Most of us make a concerted effort to take care of our cars. We get the oil changed and have the tires rotated when we’re supposed to, and we have a mechanic take a look if it starts pinging or dinging. Most of us even make sure the car is clean, either running it through a car wash or scrubbing it ourselves. But beyond the standard washing, do we ever repair its finish or protect it? Do we wax it or polish it? Do we even know the difference between the two procedures? Waxing a car and polishing a car are two different processes that use two different substances and achieve two different outcomes.

Waxing a car is in essence adding a layer of protection. Waxing adds shine to a car and gives it that wet look, but it also protects the car from the elements and ultraviolet light. Waxing also protects the car’s color from fading and helps delay oxidation by forming a physical barrier against dirty, corrosive substances.

So, what does polishing accomplish? When you polish a car you clean it. Polishing eliminates scratches, rust, dirt and wax. Polishes contain abrasives that actually remove a thin layer of the car’s paint. Polishing also brings out the color and adds shine.

As you might have already figured out, wax and polish are composed of different elements. Wax comes in two forms, paste and liquid. It can be natural or synthetic, with natural wax containing a large amount of carnauba wax, derived from the carnauba palm.

Polish usually comes in liquid form but can also be purchased in spray form. Polish can be chemical or abrasive, with abrasive being used more for small areas of rust or scratches. Because polish has the ability to remove a layer of paint, caution is recommended. Be sure to read the application instructions thoroughly or your car could end up with a bare metal finish.

So which comes first, waxing or polishing? Because polish can remove wax, obviously you would wax your car after polishing it. Remember, when you are waxing you are sealing. You’ve washed your car, you’ve polished it (removing rust, scratches and oxidation) and then you wax it to seal in all of your hard work.

Remember to read the instructions on any car care product you buy and be aware of what’s going to happen before you start. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to consult a professional.