Your Rolls-Royce Phantom — or whatever luxury vehicle you baby — is one of a kind. It’s undoubtedly one of your most prized possessions, and you certainly treat it as such. You change its tires regularly. You bring it to the car doctor (our Miami auto service technicians) for routine check-ups. You may even tuck it in and give it a kiss goodnight on occasion. So why would you settle for anything but the best car wax, polish and coating to protect it from the big, bad world in which you both live?

The answer: You wouldn’t. Whether you own a Rolls-Royce Cullinan or another vehicle that doesn’t carry the same clout as a Rolls-Royce, keeping it in pristine condition is crucial. Ensure you’re doing right by your vehicle and apply a good car wax after a wash, and you’ll all but guarantee Father Time steers clear of your garage — at least for a while.

How do you choose the best automotive wax, sealant, coating or polish? Are they all the same? Without trying them all, it can be difficult to know good from bad car waxes just by packaging. We’ve done the legwork for you. Here are some of the top car waxes, polishes and best ceramic coatings to give a go.
 

Critic’s Most Recommended Car Waxes, Sealants & Polishes

Migliore Primo: Concours Show Car Carnauba Wax

If you own a luxury vehicle like a Rolls-Royce, the most expensive car wax is your best bet for unparalleled sheen. Migliore’s Primo Premium Show Car Wax is that product. It’s made of carnauba wax and myriad organic compounds, allowing it to return an awe-inspiring gloss while also ensuring it can be applied easily. It doesn’t offer and protection value, however, but if you’re only in it for the looks, there’s no better car polish.

Pros:

• 50% carnauba wax
• Easier to apply than other carnauba show car waxes
• One of the best shines, hands down

Cons:

• Very pricey (~$100/6 oz)
• No added protection
• Takes time to apply
   

Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax

The king of all car wax makes, Meguiar’s, is hard to beat when it comes to protection, longevity and ease of application. Each one of their products is designed to produce high-quality results, regardless of the vehicle, color or climate. There’s a reason why Meguiar’s products, including this Gold Glass liquid wax, frequently top everyone’s Best Car Wax lists. (However, if you’re waxing a car in South Florida, you should be aware that this Meguiar’s liquid wax may be difficult to apply due to our humidity!)

Pros:

• Affordable (Under $20)
• Available as liquid or paste wax
• Consistent results
• Easy to apply
• Good protection on both clear coats and glossy paint

Cons:

• Shine could be better
• Over-application results in streaks or greasy appearance
• Not as easy to apply in humid climates
   

Mother’s California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Liquid Wax

Carnauba liquid waxes have come a long way since they were first introduced. Products like Mother’s California Gold are easier to apply than paste and typically have good, high-gloss results. And with a sticker price below $20, Mother’s is one of the most affordable car waxes that actually work as advertised.

Pros:

• Excellent value
• Decent shine and protection
• Easier to apply than pastes
• A little goes a long way
•  

Cons:

• Needs re-application every 2-3 months
• Contents will expire/harden over time
• Best results with a full auto detail
   

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Pro Graphene Flex Wax

Although spray waxes aren’t usually the best for protecting car paint, they are certainly the most convenient. Turtle Wax’s Hybrid Graphene product is a great example that “usually” doesn’t mean “always,” as it offers an excellent level of protection against UV, chemicals and water spotting.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Surprisingly effective amount of protection
• Touch-ups are easy to apply, too
• Cleans exterior windows
• Good final results
• Can be applied in sunlight (though that’s never recommended)

Cons:

• Not the best spray wax for dark cars
• Ceramic sprays offer more for the money
• Will streak if you aren’t careful and over-apply
   

Collinite No. 845

No. 845 is an excellent liquid car wax due to its price and level of protection. Because it can be difficult to apply — the wax must be warmed up prior to application — this Collinite product is not ideal for anyone’s first car-detailing rodeo.

Pros:

• Inexpensive (~$20)
• Decent protection
• Long-lasting
• Great wax for white cars
• High-gloss shine

Cons:

• Needs to be warmed before application
• Overall application can be a pain
• Not the best wax for black cars

Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax

This soft, hybrid car wax is equal parts paste and liquid. It blends carnauba wax, resin and polymers for easier application. It’s ranked as the Best Overall Car Wax by CNET, the Best Soft Wax by Forbes, and the Best Budget Car Wax by Motor1.

Pros:

• Affordable (~$20)
• Available by the gallon
• Can be applied to wet vehicle
• Easier to apply than car paste wax
• Good for beginners and professional detailers alike
• Protects against UBA and UVB rays
• Excellent shine

Cons:

• Not the longest lasting car wax available
• Needs reapplication every 6-8 weeks, or sooner in sunny environments
• Very strong scent
• Ineffective at repelling water

Griot’s Garage Premium Carnauba Paste Wax

For the “old school” car owners, Griot’s Garage Premium Carnauba Paste Wax should help you wax nostalgia (get it?). Packaged in a traditional can, this carnauba auto wax produces a high-quality finish while also protecting your vehicle from UV rays and water-beading. If you like the look of a smooth coat of paint, and you don’t mind getting some exercise in, try a can ‘o Griot’s.

Pros:

• Bright shine
• Highest-grade carnauba (and high wax content)
• Super-quick cure times (apply and buff in minutes)

Cons:

• On the expensive side ($40+)
• Wax sets up quickly, so you must also buff quickly

P21S Concours-Look Carnauba Wax

Car paste wax aren’t supposed to be as good as P21S’s Concours-Look Carnauba. P21S has created a long-lasting car wax that doesn’t stain or streak, applies smoothly and uniformly, and provides first-class protection from the elements, both natural and man made. The one drawback? It’s pricier than other paste waxes, though that’s not a big deal since a few little dabs of P21S is really all you need for protection and shine that lasts months.

Pros:

• No stains on rubber and plastic
• Less likely to streak when buffing out
• Superior protection
• Smooth application

Cons:

• Costs more than traditional canauba paste waxes
• More difficult to apply in colder temperatures
• May need to reapply earlier than similar products

Adam’s Detail Spray

Although it’s not technically an automotive wax, Adam’s Detail Spray is well worth its sub-$10 price. Above all else, it’s incredibly versatile — it can be used on glass, plastic, metal, and most other exterior automotive surfaces, has the ability to be utilized as a drying agent, and can even prolong a vehicle’s current wax life. And while it’s not the best car buffer, it can also be applied to prime buffer pads.

Pros:

• Safe to use on all parts of car exterior, including glass
• Easy to clean
• Applies nicely after a car wash

Cons:

• Can streak glass
• Strawberry fragrance may make you queasy if you’re sensitive
• Does not do anything superbly

P&S Bead Maker Paint Protectant

After waxing, apply P&S Bead Maker for even more protection and glisten. Recognized as one of the best car paint protection products and polymer sealants on the market, Bead Maker applies easily and wipes off even easier, providing you with a glamorously shiny exterior that beads h2o like it’s no one’s business.

Pros:

• Unparalleled water-beading
• Intense gloss
• Easy spray-on application
• Surprisingly good drying aid

Cons:

• Lower durability means more frequent reapplication (6 weeks)
• Attracts more dust than the average quick detailer, car paint sealant or polish
• Can streak if applied incorrectly

Bear in mind, these are simply some of the top picks for car waxes, polishes, sealants and protectants. Everyone has their own preferences and opinions, and it’s best to try a variety of products to find the best solution for you and your vehicles (or your employer’s vehicles).

Wondering what paste, spray or liquid car waxes we prefer? Call our Miami Rolls-Royce dealership at (786) 577-5217 to talk shop or inquire about getting your luxury vehicle professionally serviced. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami serves the entire South Florida region.