Upon first inspection, the packaging stands out from most of the competition.  High quality plastic bottles printed with a clear legible label let you know how the product works and how to use it.

To sample the products we used a 2007 Chevy HHR.  The vehicle had not been detailed in over a month and was the perfect candidate to really test out the auto detailing products from Jax Wax.  Air conditioner magic was the first product to get a test run.

Air Conditioning Magic proved to be a best in class aerosol detailing protectant.  We posted a full length product review which can be found here Jax Wax Review: Air Condition Magic.  This product can be bought on their website and is great when needing to touch an area up, or time is of the essence.  Air Conditioning Magic was great, as were the other two products we received, Hawaiian Shine as You Dry, and Liquid Caranauba Paste Wax.

Hawaiian Shine as You Dry is a unique detailing product which can be used on any wet or dry painted surface as well as all plastic, glass, metal, vinyl and rubber trim.  The product provides an anti-static, anti-cling finish to the surface while removing any dirt, road grime and water spots.  Hawaiian shine is also fortified with wax, which leaves a wet look shine every time.   A full length product review can be found here Jax Wax Review: Hawaiian Shine as You Dry.  Both of these products are great, and the last one is the one we like the best, Liquid Caranauba Wax.

Liquid Caranauba Wax was the crowd pleaser of the three auto detailing products sent to us from Jax Wax.  Liquid Caranauba Paste Wax is a liquid auto detailing wax.  Liquid Paste Wax is a liquid wax mixed with solvents to provide an easy on easy off application.  The product provides a high quality protective barrier that produces an excellent shine.  The full length product review can be found here Jax Wax Review: Liquid Caranauba Paste Wax.

Jax Wax is an auto detailing product company with a focus on quality, and results.  If you are in the market for premium auto detailing products, you may want to check out their selection at Jax Wax.

To sample the products we used a 2007 Chevy HHR.  The vehicle had not been detailed in over a month and was the perfect candidate to really test out the auto detailing products from Jax Wax.  Air conditioner magic was the first product to get a test run.

Air Conditioning Magic is an aerosol based protectant.  We have reviewed aerosal products in the past and normally don’t like them, because of all the overspray they cause, and the lack of quality in the product.  The previous statement need not apply with the can sent over from Jax Wax.  After cleaning the interior of the Chevy HHR we used the can as the label suggests and had none of the issues normally experienced.  The product comes out in an even mist, adequately covering and protecting the desired areas while not over-applying the product.

We used the  product on the air conditioning vents, doors, and vinyl trim areas on the interior of the vehicle.  The product leaves a nice, even gloss that would rival most hand applications.  One of the areas we wish were different would be a fragrance.  Jax Wax advertises it as odorless, and maybe there are perfumed versions as well (this would be a plus).  Another great application, although we didn’t try it would be to use the product to dress the rubber components of an engine compartment.

Overall we would recommend using the Jax Wax Air Conditioning Magic when time is an issue.  Although the spray comes out much better than the competition, there is still the chance of massive overspray if one is not careful.  Just remember to be precise while using it and the results will speak for themselves.  If you would ike to know more about Jax Wax or browse their selection of premium auto detailing products check out their website Jax Wax.

Jax Wax makes some great auto detailing products, and their Hawaiian Shine as You Dry is no exception.  This product can be used on just about any wet, or dry surface.  Since it is called Shine as You Dry we used it while wet, but feel confident similar results will come out of using it dry.

After thoroughly washing our test vehicle, we began to use the Hawaiian Shine as You Dry product like the label suggests.  This product comes in a convenient spray bottle which applies the product in an even path.  After using a water blade to get the majority of the water off of the vehicle we sprayed one section of the car at a time and worked the product in using a circular motion.

While working the product into each panel we noticed that it was not nearly as difficult as we imagined.  Normally when a vehicle is wet, it will make waxing a headache.  Hawaiian Shine solves this issue with an easy to use wax that gets applied while wet.  After working into the section, the wax was left to dry.

Removing the product was not hard either, we used a soft terry towel and buffed off the wax.  The Hawaiian Shine is a great product that speeds up the process of detailing, because you can easily apply it while the vehicle is still wet.  The fact that it can be used on any exterior surface with great results puts this product in a category all by itself.

We recommend adding this product to your auto detailing caddy, or at least investigating it further.  There are endless uses for it outside of what the label suggests.  To learn more please visit Jax Wax.

Liquid Caranauba Paste Wax comes in a squirt bottle similar to what paint comes in at the craft store.  Upon initial inspection it is apparent that there is a large amount of solvents in the wax.  It is recommended on the label to shake before each use.  We noticed that the best results were obtained when shaking for approximately ten seconds.  The solvents need to be evenly distributed in order for the product to work as advertised.

Since there are a lot of solvents in this product we decided to give it the sun test.  Normally waxing a darker vehicle, such as a blue Chevy HHR, it is not recommended to do it in direct sun.  We waxed the blue vehicle around 3pm.

After shaking the bottle of wax for approximately ten seconds we began to apply the product in a circular motion one panel at a time.  Immediately upon applying the product hazing began.  The high concentration of solvents allowed for the product to glide onto the painted surface easily and come off in direct sunlight.  The ability to do this is key for mobile auto detailers who may not have shade to wax a vehicle in.  The application process for this wax is one of the easiest we have seen in a while.

Being easy to apply and take off is a top priority for any luxury auto detailing chemical company, but the real test is, “how does it make the vehicle look?” The finished gloss produced by this easy on, easy off wax was impressive.  It gave the look and feel of a high quality cream wax.  Only time will tell how well the protective value of the product will hold up, but we would be surprised if anything less than stellar is reported.

Jax Wax was a new company when the review was left on our blog but, after using their products, they feel like long lost friends.  The auto detailing products we reviewed from Jax Wax were all top notch, and in our opinion most of their other products will be also.  Make sure to check out their full line of auto detailing products at Jax Wax.

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) traditionally holds their East Coast season opener at the Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida. This national drag racing event was first held in 1970. The event is one of the sport’s most revered with a rich tradition of history-making performances such as: the first Funny Car runs in 1984 and the first 270-mph and 300-mph Top Fuel passes, in 1986 and 1992, respectively. This will be the first of 16 events for Pro Stock Motorcycle riders and first of 10 for NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series racers; whom move back to the second spot on the calendar. It is long considered one of the fastest tracks on the NHRA circuit with a 675-foot concrete launchpad.

Event Information

The Hot Rodding for Heroes Classic Auto Tour and Show mission is to turn our passion for cars into local support for our nation’s veterans. It has been designed with the principals of featuring our favorite parts of owning a classic car; driving it and sharing it with the public while benefitting a tremendous charity, the Veteran’s Bridge Scholarship. Available to Santa Fe College and the University of Florida students, this provides returning veterans funds to bridge the time between their discharge and when their veteran’s benefits arrive.

The Hot Rodding for Heroes Classic Auto Tour and Show will assemble at the Santa Fe College parking lot at 9:00am. This portion is open to tour registrants only please. We will leave there at 10:00am on our police escorted 30 mile tour of Alachua County, ending in the Haile Plantation Village Center. Arrival time will be around 11:00am. Along the route we’ll see area landmarks, buildings, and monuments, as well as area residents out in force.

The Hot Rodding for Heroes Classic Auto Tour and Show is proudly hosted by two of the most picturesque and charming settings that North Florida has to offer: the Haile Plantation Village Center and the Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club. The show portion will start with the tour’s arrival at 11:00am, which is open free to the public. Cars will be distributed throughout the Village Center and Golf Course, along with area vendors, food, live music, and a host of other amenities.

Event Parking

Event pedestrian parking will be located along 91st Blvd only. Due to potential risks pets, bicycles, motorcycles and skateboards will not be permitted to enter the event.

First you need paint to touch up the area. It will come in three different styles: pen, brush, or spray.  We recommend purchasing touch-up paint from your local dealership.  If you give them the VIN number of your car, which can be found on your insurance card or the lower, driver-side windshield, they will be able to match the paint code for you provided your car has not been repainted.  The paint you purchase from the dealership has a primer and clear coat mixed in.  Touch up paint generally comes as a roller pen with a brush applicator inside of the bottle.  This makes it a simple one-time application that is easy and less messy.  You may also purchase touch-up paint from your local auto part store or online.  Just be careful to match up the paint code and if it is not included buy primer and clear coat paint as well.

Once you have purchased the touch up paint you should practice applying it and test the color to match.  Before you apply the paint directly to your car it is wise to practice working with the paint.  Be sure to read all instructions that came with the touch-up paint.  Often this type of paint is hazardous and you should use the proper safety precautions that are recommended in the paint’s instructions.  Remember that you can always wipe the paint off if you mess up, as long as it does not have much time to reset.

Before you actually paint your car you will need to prep the area.  Start by removing any rust you may have.  You can use 220-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to remove all traces of rust on the surface of your car.  Once you remove the rust you will need to wash the car surface.  It is a good idea to wash the entire car to avoid getting any dirt from another area of the car on the area that you touch-up.  After washing be sure to completely dry the vehicle or area and allow it to air dry for another hour or so.  Before you begin painting your vehicle move it to an area that has good lighting, low humidity, and is not in direct sunlight.  The temperature needs to be at least 50°F for the brush cap or paint pens and at least 70°F for spray paint.

Now that you have your touch-up paint that is the correct color and the car has been prepared you are ready to paint it.  Be sure to toughly mix any paint, primer or clear coat before use.  If your paint does not contain primer then you will need to add a layer of primer first.  Apply the smallest amount possible and carefully spread it out with the applicator.  Avoid getting the primer on the original paint. If you do get primer on the original paint wipe it off immediately.  Make sure to let the primer completely dry before applying the touch-up paint.  If you are using paint with primer mixed in you may apply it directly to the surface.  When you use the pen applicator, push the tip down on the surface in order to get a drop of paint.  The longer you hold down the tip the more paint will come out.  If you have a small pencil tip sized chip in your paint then just touch the pen to the dot.  If you have a larger pencil tip eraser sized paint chip then hold the pen down longer to well up a larger drop of paint and then use the tip of the pen to drag the paint out in a circular motion.  You may need to apply several coats in order to build up the paint to a similar level as the surrounding paint.

If you have an area that is larger than a pencil tip eraser but smaller than a dime you should use the brush applicator.  When using the brush be sure to wipe off all excess paint on the applicator onto the inside rim of the paint.  Apply the paint to the surface with light brush strokes that go the width of the area.  Try to avoid pick up the brush and putting it back down on the surface because it will create brush marks in your paint.  Allow the paint to dry and apply several more coats in the same manner.  Once you have reached a point where the level of paint is similar to the surrounding area allow the paint to dry overnight.  If your touch-up paint does not contain clear coat then you will need to apply several layers of clear coat in the same manner to the area you touched-up.

Remember this is only a touch-up.  You will not be able to completely remove all traces of damage but it should look significantly better.  Three days after you have painted your vehicle, you should apply rubbing compound to the entire area that was painted.  Compounding the touch-up paint will make the area smooth and shiny.  You must wait 30 days before waxing the area that was painted.  If you have small scratches, applying compounding alone may be enough to remove them.

You may be wondering, “What is detailing clay and why would I use it?” It is similar to the silly putty you played with as a child only more elastic and durable. As you slide the bar across the surface of your car it will adhere to and remove the contaminants bonded to your clear coat. Commonly customers complain that their cars are dull or “stuff” is stuck on them. Claying your car will remove overspray from painting, break dust, organic contaminants like bugs and sap, and inorganic contaminates like acid rain and carbon build-up. Unlike most compounds and solvents, detailing clay is safe to use on glass, chrome, vinyl, and fiberglass.

While you will find various brands there are essentially two main varieties of detailing clay, medium and fine grade. Medium grade clay, also called aggressive clay, will remove the wax and anything else bonded to your clear coat. While it is completely safe and non-abrasive it should not be used more then a few times per year. Fine grade clay bars were made for a more general use on a month-to-month basis. They will still remove surface contaminants but will often leave some wax behind. Detailing clay comes in 2 to 8 ounce bars. Two ounces is enough to do a car three or four times depending on how contaminated it is. Regardless of the type of detailing clay it must be used with a lubricant. Clay lubricant is what prevents scratches while the clay bar is rubbed over the surface of the car.

The best detail of detailing clay is its ease of use. Before you clay bar your car you must wash off any excess dirt and debris and then dry it. Avoid using soap and water with a clay bar because it will deteriorate the clay and diminish its results. Knead the clay to form a small, fist-sized pancake.  Once your car is clear of excess dirt, you are ready to clay your car. Spray a small area with clay lubricant, generally less then a 2-foot by 2-foot section at one time. With minimal pressure, gently rub the clay bar back and forth over the surface with the lubricant. It will grab at first; this is the clay pulling the contaminants out of the paint. Be sure the surface is sufficiently wet with lubricant as you glide the bar back and forth. Once the clay bar glides freely the area is clean. Wipe the clean surface with a microfiber to remove any excess clay or lubricant.

Now when you run your hand over the surface it should feel silky smooth. If you hand grips, sputters or if you feel any specks repeat the process. Proceed to do the entire outside surface of the vehicle in the same manner. After doing a panel of the car or a particularly contaminated area fold the clay over on it self and knead into a small pancake again. Since the clay will remove your wax once your vehicle is done being clayed it will need to be waxed. Now is a great time to apply a high polymer-sealant wax that will last and help keep your vehicle looking great for some time.

While detailing your car with detailing clay is relatively easy and requires little work, it does take several hours. This is why most people would prefer to have their local auto detailer do it for them. Detailing clay and it’s required lubricant can be found at auto detailing stores or bought online. If you are a do-it-yourselfer once you have those to items all you need is time to make your vehicle shine like it did when it came off of the show room floor.