Q: Why is waxing/polishing your vehicle important?
A: Waxes and polishes serve three primary purposes:

• Cleaning a car's finish

• Improving the shine

• Protecting a car's surface against environmental damage. Most waxes and polishes contain very mild abrasives, chemical cleaning agents, lubricants and waxes. The cleaning agents remove surface oxidation and leave a high gloss. The clear film acts as a protective barrier for the car's surface.  Regular cleaning and waxing keeps reduces oxidation and provides a layer of protection to keep the finish looking new.

Q: Why should I use a dedicated car wash and not a household detergent to wash my car?
A: Household detergents even "mild" dishwashing soaps are designed to work in hot water and cut through grease. Household detergents can strip away wax, leaving your paint unprotected. Zip Wax® Car Wash is specially formulated to remove tough dirt and grime. The non-streak formula gently cleans, rinses thoroughly and leaves no spots.

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Q: What is a Colour Restorer?
A: A Colour Restorer is used to remove small scratches on the paint's surface. You should always follow a polishing compound treatment with a car polish to refine the shine.  Polishing compound can be used to remove water marks, stains or oxidation from today's automotive finishes.  It is also perfect for removing watermarks from glass where window cleaners fail to work.

Q: What causes streaks and how can I remove them?
A: 

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Q: What is the difference between a wax and a polish?
A: The terms wax and polish are used interchangeably today. Most waxes and polishes contain some mild cleaning agents (safe for clear coat finishes) which remove old wax, minor scratches and everyday oxidation.  All polish and wax products clean, shine and protect, unless otherwise stated on the label.  A colour restorer or rubbing compound will clean and shine only.   As always recommended, test a small inconspicuous area and always follow the back label instructions.

Q: What product do you recommend to remove heavy oxidation?
A: Turtle Wax^® recommends our Rubbing Compound, for removing oxidation. Follow-up the cleaning with the Turtle Wax® Original. You may also want to try our new Safe Cut Polish.  One easy step will remove oxidation and leave long-lasting shine and protection.

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Q: How many coats of wax/polish should I apply ... will additional coats provide better protection?
A: Applying additional coats of wax at one time is not necessary, however, a second coat may assure protection in the areas you may have missed.  The small amount of protection provide, with each application, is not as effective as applying a coat of wax 3-4 times a year.  Remember, today's harsh environmental factors require more frequent waxing, especially if your vehicle is highly exposed to these conditions.  

Q: Why do I experience paint dust or my car's colour coming off onto the cloth when waxing my car?
A: The paint that you see on the cloth is dead paint caused by oxidation. It is necessary to remove this oxidized paint in order to maintain shine and protection.  Most cars have clear coat finishes and residual colour will not be seen on the polishing rag.

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Q: Should I use a wet or dry cloth when applying wax?
A: Turtle Wax^® recommends dampening the cloth for best results.  The damp cloth enables the user to apply a uniform layer of wax.

Q: Does car wax remove the top layer of paint or does car wax add a layer to the paint?
A: Applying a wax product to your car's finish will not remove paint from your vehicle. Turtle Wax^® car polish/wax does contain slight cleaning agents to remove waxy buildup and mild oxidation but also adds a protective layer to your finish.  Car wax will only remove surface contaminants or surface oxidation.  Car wax or car polish will not remove a finish coating in good condition.

Q: Why should I avoid direct sunlight when applying wax?
A: In order to avoid the wax drying (baking) and making it difficult to remove, it is recommended to apply wax out of direct sunlight and when the paint is cool to the touch. As always, apply the wax in 2 ft x 2 ft sections, let dry to a haze (but not completely) and buff. Some situations may cause the wax to become more difficult to apply and remove:

• High humidity
• Extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Oxidation
• Over-application

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Q: Is there a difference between liquid and paste wax?
A: No, there is no difference. Turtle Wax^® offers these two options for its customers. Some individuals prefer liquid wax because of the easy application, where others feel the paste gives them better results.

Q: Can your wax/polish products be used on a fibreglass surface?
A: Fibreglass is coated with a "gel" coat which reinforces the fibreglass material. This resin is similar to paint and is susceptible to oxidation, scratches, stains, and normal environmental etching. We recommend applying Turtle Wax® Original regularly  to fibreglass gel coats (4 times a year) to maintain gel coat cleanliness, shine, and protection.

Q: My Car has a clear coat finish...does it still require waxing?
A: Absolutely, clear coat finishes need to be waxed. These new finishes resist weathering better than ever, however, abrasive soil, sand, dirt, road debris, and other sources of abrasion, can leave a clear top coat looking pretty dull in a short time. Waxing leaves a lubricious film which helps prevent these minor abrasions from occurring. Wax 3-4 times a year for maximum protection.

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Q: How do I remove the wax residue from black trim?
A: Use Turtle Wax® Trim Clean. Alternatively you can use undiluted detergent and a nail brush. Regular application of a Trim protectant, such as Turtle Wax® Dry Touch will minimise White marks on trim

Q: How can I remove water spots from glass and paint surfaces?
A: Most common water spots are caused by mineral deposits. A 50/50 solution of vinegar and water does a great job of neutralizing these marks.

Q: What causes loss of beading?
A: If water beading disappears only after washing the car, don't worry, the wax is still there.  Normal loss of beading on a car is temporarily "suppressed" by a car wash product.  Apply a new layer of wax when rain and/or morning dew no longer bead.  Also a finish in poor condition can shorten wax life.  The condition of the finish plays a big part in car wax longevity.

Q: Should I use the Color Magic ChipStik before or after I apply the Color Magic polish?
A: Always use the ChipStik first to fill in stone chips or scratches.  You may not be able to find them if the polish is applied first. 

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Q: Is water beading actually a signal that my finish needs to be waxed?
A: In new car Owner's Manuals, auto manufacturers refer to water beading as evidence of protection.  Manufacturers recommend that the owner apply a coat of wax to the car when beading is no longer evident.

Q: Can I use an orbital buffer with your wax products?
A: In general, any of the Turtle Wax line of liquid and paste polishes/waxes can be used with orbital buffers.  We recommend using a terry cloth bonnet as they do not scratch, are less expensive, and are easily washed for re-use.  Technique is the most critical aspect, according to our professional detailers.  The liquid or paste polish/waxes still should be applied by hand, allowed to dry, and the excess removed by hand.  Otherwise, the bonnet on the buffer will develop build-up so quickly that the buffer will just be pushing around a "globby" mess on the auto finish, reducing the shine. (Plus, in frustration, it's tempting to use too heavy a hand, and actually burnish the finish!).

Q: When should I wax a brand new car?
A: Once your car is about one month old you could start waxing it. However, make sure you sure you use a product intended for use on new cars, for example Turtle Wax® Express Shine or Turtle Wax® Gloss Guard.

Q: What is the best all around wax or polish for multi-purpose use?
A: Turtle Wax® Original is the perfect shine or protection product for use on boats, cars, bicycles, home appliances, patio furniture, etc.

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