Wax to protect your car's paint job

No way around it! Waxing your car is work. But it's satisfying work that will help keep your car looking new. Car wax preserves paint by slowing oxidation and forming a barrier against bird droppings, sap, and pollution. Plus driving a nice shiny car is just plain fun.

Here's what to do to ensure the maximum in protection:

* Liquid and spray waxes are tempting to use -- they make the car shiny with less work than rubbing in paste wax. But there's still no beating paste wax for the hardest, longest-lasting finish. Look for paste with a high carnauba wax content.

* Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the car's surfaces with a damp sponge. Avoid applying too much, or it will be difficult to remove and some residue will inevitably mar your finish.

* To avoid fine scratches, use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove wax once it has dried.

* Apply an extra coat of wax to the nose and hood. The wax film in these areas wears away quickly.