What's in an automatic "hot wax"?

U

ULUA.LAWAIA

New member
You know in those automated drive-thru car washes, how there's often an option of having a "hot wax" for $2 more? Out of morbid curiosity, does anyone know exactly what kind of wax that is, where does it get dispensed from, and how does it get buffed off (or I'm assuming it doesn't need buffing)? And does it actually offer any sort of protection?



I'm trying to recall back to my old days of going through those car washes, when I could never tell the difference between getting the wax and not getting it.:nixweiss
 
It's most likely products similar to "Zip Wax" by Turtle Wax. My father used to use those thing. It's a soap and wax all in one. Good shine for a week, but doesn't clean very well.
 
One thing most of them have is the odor of wax. By the smell, you would think pure wax is being applied. I have a friend that uses one of these pretty often and really thinks it's great. One of the reasons is that he can smell the wax being applied. As much effort as I have to expend to wash and wax a car, I hope it really isn't that easy. I will admit to going thru a touchless in the winter to get the underside of the car cleaned periodically. Bucket washing is out of the question for most of the winter in our area. I actually pay extra to get a wash cycle that does not have the wax included. This winter I plan to try ProtectAll's "Quick and Easy Wash". It's a low water use system that Scottwax uses quite a bit. Seems to do a decent job with no damage to the paint that I can see. Still don't think you can beat the bucket and wash mitt.



Charles
 
Those spray on waxes at the car was are little better than a QD with carnuba in it. It may make your car look nice today, but I'd bet anything that it doesn't stay looking like that for more than a day or two. Especially if its hot outside. Skip the wax stage on the car was and get a good QD if you want the quick wax look. At least then you know what it is you are spraying on your car. Either way, its no substitute for a real coat of wax you apply by hand from any manufacturer.
 
CharlesW said:
This winter I plan to try ProtectAll's "Quick and Easy Wash". It's a low water use system that Scottwax uses quite a bit. Seems to do a decent job with no damage to the paint that I can see. Still don't think you can beat the bucket and wash mitt.
Click to expand...



I have a gallon of that stuff too. Works great!!!



I've never used it on a heavily dirty vehicle though.
 
Intel486 said:




I have a gallon of that stuff too. Works great!!!

I've never used it on a heavily dirty vehicle though.
Click to expand...

It seems like a good thing to use after taking the really dirty vehicle thru the touchless wash first. It should handle the road film that the car washes leave with no problem.



Charles
 
Good question. I'd guess its something similar to Eagle One's Wax-as-u-Dry, except purchased in big drums and applied by automatic machines.
 
BW said:
Good question. I'd guess its something similar to Eagle One's Wax-as-u-Dry, except purchased in big drums and applied by automatic machines.
Click to expand...



Actually, come to think of it. I think the company Detail+ makes a wax for high production detailers that all you do is spray it on and let it dry. No buffing.



I'll have to check to make sure I'm thinking about the correct company though. (this would be the company our friend Buda works for. That was his name wasn't it?)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top