Are You Supposed to Wax New Cars?

being that i am trained in autobody (painting, pulling dents, etc) i am going to ask you this: how long you want your paint to last? Think of it this way, when you polish and wax your car you are putting protective layers between your car and the elements (sun, rain, dirt, etc.) that WILL wear away that cars paint. Have you ever seen a car that had the paint chipped or faded on the tops (roof/hood)? that is because they failed to polish/wax thier car. My recommendation, have your car clayed, polished and waxed professionally, then wax your car no less than once ever 6 months, more in the winter or summers (based on you being in texas you may want to do a minimum of every other month). that will keep your cars paint looking good. I recommend Meguiars products as they seem to be the best so far. Also NEVER use non-car products (dish soap) on your car, it will eat away the wax, the clear coat and then the paint.

They make waxes for clearcoat paints. I wax mine once a year. It also seems to keep the dirt from sticking to the car as much. Sorta like Rainx for the whole car. :)

Hi Mama-
When you buy your car, it does have a clear coat on it. However, it's not a long term clear coat unless you purchase one. You can actually have the dealer put a long term, warranty covering coat of gloss on your car. It kept mine shiny for 5 years as long as I washed it wiped it down. Awesome. I now either go through the car wash and get the protectant once every other month. I finally starting doing my own rain - x on my windows and windshield towards the end of summer/beginning of fall. I also have this stuff that's like a scratch filler. You wipe it on, let it dry, and then buff it out. It's like there were never any scratches on your car!
I do think after a while, the basic wear and tear requires waxing. I would suggest if you notice the sheen getting dull and don't like it, wax it. If you are concerned, ask the dealer how long you should wait.
I have seen people who wax their new cars every month...I think they are insane, but that's just me. I would wait until the car was at least a year old before I started waxing...and in my case, I waited 5.5 years before the shine got a little dull...

I also read on line a little that you can wax your new car the day you bring it home with a one step wax. If the surface of your car is not smooth (run your hand over it), then you use a clay bar to smooth it, then wax it. But it should be smooth if it's a new car and the wax won't hurt it. I say, in all laziness, though, that you should wait until the shine dulls a bit and then wax it, and then just follow up as needed.

Hope that helps some.

I used to work for GM as the Factory Service Rep.

Only use the wax recommended for cars/trucks with clear coat. Wash it when its dirty and wax it once per month. You can do it more often if you want, buts that's your choice.

Good luck to you and yours.

Great question, I've wondered the same thing...

For a new car there is no need to wax it, not until a year or sooner if you park your car in the sun. It wont "hurt" as such but it will not be worth the trouble. After a year or when you think the car needs a good wax, get your car detailing http://www.detailxperts.net/automobile_detailing done from a professional.