[ScoobyJDM21]

OK, I started talking to one of my uncle's the other day and we had a good hour converstation on how wax can be bad for your car. He used to work on airplanes and told me that if a car has been clearcoated all you need to do is wash and dry it and polish it (not wax). When he worked on airplanes he said that the planes would gain up to 5 knots after it had been polished and if they waxed it, the paint was no good. Why? Well, he said that wax is a myth for the past when cars did not have a great clearcoat and the wax protected the paint only. Basically he said wax is an abrasive and should never be used on a car with a clearcoat. Call him crazy (he is only 55), but he may have a point. Let me know what you guys think because I thought he was crazy myself.

[tyler_sti]

I think he's remembering the "old" type waxs, that were abrasive. New wax's are MUCH MUCH more complex and formulated for specific applications. Wax used to be alot more crude. Any modern profesional detail service will wax you're car as part of the service. And clear coats need to be taken care of because they're delicate, especially the subaru one.

I think you're uncle spoke more for "practicle" reasons of an airplane, than the "looks" of a car. They could probly care less how the planes looked, as long as they were faster..

[Rennes]

if anything, carnuba wax has NO abrasive in them.

[rs_wrx_sti]

I've never used wax; just wash and finish with Mothers detailer. Dust and dirt gets trapped in wax (even after a wash) and eventually builds up.

[snorky]

Originally Posted by rs_wrx_sti

I've never used wax; just wash and finish with Mothers detailer. Dust and dirt gets trapped in wax (even after a wash) and eventually builds up.

that's what clay bars are for

Like has already been stated, wax protects the clear coat from the elements.

[sticop]

does a car have less drag with just a clear coat? maybe. is it protected and look better with wax? yes

[Szumita]

wax is a sealant, no means thats its bad. youd get a ton of swirls without it.

[johnlude85]

wax will not harm your paint. tell you what. keep one half of your front bumper waxed, and the other half not waxed. see how many rock chips and crap is stuck in the paint after one year. its going to be pretty bad on the non waxed side. some people are under the impresson that you need to wax after every wash. wrong. you should wax your car, probably at most, 4 times per year (seasonal). when water doesent bead up off your car after a wash anymore, then its time for another wax.

like has ben said above me, wax has ben much refined since the times your uncle are talking about. there are no abraives in it unless it stated so like rubbing compound.

so, wax away my friend, your subaru will thank you. plus it keeps all the little imperfections and pits in the clear coat from getting worse. it is actually a protective barrier for the clear coat.

[snorky]

there is no way that a car achieves speeds where the drag from wax coating of any amount is appreciable. you could coat it in candle wax and you wouldn't be able to quantify it. besides, the STI has the aerodynamic properties of a brick.

[obpsti2006]

Originally Posted by snorky

there is no way that a car achieves speeds where the drag from wax coating of any amount is appreciable. you could coat it in candle wax and you wouldn't be able to quantify it. besides, the STI has the aerodynamic properties of a brick.

Anyone read this yet? Interesting info on he subject.

06+ STI vs EVO IX aerodynamics, and the history of Subaru vs Mitsu aero design