Wash wax

Wash waxes are ideal for those who do not have time to apply a polish separately, or just want to top up the protection that is already there. They can be applied to dry or wet bodywork, eliminating the need to leather your car. As always, durability was the key, and you can check out our full test here.

Our winner
Autoglym Aqua Wax
Price: £13.99
Contact: www.autoglym.co.uk
Not the cheapest, but you get two microfibre cloths and serious protection. And while some rivals are easier to apply, the extra effort pays off as this was by far the most effective on test, still beading water as rivals faded at the end of the five-week assessment.

Commended
Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax
Price: £11.99
Contact: www.meguiars.co.uk
US giant was the only product to truly challenge our winner, and it doesn’t even mention applying to wet bodywork in the instructions. It certainly works, though, and as with our champion, it needs a little extra effort to get on. But when it provides such great protection, this is time well spent.

Simoniz Rinse Off Wax
Price: £5.99
Contact: www.simoniz.co.uk
This cost-effective option gives decent protection, even though its name suggests otherwise. Unusually, it goes on after washing and is then rinsed before being dried, which removes the need for it to be buffed to a shine. Was still working at the end of the test, if a little slower than the Autoglym or Meguiar’s.