How do I know if my car needs a polish?
Quick answer: If, after a proper wash and dry, the paint still looks dull or hazy, shows swirl “cobwebs” in sunlight, has water spots or light etching that won’t wash off, or reflections look soft and flat, it’s time to machine polish. Polishing restores clarity and depth and is the right prep before protection or sale.
Most people realize their car could use a polish when they park it next to a similar car of similar colour which is much newer. It's when comparing old with new that the difference becomes obvious.
They might also see their car on a bright, sunny day and notice the cobwebs or swirl marks. You can look for evidence of dull and dead paintwork, scratches and stains, and if you feel you would be happier if your car was really shiny, then you probably need a polish.
Sometimes, especially on darker cars, you'll find the car always looks dirty even when it's cleaned. The paint has a slightly milky appearance - this is oxidization. This is less noticeable on silver cars, but you can often feel it. Rather than feeling smooth like a mirror, it feels slightly matt. Your paint may even be contaminated with various forms of fallout, salts, and traffic film - run your hand over the paint after washing. If it feels rough or gritty, contaminants have bonded to the surface.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 23/09/2025 14:40