When you’ve just painstakingly washed a car, it makes sense to keep it looking clean for as long as possible with a budget car wax. In the car care process, a paint protection process applied at the end will go some way to ensure that your car stays cleaner for longer, offering hydrophobic protection and even delivering a deeper gloss to the paintwork.
The trouble is though, applying wax or ceramic coatings can cost a dear amount of cash. Wax and coating kits aren’t cheap. And if you choose to hire a professional to detail a car for you, the invoice isn’t going to be a nice-looking one.
Out of all the protective coatings for sale, underseal products included, wax is by far the most popular and doesn’t have to cost a lot. Sure there are loads of waxes for sale that do come with a hefty price tag, but there are still a number of very good waxes for sale that’ll give you change from as little as a tenner.
The best budget car wax at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Simoniz Original Carnauba Wax – Buy from Amazon
Best for various surfaces: Turtle Wax Hydrophobic Spray Wax – Buy from Amazon
Best budget ceramic spray: Autoglym Rapid Ceramic Spray – Buy from Amazon
We’ve scoured the shelves looking for the best car waxes on a budget. From hydrophobic waxes to basic forms of ceramic coatings, they’re all guaranteed to offer decent protection for less money than a takeaway pizza.
The best budget car wax
Editor's pick
It's made with natural carnauba which is the ideal stuff to be using when waxing your car's bodywork. All you need is a good applicator pad for the waxing and a microfibre towel for the buffing stage. Although you should take the claim with a pinch of salt, Simoniz claims it can last from 6-12 months.
Pros
- Lasts an incredibly long time
- Creates a great shine and protective layer
Cons
- Cannot be applied to wet surfaces or in sunlight
Best for various surfaces
Turtle Wax claim it can offer protection for a full year, a slightly optimistic claim for a spray wax, but it is still impressively durable. Being a spray wax also means it's really easy to apply, spray on and buff with a microfibre for a nice gloss and extra protection, a quick and clever way of keeping your car clean.
Pros
- Hybrid solution that's good value
- Lasts a long time
Cons
- Expect at least 6 months of protection rather than a full year
Best budget ceramic coating
Autoglym's Ceramic Spray can even be applied on wet surfaces and/or in direct sunlight if you have to. It effectively domesticates ceramic coating and the ease of a simple spray and buff procedure along with protection that'll last for up to 3 months is hugely appealing.
Pros
- Ceramic coating benefits for little cost
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Protection isn't as long as other waxes
Best easiest budget wax to apply
You have to buff it immediately after applying with no curing time. But for the money, it makes a great alternative to bespoke car wax.
Pros
- Provides a protective layer against the elements
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Doesn't last as long as other waxes
Best versatile budget wax
Although it's not as recommended, you can apply the Speed Wax on wet surfaces and in direct sunlight. But the best results of any car wax is achieved in shady areas and on dry surfaces.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Easy to apply and use
Cons
- The finish will never match premium wax
Things to remember with budget car wax
Can I save time with a wash and wax shampoo?
You can definitely try one of the many wash and wax shampoos on sale, just don’t expect good results. These shampoos may offer some wax protection, but it’s largely rubbish. Bespoke car wax is what you need when your paintwork needs a gloss-up with simultaneous body protection.
With that said, there’s no guarantee you’ll get full coverage from either spray wax or paste. On occasion, it can actually trap debris onto the paintwork. If you’re after some genuine protection while you wash a car, ceramic and graphene shampoos are a better choice but have a price premium.
How long can I expect protection for compared to premium car wax?
Generally speaking, budget car wax doesn’t last as long as the more premium products. You can expect some to last up to three months and others up to six months at a time before reapplication. Some of the traditional wax paste can last even longer, citing the Simoniz Original Wax. It contains a relatively high amount of carnauba, which is the key ingredient used in car wax suitable for classics.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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