Waxing a car can be a real pain in the neck. For most of us, just keeping up with a cleaning schedule can be hard enough thanks to workdays that never end and dozens of other obligations.

If you’re asking yourself whether you really need to worry about waxing, the answer is yes. If you want your car to look good and stay that way, this extra step is an important one.

The reasons to keep the wax on go beyond basic shiny appearance, too. When a waxing schedule is maintained, these benefits can go along with the deal:

* Prolonged time in between needed cleanings – When a car is kept waxed, dirt and other road debris won’t stick as easily. This can help keep a car looking cleaner longer.
* Reduction of damage from certain road hazards – When a car is waxed, bugs and other acidic road hazards will have a much more difficult time sticking to the paint job. This means they won’t be as likely to cause damage to the underlying paint. Plus, they’ll be easier to clean off in the long run.
* Prevention of rust – Wax alone won’t stop a car from rusting, but it can help prevent ding and dent spots from rusting and bleeding through to undamaged metal.

While no one really likes to put in the time to wax a vehicle, it’s a maintenance move that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you really hate the job, consider using long-lasting waxes that can retain their effectiveness for months on end.