The technology behind car care has been slowly but surely improving over recent years, making car cleaning sessions easier, and real advances have been made with wash and wax shampoos. These products are designed to combine the cleaning power of a car shampoo with the protective properties of car wax, leaving a shiny, water-repellent finish on the car’s surface and saving you a bit of time and effort.
Let’s be honest about this – you’re never going to get as good a wax finish with a wash and wax shampoo as you would after spending time grafting away with a quality wax to finish off your detailing session. What you do get is added protection for your paintwork between waxing sessions, meaning you can leave it a little longer before having to do a full wax job and that additional coating, be it from carnauba wax or a synthetic polymer, can only prolong the shine and protection which has to be a good thing.
So rather than just give your car a weekly wash, it’s worth considering wash and wax shampoos to give an improved finish and prolong that hard-earned wax finish.
The best wash and wax shampoos at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Meguiar’s Ultimate Car Wash and Wax Shampoo – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for ceramic finish: Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for value: SIMONIZ 1L Shampoo and Wax – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best wash and wax shampoos
Editor's choice
Rrp: £21.32
Rrp: £21.32
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Smart cleaning technology
Cons
- Can leave some streaks if you use too much
Best for ceramic finish
Rrp: £12.35
Rrp: £12.35
Pros
- Smells nice
- Super-hydrophobic
Cons
- Not much foam
Best for foam
Rrp: £8.75
Rrp: £8.75
Pros
- Recognised brand
- Good value
Cons
- Not great with soft-tops
Best for all surface types
Pros
- Contains Carnauba Wax
- Dissolves dirt and grime
Cons
- Not as strong for heavy deposits
Best for budget
Rrp: £15.95
Rrp: £15.95
Pros
- Big bottle at a low price
- Nice fragrance
Cons
- Suds can disappear quickly
Best for value
Pros
- Great value
- Can be used with pressure washers
Cons
- Not as much protection as some others
Best on fresh wax
Pros
- High gloss finish
- Good water beading properties
Cons
- Small bottle
What does a wash and wax car shampoo do?
A wash and wax car shampoo is a specialized cleaning product designed to combine two essential functions into one convenient solution. When you use a wash and wax car shampoo, it serves two primary purposes:
Cleaning: The wash aspect of the product refers to its ability to clean the exterior of your car. It contains powerful cleaning agents that effectively remove dirt, dust, grime, bird droppings, road tar, and other contaminants that accumulate on the surface of your vehicle. The shampoo’s cleaning action helps to restore your car’s paintwork to a clean and shiny condition.
Waxing and Protection: The wax aspect of the product involves leaving a protective layer on the car’s surface after washing. This layer is typically composed of carnauba wax or synthetic polymers, which create a glossy and hydrophobic (water-repellent) barrier on the paint. The wax protection enhances the shine of the car’s finish and helps to repel water, reducing water spots and making it easier to clean in the future. Additionally, the wax layer acts as a protective shield against environmental elements, UV rays, and minor scratches, keeping the car’s paint looking newer for a longer period.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media writing for Parker’s and CAR, and loves travel, gardening, DIY and music.
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