How to wax your car properly and the tools you need to do it

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.Most people don't wax their cars because they don't have the patience it requires.When done correctly, waxing your car is the best way to protect your paint from UV damage, swirl marks, and chipping. It'll also give your car a shiny finish.Paste wax is the most effective and lasts the longest, but it also takes the most effort to apply. Liquid wax is easier to apply and lasts a while, but it can be easy to apply too much. Spray wax is by far the easiest to apply, but it doesn't last very long.Based on my personal experience, I recommend Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell for paste wax, Zymöl Cleaner Wax for liquid wax, and Mothers California Gold for spray wax.While I've used all three types of waxes, I personally prefer liquid wax because it takes less time and effort to apply than paste wax, while still lasting much longer than spray wax.While most people have some level of appreciation for their cars, very few go beyond a car wash and maybe some new air fresheners to show that they care. One of the most effective ways to preserve your car's factory finish is to regularly apply a coat of wax. It'll protect the paint from UV damage, swirl marks, and paint chips.Even with those undeniable benefits, the average person rarely (if ever) does it — and the very few who do wax, are probably doing it wrong. We've all seen the famous scene from “The Karate Kid” when Mr. Miyagi made Daniel wax a car to learn the value of hard work, but you'll need to know a little bit more than the “wax on, wax off” mantra in order to do it successfully.As a car enthusiast, I've used all different kinds of waxes including pastes, liquids, and sprays. So, to help you make your car shine like new, I've explained the pros and cons of each wax type, my personal recommendations, and a step-by-step guide on how to properly wax your car. Here's everything you need to wax a car:Paste wax: Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Paste Wax (includes applicator pad) Liquid wax: Zymol Liquid Cleaner WaxSpray wax: Mothers California Gold Spray WaxWax applicator pads for paste or liquid wax: Viking Car Care Microfiber Applicator PadsMicrofiber cloths for buffing: House Again 5 Microfiber cloth setKeep scrolling to learn how to wax a car.