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Waxing your car is just a standard part of maintenance, but there are plenty of other uses for automotive wax. While you obviously can’t put wax on materials like your tires, there are some surfaces you may not be aware are good to wax, like your car’s windows, mirrors, and windshield. In fact, there are different reasons to wax these surfaces, but it can still be beneficial.

Why you should wax your car regularly

Wax makes our cars shine a little bit brighter, but it does much more than that. Waxing your car adds a protective layer over the clear coat. This, in turn, helps protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. While it is becoming less popular as the use of vinyl wraps and ceramic coatings increases, waxing is still a much easier and more affordable method of protecting your car’s paint.

Windshield Wiper
19th September 1953: A second windscreen wiper blade is an extra in a standard four door saloon but is easy to fit. | John Chillingworth/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Why to wax car windows and windshields

Sure, the windshield and windows on your car aren’t chemically affected by the sun’s UV rays. However, there are plenty of other reasons why waxing these surfaces can be beneficial. For one, the wax is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. That means it can help you see clearly during a stormy drive.

The wax coating also helps prevent dirt and grime from settling onto the glass surface, making it easier to brush off. This can help maximize your visibility without having to constantly wipe and wash your windshield. While you don’t necessarily have to wax your windshield, if you live in an area where dirt and dust are prevalent, this can help keep your line of sight clearer as you drive.

The windshield wipers and wiper blades of a snow-covered car
The windshield wipers and wiper blades of a snow-covered car | Robert Alexander/Getty Images

Wax your car windows for added visibility and clarity

Unlike a ceramic coating, waxing doesn’t last very long and requires maintenance. That said, you can use the same wax on glass surfaces that you use on the rest of your car. It doesn’t damage your car’s glass surfaces at all, and it isn’t a requirement, there are benefits that might be worth your time.

Use quality wax for a long-lasting result

Firstly, waxing your car windows is better than having no coating at all. And while wax works like a long-term version of RainX, not all car waxes are equal. Some cheaper products can be prone to streaking, especially when exposed to heat. And if your car sits for long periods of time, that wax can soften in the heat and actually trap airborne particles when it cools. Higher-quality products like those from Meguiar’s and Mothers will perform better, so you can avoid potential problems in the future.

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