Taking care of your car means a lot. It’s similar to the phrase ‘You scratch my back, I scratch yours’. And by care, we don’t only mean keeping the tank full.
Cleaning, checking the engine, keeping the oils clean, and also polishing the car from time to time are all included in it. If you are one who takes care of your car wholeheartedly, you know how comforting and rewarding.
But sometimes it becomes a bit worrying as you are new to the polishing game. How long do car polishing pads last actually? Well, they can last for a good 4 months to a few years, depending on your use, storage, and cleaning.
Puzzled? We know you would be. This is why we are going to talk about these in detail.
How Long Can Car Polishing Pads Be Used?
The life of your polishing pads depends on a few factors. It can be one or many of them combined which ensures the longevity of your pad.
1. Usage Frequency
Remember the term wear and tear? Your polishing pads also wear off due to frequent usage. If you are the one who polishes their car every week or so, your polishing pads will last between 4-6 months.
But if that frequency goes up to months like you polish your car after a few months or once a month, your car polishing pads will last not only over a year but more.
2. Cleaning Them After Use
Cleaning not only makes your car shiny and leaves a lasting impression but also your polishing pads. As they are used alongside heavy polishing agents, they get clogged up. So every time you use them, if you clean them accordingly, they will last you for years to come.
Not cleaning them properly and leaving the residue will make them stiff and fall apart faster, say within a few months.
3. Storing Situation
Right after cleaning your pads properly, you have to dry them and store them in a well-ventilated place. If you don’t dry them, and store them in a closed place, chances are they will grow mold and wear off quicker than you expect.
So storing situation also adds up time and cuts down. Properly stored pads last for years, also considering the usage frequency.
4. Build Material
The last factor is what type of polishing pads you are using. The build material makes them wear off quickly or last longer. Microfiber pads last much longer than foam pads. Also, the quality and thickness of the material add up to it.
Microfiber pads last for more than 2 years. And foam pads last for a year or so. Wool pads have been on the trend for some time, and they outlast both of the aforementioned materials by 4 years or more.
Why Don’t My Car Polishing Pads Last Longer?
If by any chance your polishing pads aren’t lasting as you have expected them to, check out the following reasons.
- Not cleaning your pads after polishing.
- Not storing them correctly.
- Not using the correct RPM.
- Using them frequently without having a spare
- Using the wrong type of polishing pads.
- Too much harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions and Anaswers (FAQs)
How long is a polishing pad good for?
It totally depends on your usage and maintaining the pads. If you are a professional or polish frequently, your pads will last for a few months. But if you maintain them properly and swap them with other pads, it will serve you for years.
How often do I change polishing pads?
When your pads show worn-out signs like breakage in texture or foam, it is time to change your polishing pads. Otherwise, it is good to go for months or years.
Are car polishing pads reusable?
Yes. Car polishing pads are always reusable. Regular and frequent users can use them for a few months before they wear off. And occasional users can use them for years.
How many pads needed to polish a car?
It totally depends on the size of your car and how much detailing you are doing. You can assume you will need somewhere between 20 to 30 pads for perfectionists and 10-15 for any occasional user.
Conclusion
Polishing pads most of the time last over a year or so. But if you are a frequent user, then sadly you won’t have that luxury. But on the brighter side, you can have spares and rotate the use and make them last longer.