for those wondering, can you wax painted wheels? Yes, wax keeps painted wheels clean, especially if the color is bright, like white.
However, car wheels get dirty quickly due to exposure to road dirt and mud, and people can have a hard time washing them. Wax makes cleaning the wheels easier by spraying with a pressured device, and dust falls off.
Some types of wax can also provide a protective layer on other car parts, like the body. These types of wax are referred to as regular wax, as they are used on more than one vehicle part.
What Makes Wheel Wax A Better Option for Wheels?
Various advantages give wheel wax an edge in the battle between the two types of wax. They include;
Durability
Dedicated wheel wax is strong and made from Carnauba and other synthetic materials that help keep them durable. This wax may last over three months if the vehicle is not even regularly washed.
Better Protection
A dedicated wheel wax is made to protect the tires and rims of a vehicle specifically. Therefore, they can keep off damaging elements like brake dust from adhering to the wheels.
Glamorous Look
A quality wheel wax keeps the wheels and rims in tip-top shape. The wheel looks darker and glossy when matched with a smooth body wax giving the vehicle a glamorous look.
Can Withstand Higher Temperatures
Most dedicated wheel wax can withstand the high temperatures of the vehicle. A quality wheel wax, like Swissvax Autobahn,can withstand temperatures of up to 327°C.
However, you can prefer using sealants because they are more resistant to temperatures and have higher melting points.
Makes Cleaning Easy
Most wheel wax types are high quality and resistant to dust and mud on the slippery layer. The layer makes cleaning faster and easier by only spraying water.
Works on a Variety of Wheel Surfaces
Wheel-specific wax can work on various wheel surfaces. These surfaces include paint-coated, anodized, chrome, and works for alloys. By the way, you should use the best wheel wax for painted wheels. Various brands manufacture wheel wax, and the top-rated ones includeWheelWax Ultimate Protection.
What Makes Regular Wax A Better Option?
Regular wax is used in the car detailing but is safe for use on the wheels. Following are some qualities of a regular wax that might make you prefer it over wheel wax.
It’s Cheaper
Regular wax costs less to purchase than dedicated wheel wax, given that the wheel wax serves only the wheels. Wheel wax can range between $16 and $30 to purchase, while regular wax starts at $14.
It can also cost between $50 and $155 for a wax job on the vehicle exterior, including the wheels.
Has Multiple Use
Unlike dedicated wheel wax, regular wax can be applied on other parts of a vehicle, including the car’s body. Multiple use counts as an advantage on cost.
Easier Application
Applying regular wax is simpler since it can be applied when applying body wax. You can also use the same application materials when applying both, which makes the overall experience easier.
Which Should I Use Between Wheel Wax vs Regular Wax?
After going through the pros of the two options, you should be able to tell the favorable one. However, if you’re still undecided, you can base your decision on the following things.
Quality
If you’re after quality and looking for a wax that will get you the best results for your car’s wheels, you should consider using a dedicated wheel wax. This wax is also durable and will serve you a long time before it requires you to re-apply.
However, to go with this option, you should be ready to spend more money on cost. If you’re also detailing the whole vehicle, you’ll need more than one wax for every part.
Cost
Regular wax can make a better option if you’re working on a budget and don’t care much about the quality. The regular wax will also serve you as a car wax, saving you the money you could have used on other wax.
The downside of this option is that the wax will wear out much faster, especially if the vehicle is washed regularly. Also, the wheels may not grow the way dedicated wheels wax can.
How Do You Wax Car Wheels?
Now you’ve decided on the wax to use, the next step is to apply the wax. You can do this by yourself or hire a professional.Before beginning the process, there are various things to note. They include-
- Work in a shaded area to prevent the wax from baking and becoming difficult to remove
- Use an applicator pad
- You can also use a microfiber towel
The steps include:
- Step 1: Wash the car – Clean the vehicle thoroughly, especially on the wheels with a pressure washing machine.
- Step 2: Apply wax to the applicator pad – Apply some wax to the applicator pads, which you will use on the car.
- Step 3: Apply – Apply wax to the wheels and the rim area, including the brake pads, in short-circular motions. Avoid contact with other parts like the mirror or windshield. If you don’t know how to remove car wash wax from the windshield, you can use acetone nail polish remover.
- Step 4: Remove wax and buff – After 15 minutes, use a soft microfiber cloth to buff the wheels for a few minutes to reveal the shine.
- Step 5: Clean rags – Use dedicated detergents and warm water if you don’t know how to wash car wax rags.
Conclusion
Car detailing is crucial and should be done often to refresh the car’s outlook and keep it clean. Some, like wheel waxing, do more than keep the car appealing; they also protect against damaging elements. However, what wax do you use? Wheel wax or regular?
The answer to the question varies with an individual as some will choose quality over cost and vice versa. However, the article contains some pros of each option to help you decide. Once decided, follow the provided steps to apply the wax after cleaning.