It may seem like keeping a vehicle's mechanical systems in excellent shape is all you need to worry about. After all, those are the parts that power the car, and regular servicing ensures smooth and reliable driving.

Although that's true, a vehicle's exterior also needs TLC to keep it looking great as long as possible. 

Unwashed cars can accumulate a buildup of oxidation and contaminants on the paint surface, leading to damage and decreased visual appeal.

Just like you wouldn't clean your favorite shirt with dish liquid, the same holds when washing car paint. Uniquely formulated car wash soaps are pH-balanced, so they go easy on the finish, remove grime, and don't strip away previous waxing. It's important to use soap designed for cars because other cleaners, like laundry detergent, are for grease and oil and may damage the finish. 

Wax for cars contains ingredients that help the paint shine and cover it with a thin layer of protection to seal out contaminants and keep the finish looking showroom-new. Many waxes exist, from carnauba-based formulas to synthetic car waxes containing polymers or ceramic ingredients.

When choosing a rag or cloth for washing and drying, it’s important to know not all fabrics are the same. Cotton or chamois rags can leave micro-scratches that add up over time. Microfiber cloths and microfiber towels are purposefully designed to be gentle on paint. When it's time to apply wax, using foam applicator pads helps work it into the finish before you buff it away with a cloth. 

Finding a used vehicle that's been well cared for both on the surface and under the hood can be a hassle. Pictures in advertisements may look nice, but how can you know a pre-owned car will stand the test of time? Shift's certified mechanics perform extensive 150-point inspections on every car and have complete vehicle history reports, so you know your used car feels as good as new. Shift's website has a large selection of fully inspected vehicles — be it a car, truck, or SUV — located across the country that are ready to go. The website is user-friendly, and you'll be able to find various makes and models to suit your needs and budget. With Shift's expertise and experience selling used vehicles, you can rest assured your used car purchase will be good to go from the moment you take delivery. Want to take a test drive before you buy? If you live in one of Shift's many service areas, a concierge will drive to you, letting you get a feel for the performance before signing the papers.

With your finish carefully cleaned and showing a nice shine, it's time to take it one step further.

Three layers comprise a car's finish: the clearcoat, color coat, and base primer. The paint's sheen depends on a silky clearcoat, and waxing achieves this by filling in minute scratches and crevices that accumulate over time. 

Car waxing every three months not only makes your paint look deep and lustrous but also provides a safeguard against the elements. 

When selecting wax for cars, you have three categories to choose from: paste, liquid, and spray-on.

Paste wax is the thickest formula and requires extra effort during application and buffing. But all that effort doesn't go to waste because paste wax offers a durable shine that lasts longer than other types of wax.

Liquid waxes suit older vehicles that require extra polishing and protection and, with their thinner composition, require less elbow grease. One type of liquid wax, cleaner wax, contains mild abrasives to buff away swirl marks and scratches for a gloss similar to a new car.

If you don't have the time for buffing, polishing, and wiping away a coat of wax, spray-on waxes are a more user-friendly option. All you have to do is spray and wipe for a mirror-like appearance. Although spray-on waxes are more convenient, they don't have the cleaning properties or weather protection of liquid and paste wax. Spray wax gives your paint a nice sheen, but if you want the utmost paint protection, traditional waxing with liquid car wax or carnauba paste wax is the way to go. Auto care experts often recommend using spray-on wax as a touch-up between regular waxes.

Suppose you want to go the traditional route and don't mind spending a little extra time for an impeccable sheen. In that case, P21S carnauba wax is a trusted option for a pristine appearance. Not only is it a liquid wax that’s easy to apply, but it also won't stain exterior trim pieces.

When looking for the best cleaner wax, Meguiar's Cleaner Wax polishes away tiny scratches that build up over the years and protects from harmful contaminants like road grime and brake dust. And with its liquid formula, Meguiar's Cleaner Wax is easy to apply and remove.

Another option that easily enhances your paint's appeal is Griot's Spray-On Wax. After washing and drying your vehicle, simply spray and wipe away for a quick and easy shine. 

Washing and waxing are just some of the tasks related to owning a car. You're also responsible for things like insurance, fuel, and routine maintenance. So finding ways to save on auto-related costs helps keep extra money in your bank account. One way to do this is by securing a good auto loan. Shift works with a network of trusted lenders who compete for your business, so you get the best deal on financing. Applying for financing with Shift requires no cost or obligation, and many applicants receive an offer within minutes instead of days. If you have poor credit, don't worry because we welcome co-signers. And once you purchase a car from Shift, you know it's good for the long haul, with our best-in-industry service contracts. With a Shift Vehicle Protection plan, not only are essential components covered, but you also receive roadside assistance if you run into trouble. Wherever you happen to be in the continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, help is just a toll-free phone call away, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 35 days a year.