by Apex » Tue Mar 11, 2014 7:30 am
I'll start by saying that you should research this very carefully, regardless of what I say here.
In my opinion and experience: Waxing protects against direct sunlight, extreme heat, and general wear of your car's paint job.
If your car is garaged, that may have some bearing on to wax or not to wax.
If your car is not garaged, in general, you should wax every 3-4 months with what you think is the best wax on the market. That's what I've done for 12 years, no garage, hot Florida summer sun, white paint, and it still looks very good. Yes, those wax scratches will eventually show, but only against sunlight or under garage lights.
Recently a mechanic told me that there's a way to have your paint rejuvenated, but a friend countered that by saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Another thing to look into carefully.
One former car of mine, from 1988 - 1992: I just never got around to waxing it except maybe once or twice. It was bought new. White paint. The paint started peeling in mid 1992.
I'd like to know why owner's manual's say not to wax. It might have something to do with the clear coat thing.
Like I said, this is something that no one person may be able to answer right on. Get a lot of opinions, and be sure you regard them as opinions. Be sure you mention the garage thing.
If all you're concerned about are those hairline scratches: The alternative might be worse.
So do give it a lot of thought.
A compromise might be to wax maybe once a year.