Best car polish and car wax 2023: refresh and protect paint

Protect the paint and give it a deep, showroom shine with the best car waxes and polishes

A man polishing his car in the sun with the best car polish

If you want the pride and joy on your driveway to stay looking showroom-fresh - to shrug off summer grime caked across the roads, and even come back to its best after someone carelessly clips the paintwork in a car park - you’ll need to crack out the best wax and best polish.

But there is a huge range of products to choose from, with prices stretching from inconsequential to borderline absurd. There is also masses of jargon to get your head around, and then, of course, you’ll want a hearty dollop of elbow grease to make any of these products really work their magic.

In our opinion, buying the best car wax and polish is just as vital as buying the best dash cam and best sat nav, or, if you prefer using your phone, one of the best car phone holders.

There’s also a very important thing to remember: Car wax and car polish are not the same things. In fact, they are basically the opposite of each other. So before you start layering up the polish and buffing out the wax (or is it the other way around?) let us explain.

What’s the difference between car wax and car polish?

Car wax - where you tend to see higher prices - is a substance that is applied to the car to protect its paint. When a quality wax is applied properly, the car’s paintwork gets treated to a brand new protective layer, helping to keep it looking shiny and new for longer.

Also, because waxes tend to be made from substances that are difficult to dissolve in water, moisture doesn’t cover the paintwork. Instead, rainfall will cause ‘beading’, where large blobs of water sit on the surface, demonstrating how the wax doesn’t wash off your car every time it rains.

Car polish, on the other hand, is actually a very light abrasive. Rubbing polish into the paintwork will remove a minuscule layer of the paint’s topcoat (or wax, if you’ve previously applied some). This can have the effect of stripping away damaged, faded or oxidised paint, revealing a fresh layer underneath. Polish also removes grease, dirt and even light scratches from the paint.

The best practice is to wash your car normally, then inspect the paintwork to see if any polishing is required. After this, apply the wax to create a protective seal which should last around three months, during which time regular washing (without polishing) is best.

Looking for more information? Read T3's informative guide: car polish vs car wax: what's the difference?

Best Car Polish

Best Car Polish: Autoglym Super Resin PolishT3 Best Buy Award

1. Autoglym Super Resin Polish

Loved by the motor industry the world over, this is a regular award winner and T3's best car polish

Specifications

Best for: A professional finish
Type: Resin polish
Size: 1 litre

Reasons to buy

+
Trusted name
+
Larger bottle is good value for money
+
Award-winning car polish

Reasons to avoid

-
None

Autoglym is a highly regarded name in the car cleaning world, and you’re likely to find a bottle like this in professional garages and workshops everywhere. The company offers a wide range of car care products, but this super resin polish is surely the ideal starting point when it comes to looking after your car. 

Apply to freshly washed and dried paint, and the polish will gently clean and condition paintwork, working out imperfections and helping to remove minor scuffs and scratches. The polish also restores gloss to dull and faded areas, giving your car a new lease of life. Looking for the best car polish? This is it.

Turtle Wax Renew PolishT3 Approved Award

2. Turtle Wax Renew Polish

Bargain price for a highly respected car care brand

Specifications

Best for: Paint restoration
Type: Liquid polish
Size: 500 ml

Reasons to buy

+
Highly regarded brand
+
Low price
+
Formulated to remove fine scratches

Reasons to avoid

-
Will not work on deeper scratches

Turtle Wax is another well-known name in the car care industry, and this paint renewal polish is a good place to start if your car is starting to look tired. The polish has been created to subtly revive old neglected paintwork by gently removing light scratches.

The polish will also remove oxidation from the paint, and it’s safe to use on all cars to help pump some life back into old and scruffy looking paint. Light scratches, grazes and scuffs can be removed with this polish, but - like all other products in this article - you must remember that it cannot perform miracles.

You can use this polish on the chrome details of your car as well as the body paint itself. Once applied, leave to dry to a hazy finish, then buff gently to a mirror shine with a microfibre cloth.

Dodo Juice Need for Speed all-in-one polish and waxT3 Approved Award

3. Dodo Juice Need for Speed all-in-one polish and wax

An all-in-one polish and wax for cleaning in a hurry

Specifications

Best for: Cleaning in a hurry
Type: Polish and wax all-in-one
Size: 500ml

Reasons to buy

+
All-in-one products works as polish and wax
+
Quick and easy to apply
+
Gives two to three weeks of protection

Reasons to avoid

-
Can’t replace a quality wax
-
Pricier than simpler polishes

While we said above that waxes and polishes are separate products, there are some all-in-one solutions which can act as both. Need for Speed by Dodo Juice is one such product, and as the name suggests, this is the ideal car cleaner for anyone in a hurry.

Forgot about volunteering as chauffeur for your mate’s wedding? Not to worry; splash out on some Dodo Juice and after quickly rubbing it into your paintwork (by hand or machine) and buffing it to a shine, the car will be both clean and protected from the elements.

The cleaning properties work in the same way as other polishes, gently removing light scratches and signs of oxidation. But this product also contains wax, so leaves a shiny finish and a layer of protection which is claimed to last between two and three weeks. Dodo itself admits this won’t replace your dedicated car wax, but for a quick fix it’s a good product to have.

Auto Finesse TrippleT3 Approved Award

4. Auto Finesse Tripple

Three-in-one acts as polish, glaze and wax for a showroom shine

Specifications

Best for: All-in-one protection from one product
Type: Three-in-one polish, glaze and wax
Size: 500 ml

Reasons to buy

+
Polishes paint and protects with integrated wax
+
Contains carnauba to protect paint

Reasons to avoid

-
Won’t replace a dedicated wax

This three-in-one solution includes polish, glaze and wax - hence the ‘tripple’ name. As with other combined products, the Auto Finesse might not perform as well as a dedicated (and far more expensive) wax, but for general and occasional use, it’s a solid option to keep you car shiny and protected from grime.

As with other polish/wax combos, you’ll want to rub this into clean and dry paintwork, then leave until a haze forms and buff it to a showroom finish with a microfibre cloth. The addition of carnauba (also known as Brazil wax or palm wax) is the key here, as it forms a protective layer over your paint, helping to guard it against water, road grime, and the elements.

Once applied, you can wash your car normally for the next month or so, safe in the knowledge that the wax is there and doing its job.

T-Cut Rapid Scratch RemoverT3 Approved Award

5. T-Cut Rapid Scratch Remover

Dedicated product for removing light scratches and scuffs

Specifications

Best for: Removing blemishes
Type: Scratch removing polish
Size: 500 ml

Reasons to buy

+
Dedicated scratch remover
+
Reduces the visibility of light scratches, swirls and blemishes
+
Works on painted metal, enamels, most plastic, glass and ceramics

Reasons to avoid

-
Not intended as a general car cleaning product
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Will not work on deeper scratches

While some polishes and waxes are designed to give your car a general clean, this product from market leader T-Cut is formulated specifically to help remove scratches, scuffs and other blemishes from paintwork.

Instead of cleaning your entire car with it, this is a product to be used after the car is washed (but before you polish or wax), and only on specific areas of damage. Apply the paste on a scratch or scuff, then work into the paint using a circular motion, and you should see light scratches disappear.

This T-Cut scratch remover is safe to use all over various types of vehicle, including painted metal, enamels, gloss painted surfaces, most plastics, fibreglass gel coats, glass and ceramics.

Best Car Wax

Car waxes have come a long way over the years and for the modern motorist there are a mind-boggling array of liquids and pastes to choose from for adding lustre to your paintwork. While some of us love nothing more than a few hours spent buffing the motor, easy to apply car waxes are the way to go if you’d rather just get it over with. 

Points to look out for are buff-ability and the ease with which you achieve that all over shine on your car. Some car waxes can be temperamental, preferring optimum conditions such as not too much sun and cooler temperatures. At the same time, apply car wax when it’s too damp or if there’s moisture in the air and you could be waiting a long time to achieve maximum lustre.

The selection of the best car waxes, we’ve lined up products to cover all bases and are pretty flexible when it comes to application. Best of all, if you apply them following the instructions and using the right buff on and buff off technique you should soon be enjoying the full benefit of the best car wax. You’ll know when you’ve done a good job as raindrops should roll off the bodywork in super-slick little beads.

Best Car Wax: Meguiar G18216EU Ultimate Liquid WaxT3 Best Buy Award

1. Meguiar G18216EU Ultimate Liquid Wax

This best car wax offers straightforward quality synthetic protection

Specifications

Best for: Fuss-free shine
Type: Liquid
Size: 473ml

Reasons to buy

+
Can be used on gloss or clear coat finishes
+
Comes with foam applicator and microfibre towel

Reasons to avoid

-
Purists might prefer a non-sythetic Carnauba wax

Meguiar’s are masters of the deep shine and this wax ticks all the boxes if you’re after a stress-free lustre. And, if you’re one of those who finds car waxing too much like hard work Ultimate Liquid Wax can be applied and polished off without breaking into a sweat. It also fends off the elements well too, meaning less frequent waxes are needed. It’s not the cheapest car wax you can buy, but a little goes a long way and you can tell you’re using a premium product. Added to that, the package comes with an ergonomically designed foam applicator and the microfibre buffing towel is good quality and buffs to perfection.

Bilt Hamber Double Speed Car/Motorbike WaxT3 Approved Award

2. Bilt Hamber Double Speed Car/Motorbike Wax

This rich paste wax takes time but rewards you with a glorious lasting sheen

Specifications

Best for: Longevity
Type: Paste
Size: 250ml

Reasons to buy

+
Fends off the elements very nicely
+
A little goes a long way

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the speediest quick shine solution

You’ll need to take your time with this paste wax and also put in plenty of elbow grease. However, the results that come once you’ve finished the buffing will be hugely rewarding. This is a quality paste that is great at keeping its shine, even after protracted rain soakings. Plus, pastes generally last that little bit longer than liquids and this British company seems to be particularly adept at making its waxes go that little bit further. They claim it’s a quick wax, but we’d say this gorgeous pot of carnauba deserves plenty of time to get the best from its charms.

Gtechniq 0.5 C2 Liquid Crystal v3T3 Approved Award

3. Gtechniq 0.5 C2 Liquid Crystal v3

A super easy to apply spray-on shine that’s perfect for reluctant car cleaners

Specifications

Best for: A dazzling sealant-type sheen
Type: Spray
Size: 500ml

Reasons to buy

+
So easy to apply and buff
+
A good value quick fix

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks the rich shine of a carnauba wax

This seemingly innocuous spray-on wax packs plenty of punch and, more importantly, is perfect if you baulk at the thought of a morning spent waxing the car. It works a little bit like a sealant, and you’ll want to apply it to spotless paintwork, so a deep wash is best first. But, once you’re onto the application bit it’s a real doddle. Take your time buffing off and it reveals a shiny finish that they reckon will last a good few months. Use it sparingly and the bottle should keep you going for a good little while, making this a solid bet for the more budget conscious motorist, despite the initial outlay.

Super Cera Brazilian CarnaubaT3 Approved Award

4. Super Cera Brazilian Carnauba

Stand back and prepare to be dazzled by this Brazilian carnauba wax treat

Specifications

Best for: Waxing enthusiasts
Type: Paste
Size: 150g

Reasons to buy

+
Rewards the patient with an awesome shine
+
Delivers a lot for the money

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires plenty of elbow grease to get the best from it

We know there are plenty of people out there who love nothing more than a few hours spent waxing the car and this tin of high-quality Brazilian carnauba is top notch. Super Cera is apparently a cocktail of traditional Brazilian carnauba T1 - the premium grade variety - and modern synthetic hard waxes, polymers and other ingredients. The wax certainly provides a deep and very lustrous finish, but you’ll need to work it in carefully taking your time not to cover too much of an area. Nevertheless, after some solid buffing your paintwork will come up a treat. Better still, it packs a very appealing coconut fragrance too, so you’ll be able to enjoy a whiff of South America as you polish.

Autoglym Rapid Aqua WaxT3 Approved Award

5. Autoglym Rapid Aqua Wax

Our favourite wax can be used on wet or dry surfaces for maximum convenience

Specifications

Best for: Timesaver
Type: Liquid
Size: 700g

Reasons to buy

+
Apply to wet or dry paintwork
+
No smears or streaks

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the longest lasting once applied 

This clever liquid wax stands out for its ability to be used on both wet or dry cars, making it a great timesaver if you need a clean machine in a hurry. It gives a smear-free finish on just-washed surfaces and saves a huge amount of effort by cutting out the middleman between soaping and shining. The wax itself doesn’t last too long in unfavourable weather conditions, but for pure convenience, we can’t fault it. If you prefer the watertight nature of a traditional wax, you might not want to opt for this one, but for anyone who loves the idea of applying a wax to their car in minutes that provides a really decent shine, this is a top choice.

Soft99 Fusso Wax Coat LightT3 Approved Award

6. Soft99 Fusso Wax Coat Light

White and silver cars will be left polished and protected to perfection with this superb wax

Specifications

Best for: Light-coloured cars
Type: Paste
Size: 200g

Reasons to buy

+
Specifically for light paintwork
+
Incredible lasting power

Reasons to avoid

-
 Quite expensive

Everyone with light-coloured paintwork on their car will know what a pain it is to keep it looking clean: enter Soft99’s Fusso Wax Coat. Specifically designed for white and light cars, it forms a protective layer that repels dirt, debris and water. While it takes a bit of elbow grease and around an hour of your time to properly apply and buff in, the finish is excellent. This wax is also available in a dark vehicle alternative and comes with the somewhat comforting knowledge that the finish can last for up to 12 months.

Turtle Wax FG7633 Green Line Original Car WaxT3 Approved Award

7. Turtle Wax FG7633 Green Line Original Car Wax

The original and best budget car wax, easy to use and gives a fantastic finish

Specifications

Best for: Budget buy
Type: Liquid
Size: 500g

Reasons to buy

+
Superb value 
+
Great finish

Reasons to avoid

-
 Harder coming off than going on

The original product from the classic company we all know and love. Green Line wax from Turtle Wax is an excellent budget buy, offering a great finish for a tiny price. It applies smoothly and easily, lifts away grime and light oxidisation, brings a brilliant shine to lacklustre paintwork, and protects against the elements. Porsche owners might balk at the idea of using it on their steed, but for your average motor, it’s really fantastic. For anyone looking for a cheap car wax that actually performs pretty well, grab a bottle of this stuff.

Simoniz Original WaxT3 Approved Award

8. Simoniz Original Wax

Traditional wax for traditional cars

Specifications

Best for: Old-school choice
Type: Paste
Size: 150g

Reasons to buy

+
Time-tested quality product
+
Natural wax

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes a looooong time to buff 

Simoniz’ Original Wax is probably exactly what’ll come to mind when you imagine “proper” car wax. Its tin, with its vintage stylings, just adds to the ritual of really looking after your motor. It’s hard work to apply, but a little goes a long way, and the payoff is more than worth it. Using natural Carnauba (the “queen of waxes”), it buffs to a brilliant shine for long-lasting protection. A classic for a reason, with unbeatable value for money. If you are looking for a car wax for a traditional vehicle or classic car, don't bother with anything else on this list.

Angelwax DesirableT3 Approved Award

9. Angelwax Desirable

The ultimate wax for car obsessives that provides the perfect finish

Specifications

Best for: Car obsessives
Type: Paste
Size: 250g

Reasons to buy

+
Great for luxury cars
+
Smells great 

Reasons to avoid

-
Eye-watering price 

This wax looks ludicrously expensive compared to the other picks on our list, and frankly, it is. But if you’re a dedicated restorer of vintage vehicles, or take great pride in an immodestly priced but incredibly beautiful car, this is the detailing wax for you. With 5 months of performance after application, its protective prowess is pretty incredible, plus it’s easy to apply and remove, smells amazing, and gives a glossy finish, considering how expensive it is, that’s exactly what you’d expect. If you drive a standard car, this is total overkill but if your cruiser is upmarket, treat it right with this wax.

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Alistair Charlton

Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.