So you’ve got an old, rusty tin or car wax in your garage and you’re wondering if it’s still good to use, or if it’s time to throw it away? Here’s what you need to know about using old wax, whether it’s a good idea, and how to store it so it lasts longer. So let’s get started.
The Quick Answer
Car wax can go bad if it is stored in very high or low temperatures for several years. Most waxes will last at least 2-3 years before starting to lose some of their durability and protective properties. Storing the wax in a cool, dry environment will help to extend its life.
Does Car Wax Ever Expire?
Most car waxes do not have an expiration date, or a best before date when they are shipped. This would lead us to believe that car waxes don’t ever expire. However, it’s not strictly true.
Although most car waxes don’t have an expiry date, the properties will change over time, and the finish you’ll get after application will as well.
Generally, most car waxes stay like-new for around 2 years before they start to deteriorate and lose their effectiveness. However, some waxes will last far longer than this. It really depends on which wax you’re using, and how it has been stored.
What Happens to Old Wax?
So what actually happens when you use an old wax, and how does it change over time?
Generally, the wax tends to separate. This means that you can get an oily layer on the top of the tin, and a harder paste underneath. As opposed to a homogeneous mixture when it was first made.
Of course, if you work the wax a little bit with the applicator, you can get it to re-mix, so it applies nice and evenly. However, once this separation process occurs, the wax will lose some of it’s durability once applied to the car.
Older waxes don’t tend to last as long on the finish because the separation process that occurred in the tin, will also occur to some extent on the paintwork. This means it will break down more quickly. Things like dirt, rain and washing will take it’s toll more on an older wax, causing it to degrade more quickly.
So if you’re using an older wax, keep in mind that you may need to apply it more often than you would have done when you first bought it. A wax that may have lasted 3 months when you first bought it, may only stay on your car for a month if it’s a few years old.
You can also start to lose some of the protective properties. This tends to be more of an issue with sealants, which are known for their UV protection and water repellent properties. With older waxes, these properties will usually be weakened.
How to Tell if the Wax Has Gone Bad?
You can usually tell if a wax has “gone bad” if it has changed in colour, texture or begun to separate leaving an oily layer on the surface.
It’s still possible to use a wax if you’ve noticed any of these changes, however, it does usually mean the chemical properties have changed, and the durability and protection it provides may be reduced.
The best way to prolong the life of your wax, is to keep it stored in the correct conditions.
How to Store Wax
A lot of waxes, particularly those in a paste format, come in such a large quantity, that you may be able to get hundreds of applications out of it before you run out.
Now unless you’re a professional detailer who uses the same wax on every single car, you’re unlikely to use all the wax up before it starts to deteriorate.
The best way to make your wax stay fresh for longer is to store it properly. It’s not complicated and it’s easy to do, so make sure you follow these rules for storing waxes and sealants.
- Store the wax between 40-77 degrees Fahrenheit (5-25 degrees Celcius).
- Never store a wax or sealant outside or in a garage or shed that isn’t temperature controlled. The temperature fluctuations will cause the product to degrade much faster.
- Don’t store the wax in an environment that’s too cold, or close to freezing temperatures or the chemical properties will change and it’ll lose some of it’s protective properties.
- Never let the wax melt, or again, it’ll lose some of it’s properties.
- Keep the wax in a tightly sealed container to keep it clean and prevent exposure to high humidity.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to get plenty of years worth of use out of your wax to keep your car shiny and protected.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t worry if you still need some more answers. Here are some of the most common wax-related questions.
What happens if wax freezes?
If a car wax freezes, the chemical properties can potentially change, causing it to lose some of it’s protective abilities and be less durable. This tends to be a bigger issue with sealants than waxes. The wax still should be okay to use, but the results may not be as good.
If you use a wax that’s still frozen, or at least very cold, then it will be very difficult to apply, spread and remove. Often it’ll leave “ghosting” or streaks on the surface that are difficult to remove.
Where is the best place to store a wax?
Storing a wax or sealant in a cool, dry cupboard is usually the best option.
Thanks for reading! I hope you’ve found this article helpful. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the website to learn more about car care and cleaning to make your pride and joy look its best!