Updated: September 10th, 2024
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Maintain your car's shiny finish in between waxing sessions with a bottle of spray wax.
Main photo credit: PopTika / Shutterstock.com
Table of contents
Not everyone has the time to wax their car regularly. Traditional paste wax can take over an hour to apply, with a thorough process of rubbing, buffing, and cleaning up afterward. If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to give your car’s finish a layer of wax protection, consider spray waxes. While spray waxes don’t last as long as traditional paste wax, they can be applied in as little as 15 minutes, depending on the size of your car. Spray waxes are designed to offer a good level of protection with less effort; they work better if your car already has a layer of existing wax protection.
Ideally, you should keep a bottle of spray wax handy for use after washes and in between heavy detailing sessions when you can spend the time applying a layer of paste wax. Regular use of spray wax will keep your car’s finish shiny and durable, providing UV protection and repelling water from the surface.
Below, you’ll find our picks for the top best spray waxes currently available. For more information on spray waxes, refer to our table of contents.
Why You Should Trust AutoGuide's Product Reviews
We drive the latest new cars, trucks, and SUVs, but did you also know the team at AutoGuide.com tests tires, waxes, wiper blades, and pressure washers? Before we recommend a product as a top pick in one of our popular product lists, our editors put it to the test. We run through all its features, test the claims that the brand makes about each product, and then give an honest opinion on what we like and don’t like from our personal experience. As experts in all-things automotive, from minivans to sports cars, and from portable jump starters to ceramic coating, we want to make sure you buy the product that’s right for you.
1. Editor's Pick: Chemical Guys HydroBlitz Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax
It may be the new kid on the block, yet it's the most impressive spray wax I've ever used. For years, I've recommended our (now) runner-up as the best, but the results from Chemical Guys HydroBlitz Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax pleasantly surprised me. You can read more about it in my review, but the finish this product left behind on my car is the best I've seen from a spray wax. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's better than some of the liquid waxes I've used.
My car not only feels buttery smooth but also boasts an impressive shine. However, the best part of HydroBlitz is how clean my car looked even after driving through a storm. Normally, after driving my car in heavy rainfall, I'll need to give it a wash as soon as the skies clear. After applying HydroBlitz, that was not the case, and that isn't an exaggeration. It's also quick and easy to apply.
The only aspect left in my evaluation that I haven't determined is how long the protection lasts. But given that it's part ceramic, I imagine applying this once a month is more than enough.
2. Runner-up: Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax
For years, I've touted Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax as the top spray wax, and with good reason. Only recently has Chemical Guys HydroBlitz taken its place. Still, it's more of a 1a vs 1b situation; I would have no complaints about using this product. Like many other hybrid ceramic spray waxes, Meguiar's offering is infused with SiO2. One major reason I love using this is its simplicity: just spray it onto your car, rinse off with water, and dry. Yes, you can apply this spray wax without rubbing, curing, or buffing. This means no mess is left behind, just a brilliant, shiny surface.
If you're pressed for time and can't properly apply a spray wax, I'd recommend this over my top pick. Admittedly, Meguiar's spray-on and rinse-off method is a significant time saver that requires minimal effort. The results may not be the best, but for many car owners, it's more than enough.
3. Griot's Garage Ceramic 3-in-1 Wax
Griot's Garage enjoys a stellar reputation among car enthusiasts and professional detailers alike, with many swearing by the brand. I, too, also enjoy many of the brand's offerings, finding its Ceramic 3-in-1 Wax to be among the best spray waxes available. While it delivers a nice, smooth finish, my main criticism is its lack of comparable shine. In contrast, both Chemical Guys and Meguiar's products on this list leave your car looking glossy, achieving that sought-after "wet" look. From my experience, Griot's product lends a more subtle appearance to the car's finish.
Another point to note is it may streak if allowed to dry. So, it's best applied in a shaded area on a cool surface, focusing on one panel at a time.
What is Spray Wax?
Spray wax is a convenient way to apply a layer of wax protection on your vehicle without having to use a lot of elbow grease. It's essentially liquid wax that is thin enough to be sprayed, giving your car a nice shine and providing UV protection. Spray waxes are a great alternative to traditional paste waxes, because it takes a lot less time and effort to apply and even works to make any existing layers of wax last longer.
Some spray waxes can even be used on other exterior surfaces of your car to help repel water, such as your windshield, side windows, or even your headlights and tail lights. This helps keep water spots from forming on all parts of your car.
Pros | Safe for most surfaces; paint, vinyl, glass, and more |
Cons | Not as long-lasting as paste wax |
How Long Does Spray Wax Typically Last?
Spray wax will typically last a couple weeks to a month, although some companies claim their products last longer. Of course this depends on environmental conditions and how often your car sits in the sunlight. If you regularly wash your car and keep it in a garage, your application of spray wax will naturally last longer than a vehicle that is parked outside all day long. Still, applying spray wax to your car every month will keep its finish shiny and protected.
Now, there are spray waxes on the market that offer hybrid ceramic protection, like our top pick. These spray waxes typically last longer than carnauba-infused products since they feature SiO2.
Tips for Using Spray Wax
If you're inexperienced with spray waxes or want to make sure you get the most out of your efforts, check out these tips:
- Always follow the manufacturer's recommended steps for application
- Give your car a nice thorough wash, rinse, and dry before applying the spray wax
- Keep in mind that some spray waxes can be applied wet
- Typically you'll want to avoid using spray wax in direct sunlight—find some shade and make sure the exterior surface of your car has cooled off
- Spray waxes shouldn't be used as an alternative to washing your car, they should only be applied on clean surfaces
Recent Updates
- February 22, 2024: Revamped our list down to three recommendations for a better shopping experience. Replaced our Editor's Pick with a new product (Chemical Guys HydroBlitz), and moved our former Editor's Pick (Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax) to the second position. Added a new third product to the list (Griot's Garage Ceramic 3-in-1 Wax).
- November 29, 2023: Added two new recommendations to our list.
- May 10, 2023: Edited some text to improve clarity. Removed the Mothers California Gold spray wax recommendation to reduce our list to five recommendations.
- April 26, 2023: Added a new promoted product recommendation.
- December 12, 2022: Updated product links; added Mothers California Gold spray wax.
- May 3, 2022: Removed Car Guys products from recommendations, added Lucas Lucas Slick Mist spray wax.
- June 7, 2021: Updated the links for our promoted product.
- March 29, 2021: Updated with a promoted product recommendation.
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Main photo credit: PopTika / Shutterstock.com
