Definitive Way to Know if Car has Wax or Not?

[kemefk]

I recently put a coat of wax on my car and it beads beautifully. The funny thing is that my father's car which hasn't been waxed ever, also beads up to a degree. I know most people will say to spray water on it and see if it beads but I am wondering if there is a conclusive way of determine if a car has wax or not?

[master detailer]

sure take it all off then you know

[Kinalyx]

use something that would definitely remove the wax, even if you have to go as far as polishing, and do a side by side?

[kemefk]

I know that I can definitely remove the wax if it is there. What I mean is that is there a special 'test' or a chemical which can determine with confidence that there is in fact wax or sealant on the car or not?

[mwoolfso]

You can always break out your magnifying glasses, or even better your electron microscope.

I find that non-sealed and/or non-waxed surfaces will bead and sheet much more inconsistently across a surface, and much more water remains on a horizontal surface.

[kemefk]

I am asking this because I just want some of the guesswork removed to determine if there is wax or not. To me, I compare my car to my father's car on a rainy day, and the water beading looks almost the same and his car isn't waxed but mine is.

[AutowerxDetailing]

Even bare paint will sort of bead water.

Try using a blower to move the water droplets off the paint. On non-waxed paint the water will barely move and will seem "grabby." On properly waxed or sealed paint the water droplets will roll off the surface effortlessly. This isn't very scientific but it's an easy way to accomplish what you are asking.

[kemefk]

Thanks Nick, I'll definitely give that a try tomorrow.

[Shane731]

Check out this thread, specifically post #3:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/27257-wax-signs-s-time-reapply.html

[AutowerxDetailing]

Check out this thread, specifically post #3:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/27257-wax-signs-s-time-reapply.html

I had never heard of the "squeak test." Thanks for finding/sharing this!!

[kemefk]

Thank you for the link! It has excellent information regarding checking for wax but one question though. Mike mentions that he is using a 100% cotton terry towel. Can I substitute for microfiber instead?

[SwiftTone]

Check out this thread, specifically post #3:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/27257-wax-signs-s-time-reapply.html

I know this is an old post, and the link is even older. But will the Squeak Test work with microfiber towels?

[WAXOFF]

If you wax it once a month like I do then you know it always has wax on it.

[FUNX650]

will the Squeak Test work with microfiber towels?
Will the microfiber towels, that are going to be
used in the "Squeak Test", have a terry weave?


Bob

[SwiftTone]

I'm a newbie so I don't know? They're Rag company towels.

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