Just like Dad Used ... or Made ME Use, That Is.
Written: Jun 12 '04 (Updated Jul 06 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, relatively quick way to make your car look great
Cons: Can take quite a bit of elbow grease to polish under-loved cars
The Bottom Line: I've used Turtle Wax since I've been a kid, and it's always worked for me.
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| martytdx's Full Review: Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell |
Ah, the dog days of summer. Washing the car in the hot sun, wiping it down with your chamois cloth, and then preparing for the wondrous task of turning the hazy and dull paint of the car into a lustrous jewel of beautiful metal shining in the sun.
So what if everyone else is off playing baseball - you get to wash and wax Dad's car!! Woo-hoo!!
Well, many years later, the more things change, the more they stay the same. I have a son of my own - but he's a little smarter than I was and manages to always have something else going on when the car needs cleaning. So, on this hot and humid summer day ... I STILL GET TO WASH AND WAX THE CAR MYSELF. So, if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it the way I grew up with - Turtle Wax.
Ever since I was a kid, I remember the green tub o' wax and the familiar sea-green soft paste inside. The smell of the was was familiar, taking me back to a place from my childhood - not quite as good as the times fishing, but better than the stumbling trek back from my bike accident.
[• the whole ball of WAX •]
Turtle Wax was created in the early 1950's by Ben Hirsch who, with a creative mind, a background in chemicals and an understanding wife, developed the formula in their bathtub. Originally called Plastone, he used to sell it on the street along with a number of other inventions.
Then came a fateful trip to Beloit, WI where he ran across TURTLE CREEK. Making the connection between his liquid wax and the turtle's shell, a new name was born. The company is now based in Chicago, although most of the manufacturing is done in Skelmersdale, England.
[• wax on, WAX OFF •]
Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell comes in two forms - the pasty version (which I prefer) and a liquid version. The liquid you use rags, sponges or whatever, but the paste version comes with a bonus sponge that fits right in the container and works wonders spreading the wax around. And my friends thought THEY were having fun...
When getting ready to apply the wax, of course, you have to wash the car. Sometimes I use Turtle Wax car wash, but I'm not as sold on that as the wax itself. Then make sure it's dry. The bottle tells you to avoid temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (when the car is "hot to the touch") when applying the wax - and I have to agree. My results have been less than stellar when the wax gets cooked onto the metal. Not bad, just not as good as when it's nice and cool.
You take your handy-dandy sponge and apply the wax in a circular motion, making sure you get the entire desired area. Then wait a few minutes for it to dry - and wipe off with a dry, SOFT cloth and then buff. Voila! A beautiful new-looking finish that will last you "up to" 12 months (performance may vary - mine lasts only 3-4 months). You will have to work at it - a good shine comes with some elbow grease - but the results are usually worth it.
If I had one complaint about this stuff, it would be that it sometimes manages to get into weird places and all but disappear until 3 hours later when it finally dries and becomes opaque. Suddenly, you have long strips of dried wax on an interior frame or crack between the trunk and body - not noticeable when you were doing it but boy, can you see it now. Of course, that might be operator error more than anything else. The dust from the dry wax can sometimes often leave your car looking dirty again, so make sure you go with the wind when waxing.
Incidentally, the Turtle Wax website says that this stuff is also good for kitchen stovetops, refridgerators, shower walls, chrome and brass fixtures, patio furniture and boat hulls. Who knew?
[• crying over spilt WAX •]
Although the label doesn't say as much, there are warnings for the chemicals within. They can cause eye or lung irritation with continued exposure, and should be used in a ventilated area. Prolonged exposure with the skin can lead to a rash or welts. It is fatal if swallowed (stick to Elmer's if you have to eat pasty stuff).
[• the bees WAX •]
• Quality: This product is a consumer-grade wax - don't expect it to take the 1955 BelAir which has been sitting in the sun for 15 years and suddenly have a new finish. But for the price, it does a great job of keeping the finish on my car looking good.
• Ease of Use: I find it takes some work, but it's fairly easy to use aside from the elbow grease, particularly if you use too much.
• Application Time: For a Honda Accord, it takes about 2 hours start to finish to do it right.
• Product Life: There is enough wax to last a few years, but depending on your area, you will probably see some drying or degradation of the wax before you use it up.
[• waxing POETIC •]
Ah, the joys of summer are here
BBQs, swimming pools and beer
But the waxing can't wait
And my son escaped this fate
Turtle Wax to the rescue, never fear!
with humblest apologies - I am so NOT a poet
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Recommended:
Yes
Ease of Application: Good; takes little time to apply
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Epinions.com ID:
martytdx
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Marty
Location: New Jersey
Reviews written: 482
Trusted by: 179 members
About Me:
Doing what I can to try new places, restaurants, books and beers.
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