Waterless car wash/wax products are at the forefront of car care. They are extremely popular with auto detailing experts because they save time, money and energy without sacrificing performance. There are many brands of waterless car cleaners available, such as Quic Shine 99 and FW1/Fast Wax, but they are not the same. Be sure to ask the following 5 questions when shopping to ensure you select the best product available.
1. How long does the shine last?
After applying a waterless detailing product and buffing it will leave a brilliant shine. That shine will keep your vehicle spotless while protecting it from the elements. The best waterless products produce a protective shine that lasts for months. It’s also important to find out how long a car wash without water and wax drips after storms. Some brands, like FW1/Fast Wax, don’t leak water at all, while other brands leak water for months after a single application.
2. How much does it cost and what does the price include?
Prices for waterless car detailing products vary widely, but you should expect to pay around $19.99 for a can containing 17.5 oz. To get more for your money, find out if the company offers discounts when you order in bulk. Also, check to see if the company offers value packs that contain additional products and giveaways to sweeten the deal.
3. What are the active ingredients?
The active ingredients contained in the waterless car wash and wax include waxes, polishes, lubricants and cleaning agents. For best results, use a waterless car cleaner made with carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is a vegetable by-product, so it does not cause incompatibility issues with automotive paint. Produces a hard film that protects your vehicle’s surface and provides a long-lasting shine. Both Quic Shine 99 and FW1/Fast Wax contain carnauba wax, but independent tests have shown that they do not produce as deep a shine, so the amount of wax they contain is probably minimal. For best results, opt for a brand of waterless cleanser that contains a higher concentration of carnauba wax.
4. Is it ecological?
Just because a car wash doesn’t require you to use water doesn’t necessarily mean it’s eco-friendly. If you want to ensure that a waterless washdown spray bottle doesn’t emit harmful levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), make sure it meets VOC requirements.
5. Is it easy to use?
When comparing different waterless detailing products, assess how easy they are to use. Do they come in spray or pump? If they come in a spray can, is the spray tip secure or does it fall off? It’s important to choose a waterless car wash and wax that’s easy to apply, since you’ll need to apply it to every inch of your car’s painted surface. The easier a formula is to apply, the faster you can clean your car.