David Friedli

By the Dashboard Lights

October 9, 2008

Wax On, Wax Off

Do you remember when automobile finishes weren’t naturally shiny?

A good portion of my formative years was spent in the shade of the large elm trees that hung over the driveway of 742 First Street, Turtle Wax can in one hand, applicator sponge in the other.

I spent hours making small, circular motions over the hood, roof, trunk and fenders of the vehicles in the family fleet.

Eventually, I owned my own car.

The neighbors said I would rub all the paint off my car if I waxed it so often.

But that didn’t deter me. Even if the paint was going to be thin, it would shine. And for the most part, it did.

The goal in those days was to have a car that gave perfect reflection in the sun.

I always thought the mark of a great wax job was the appearance of thousands of tiny beads of water when it rained. In the parking lot, it looked like my red 1973 Dodge Charger had a severe acne breakout: those water bubbles stood out like zits on an otherwise perfect face.

Automotively speaking, this was a good thing. A quick drive down the highway would send those water beads flying off the surface.

Our high school physics instructor spent an entire class period describing the scientific basis behind shiny, smooth, reflective automobile paint jobs. If I remember correctly, it had to do with light refraction, surface tension and friction.

All I know is I spent most of the time daydreaming about pimping my ride, except we called it detailing back then. It took lots of work. And it lasted about three months.

Times have changed. The introduction of new paint finishes and clear coat sealants on automobiles has greatly reduced the need to wax and polish the family chariot.

Clear overlays over paint have greatly reduced the oxidation and fading cars of old faced. Automatic carwashes include waxes and polishes that do a very serviceable job of maintaining and renewing the finish every time the car gets a scrub.

Still, I occasionally feel the need to revisit the efforts of my youth.

It’s easier today. And thank goodness it is.

A good polishing of the high school ride would take hours back in the day.

Sunday, I spent less than 15 minutes, and the family sedan looked great.

What once required hours of elbow grease is now replaced by a simple spritzing with a liquid from a pump bottle and a quick wipe. Instant shine, and, as evidenced by a morning shower, those telltale water beads covering my car are proof of the polishing.

The rain showers this week? Blame them on me and my detailing.

My great looking car? I’ll take all the credit.