When it comes to ceramic sprays, I’m always excited to read reviews and try something new to see if it gets the “wow factor” out of my car. So a few days ago I picked up a bottle of Turtle Wax ICE at my local gas station, and decided to write an honest review for you all.
What is Turtle Wax ICE?
First, let me clear up a common misunderstanding many people make about Turtle Wax ICE. Technically, Turtle Wax’s “ICE” products are not ceramic, because they don’t contain SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide). It’s also not one of those confusing “hybrid” products we’ve seen hit the shelves. The ICE line is a carnauba wax, pure and simple. And frankly there is nothing wrong with that.
When I have talked to folks about using liquid wax, they tell me they don’t know where to start because of all the multitude of reviews and different variants of car wax products out on the market today. When I first started doing my own research I felt the same way — overwhelmed and left with lots of questions. But after reviewing dozens of detailer brands and different products, I’ve figured out how to differentiate between the snake oil and what actually gets great results. So here’s my experience with Turtle Wax ICE liquid spray wax.
How Do You Use Turtle ICE Spray Wax?
As stated by most other Turtle Wax ICE reviews, this product is pretty easy to use. Wash your car, make sure it’s fully dry, and apply using the directions on the bottle. Shake well, spray a fine mist onto your car, and immediately wipe off with a microfiber towel. Then flip the towel over to the dry side and buff to a shine. Sounds similar to ceramic spray detailer application, right? We’ll get to that later in this Turtle Wax ICE review.
The directions also mention that additional applications will enhance shine and protection. It was after reading this last direction that a warning flag flew up. When you use high end products like Nexgen Ceramic spray, you only need one coat. However, Turtle Wax is already hinting at using multiple coats. Lastly, in the directions it looks like it is safe to use on glass, door handles, black plastic, rubber trim, chrome & wheels without leaving white residue.
Is Turtle Wax ICE Any Good?
Let’s cut to the chase. The reason you’re reading this review among the many other Turtle Wax ICE reviews is because you want to know the real truth about Turtle Wax ICE. Will this spray increase the shine of your vehicle and protect it from contaminants? My short answer? Yes it will.
I noticed a very significant shine right away after using Turtle Wax ICE. It was a nice glossy finish that compares with some of the mid-tier ceramic spray products I’ve tried. I also did the “water droplet test” to see if water beads up on the surface after application. There was moderate water beading, which I’m happy with for a spray wax.
How Long Does Turtle Wax ICE Spray Wax Last?
Everyone always wants to know how long a product is going to last after it’s applied. The truth is that it really depends on the conditions in your area, and how you treat your car. Is it parked in a garage with low humidity and no direct sunlight? Or is it driven 100 miles/day in a high-humidity area with lots of sun and extreme temperatures? As you might guess, any wax or ceramic spray will last better on a car which is kept in the garage.
When I used Turtle Wax ICE, I drove my truck about 30 miles per day in mild Southern California weather. And I found that the shine from the Turtle Wax started to fade after about 2 weeks. I was a little disappointed in how quickly I needed to reapply, so I went to Turtle Wax’s website and learned that this product works good together with their “Smart Shield technology” line of products. These are six products which work in tandem and basically add more wax to your topcoat.
Sighing at my computer, I realized that Turtle Wax wants me to use multiple coats again. The first product in their lineup the "Wash & Wax" even says to wash your car every week. I do not know about you, but I definitely do not want to wash and detail my car all the time. If it’s supposed to protect the paint from all the elements, why can't I get more than a week or two out of these products?
How Is Turtle Wax ICE Customer Service?
If you’ve read my other reviews before, you know I love calling customer support to get as much info as possible. And that’s exactly what I did with Turtle Wax ICE too. Whenever I try a new product, I usually call them to see how they answer customer questions and if they’re truly knowledgeable about detailing.
I gave their customer service number a call, and was connected to someone in less than 3 minutes. I asked which wax I should use for my Harley, and she told me that all their waxes are essentially the same. Wait what!? So you’re telling me that Turtle Wax has over 15 different waxes on the market and they’re all basically the same? After some back and forth, she transferred me to her manager who clarified that she misspoke. However, that left a bad impression and let me know that they’re not knowledgeable at all. Overall, the agent was pleasant and nice, but lacked product knowledge.
Product Quality Scores
-
Strength
8/10
-
VALUE
9/10
-
LONGEVITY
7/10
-
CUSTOMER SERVICE
7/10
-
TOTAL SCORE:
31
TOTAL SCORE
31
In my opinion, using Turtle Wax ICE is worth it for one single reason. Price. Right now you can buy a 20oz bottle of Turtle Wax ICE for $8.79 on Amazon Prime. That’s way cheaper than almost all the other products that you can find reviews about on this site. Is it going to give you a superb shine or last as long as a top-tier ceramic spray like Nexgen? Definitely not. You’ll also have to use more Turtle Wax ICE to get close to the same effects. But given the cost, it’s a serious value. If you want something cheap and easy to apply after a quick car wash, then I recommend Turtle Wax ICE.
Try Turtle Wax Ice
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PRODUCT REVIEWS
Nexgen Ceramic SprayRead Review »
(Video) Turtle Wax ICE Seal N Shine Review - Great Hybrid Sealant!Torque Detail Mirror ShineRead Review »
Turtle Wax IceRead Review »
Mother’s Ceramic SprayRead Review »
TopCoat F11Read Review »
(Video) Turtle Wax Ice Spray Wax- NOT JUST FOR EXTERIORS!Shine ArmorRead Review »
Adam’s Ceramic BoostRead Review »
Car Pro ReloadRead Review »
HydrosilexRead Review »
(Video) Turtle Wax Ice Seal n Shine Test and ReviewThe Last CoatRead Review »
Griots GarageRead Review »
MeguiarsRead Review »
FEATURED COMPARISON
Strength
- 10
- 7
longevity
- 9
- 6
VALUE
- 10
- 3
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- 9
- 8
Total
- 38
- 24
RATING
- A+
- C
FAQs
Turtle Wax Ice Honest Review? ›
The Turtle Wax 53409 Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating is a product that repels water and lasts up to 12 months. Application is easy and can be done in a few minutes or less. This product also leaves a mirror-like shine on your vehicle, making it look good as new again.
How long does Turtle Wax Ice wax last? ›The Turtle Wax 53409 Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating is a product that repels water and lasts up to 12 months. Application is easy and can be done in a few minutes or less. This product also leaves a mirror-like shine on your vehicle, making it look good as new again.
Does Turtle Wax actually work? ›Limit your expectations: Adding a quality Turtle car wax product will help mask some slight scratches, protect your vehicle's paint job, and provide some added protection against future imperfections. But it is not a new clear coat on your vehicle, and it won't work to fill in deep scratches.
What does Turtle Wax ice do? ›ICE Spray Wax 20 FL OZ
ICE Smart Shield® polymer formula creates a slick, protective seal to prevent streaking, fine lines and swirls on the surface of your car.
Turtle Wax ICE Seal N Shine hybrid Sealant Spray Wax encases the car in a layer of super-hydrophobic silicone for up to six months of protection against streaks, scratches and swirls.
Is Turtle Wax Ice a ceramic coating? ›Technically, Turtle Wax's “ICE” products are not ceramic, because they don't contain SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide). It's also not one of those confusing “hybrid” products we've seen hit the shelves. The ICE line is a carnauba wax, pure and simple.
Can you use Turtle Wax ice on tires? ›Turtle Wax ICE All Wheel and Tire Cleaner is formulated with a 3-in-1 type formula. It not only cleans the wheels and tires, but also contains dirt repellent polymers that help reduce build-up of brake dust and dirt on your wheels, making it easier to clean the next time you wash your car. Purpose of product.
What is the longest lasting Turtle Wax? ›Turtle Wax® Performance Plus® Super Hard Shell® Liquid Wax
Super Hard Shell® protection and shine lasts for up to 12 months and will give your car the maximum shine. Exclusive Carnauba blend help prevent abrasion to your cars surface adding maximum hard shell shine and protection for a rich deep, long lasting shine.
- Car Guys Hybrid Wax. Available from. Amazon. ...
- Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax. Available from. Amazon. ...
- Turtle Wax Carnauba Cleaner Paste Wax. Available from. Amazon. ...
- Chemical Guys HydroSlick Hyper Wax. Available from. Amazon. ...
- Meguiar's Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax. Available from. Amazon.
There is no exact answer as to how often a car owner should wax their vehicle. In some cases, twice a year is enough. For others, waxing is necessary every three to four months or with the change of seasons. And some people will wax their vehicle as often as every eight weeks.
How long does Turtle Wax Ice Seal and Shine last? ›
ICE Seal N Shine encases your car in a layer of super-hydrophobic silicone for up to six months of protection against streaks, scratches and swirls! Just spray and wipe to boost the longevity of your finish with our most popular Smart Shield® polymer formula.
Does Turtle Wax Ice Spray Wax have UV protection? ›Protect your car with the Turtle Wax Ice Premium Care Spray Wax 591ml. This formula is designed to repel water and dust for a cleaner look. It provides UV protection to prevent fading of your vehicle from harsh sun exposure.
Is Turtle Wax Ice good for boats? ›Your boat is exposed to the very same environmental elements as your car. And even though the materials in your boat are different, Turtle Wax products work safely to restore and protect those materials as well.
What is the best car wax to wax your car with? ›Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax
The synthetic car wax blend bonds well with paint, it's safe to use on clear coats and it produces a healthy depth. Like its carnauba wax option, Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax is an excellent all-around option.
Waxing your car is important to maintain the paint and help protect it from damage. Many people think that waxing your car too much will cause it to lose its shine. But that's not the case. Waxing your car too much will not cause damage, but you should avoid waxing it too often because it becomes redundant.
Why is ceramic better than wax? ›Ceramic protectants (coatings) provide a much higher durability than wax. They resist heat, UV rays, environmental contaminants & harsh detergents much better than wax. Wax on the other hand simply sits on top of the paint's surface. It does not create the chemical bond like we find with ceramic coatings.
Is ceramic coating wax worth it? ›Yes – if you're a lover of the wax on wax off method of paint protection – a ceramic wax is a far better alternative to the traditional carnauba wax. It's designed to apply easier, remove easier, can be layered with each application, and simply lasts longer.
What is the best wax with ceramic? ›- Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating. ...
- Adam's UV Graphene Ceramic Spray Coating. ...
- Mothers CMX Ceramic Spray Coating. ...
- Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax. ...
- SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat.
Rain-X Water Repelling Fast Wax is a premium wax that provides a high gloss shine and a protective barrier between your car's paint and damaging elements such as rain, snow, sleet, mud, tar, and road grime.
Does waxing your car help with snow? ›Salt, ice, and snow tend to build up in these areas the most. Wax creates a layer of protection between your paint and these substances. Wax is hydrophobic, which means it repels rain, snow, and ice.
Does Turtle Wax remove swirls? ›
Turtle Wax® Scratch & Swirl Remover is formulated to polish away light oxidation, minor scratches and swirl marks to brighten and improve automotive finish clarity. The fast acting formula restores a new car look easily and safely.
What car wax do professionals use? ›Our preferred wax is Carnauba wax, which is typically preferred among professional detailers. Waxes applied after vehicle detailing sits on top of the paint and help to create deeper hues in the paint with a liquid-like finish.
Which is better paste or liquid car wax? ›Compared to paste wax, liquid waxes are gentler on your car's finish. They are a better choice for newer cars or those with well-preserved finishes. Liquid wax is easier to apply and buff off.
Does a magic eraser remove scratches? ›A magic eraser is another common household item that can remove scratches from your car. Simply rub the eraser over the scratch in a circular motion until it disappears.
Does toothpaste remove car scratches? ›Toothpaste is a mild abrasive, so it can help remove minor scratches and scuff marks from your car's paint job. Just squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a soft, clean cloth and rub it into the scratch or scuff mark.
Do you dilute Turtle Wax Snow foam? ›It's suggested that you start with a product mixture ratio of 1:16, or 1 part snow foam to 16 parts water. If your car has a heavier amount of dirt, you can try a 2:16 or 3:16 ratio.
What happens if you leave car wax on too long? ›If you leave the wax on the car for too long it becomes hard and very difficult to remove. It won't hurt your car's paint but it will make removing the wax very labor intensive and difficult. It's best to start with one section of the vehicle then move on to the next.
What happens if you wax your car every week? ›According to experts, waxing your car more often does not damage its paint, but it can definitely waste a lot of wax which translates to wasting money, time and effort.
What time of year should you wax your car? ›It feels nice to wax your car in the summer, when the sun is shining on full blast and you can really appreciate your vehicle's gleaming exterior. However, it's also recommended to wax your car during the cold winter months to protect it from the elements. Moisture and cold can wreak havoc with your paint job.
Is spray on wax as good as paste wax? ›Liquid waxes were easier to apply, but paste waxes lasted longer. That's not necessarily the case any longer. With advances in chemistry, many liquid waxes today can last just as long and protect your car just as well as many paste waxes.
Do modern cars need to be waxed? ›
Conclusion. Waxing your new car is extremely important and the sooner the better. It is possible to do it yourself and recommended to do it 2-4 times a year. With a little more research and loving elbow grease you can keep your car's exterior shiny, rust-free, and protected for years to come.
Do you wax car windows? ›A good coating of wax will help repel rain, as well as quiet your windshield wipers when they're in use. It's best to wax your windows at least twice a year to really keep your car looking like it just rolled out of the showroom. Great-looking windows will help you complete your car's pristine appearance.
Is Turtle Wax slippery? ›Love this wash and would argue that it may be the best product in the Turtle Wax lineup. Whether using it with a foam cannon or a wash bucket, this product offers fantastic suds and slickness.
Is Turtle Wax good for windshield? ›Turtle Wax Quick & Easy Dash & Glass will provide superior cleaning with U.V. protection to prevent automotive glass fading. To clean the windshield and passenger windows spray Dash & Glass directly on the glass and wipe dry with a microfiber towel.
Is Turtle Wax safe on car paint? ›Natural waxes, like Turtle Wax Liquid Carnauba Wax, are some of the safest waxes to use on your car, and, because their melting point is higher than a ceramic coating or paint sealant, they give you an even deeper, wet-like shine, making them pretty popular among car enthusiasts.
How long does Turtle Wax Ice Liquid wax last? ›This easy to use clear wax is blended with new resin and shine technology that creates instant protection that lasts for months. Includes: Apply in direct sunlight and to all exterior surfaces including rubber, plastic and vinyl trim without worrying about leaving behind a white residue.
What is the shelf life of Turtle Wax Ice? ›SHELF LIFE: 7 years minimum when the original container is kept tightly closed and properly stored.
How cold is too cold to wax a boat? ›It's best apply to polish and wax when surface temperatures are between 60-80°F. A simple test is to feel the surface before application; it should not feel too cold or too hot to the touch.
Is it better to polish or wax a boat? ›After polishing your boat, you should follow up with wax to give it a layer of protection against UV damage, watermarks and wear. If you use your boat regularly, aim to wax your boat at least twice a year.
Should I wax my car after every wash? ›Although you probably don't need to wax your car every single time you get a wash, you should consider adding it on to your car wash every couple of months – you may be surprised by the difference it makes. To help you understand the importance of car waxing, here are our favourite perks of a high quality car wax.
Is it better to polish or wax a car? ›
If you have a lot of scratches or rust then polish will be the product of choice. Waxing helps to protect the car and produce a high shine. You should wax your car approximately every 3 months, but polishing only needs to be done when you notice problem spots.
What is the best car wax to prevent water spots? ›Turtle Wax's Hybrid Solutions Pro Graphene Wax not only contributes to the car's shine, but helps protect against UV rays, chemical contaminants, water spotting and environmental elements. Its spray form just makes it easier to use and reapply as a touch-up between full cleanings.
What is the best wax to prevent water spots? ›Protect your vehicle with a wax or sealant
One of the most effective ways to prevent hard water is to use a good carnauba wax or sealant. The purpose of these products is not only to improve luster or shininess but really to protect your clear coat.
Carnauba Crème Wax | Hand Wax from Jay Leno's Garage.
What is the best car wax that doesn't leave white residue? ›Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax
What we really like about this wax is how easy it is to apply. Meguiar claims that this product can be applied in direct sunlight, which is usually a no-no for waxes. It won't leave a white residue on trim or plastic pieces, either.
Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Skin: May cause skin irritation. May cause drying, cracking, or mild dermatitis. Eyes: May cause temporary eye irritation.
When should you not wax a car? ›Any day above 80 degrees will not be a good day to try and wax your car. Try not to place your car in direct sunlight while waxing, and avoid intense heat.
Does rain remove car wax? ›Waxing a car before it rains is perfectly fine. After all, the whole point of waxing is to protect your cars paintwork from the elements. The rain isn't going to affect the performance of a wax in the same way it would a ceramic coating which didn't have enough time to cure.
Is there a downside to ceramic coating? ›Disadvantages of ceramic coating include the potential for scratches and water spots, high costs, and the need for professional installation. Several layers of liquid polymer and other strong materials create a powerful coat, but nothing can protect a car against everything.
What are the pros and cons of ceramic wax? ›On the positive side, ceramic coating can help to prolong the life of your paint job and make it look better for longer. It can also help to protect your car from minor scratches and scuffs. On the downside, ceramic coating can be expensive, and it may require more maintenance than regular paint jobs.
How often should you use ceramic wax on your car? ›
Finally, you're probably asking yourself “How often should I maintain my ceramic coating?” The answer is a bit more complicated to answer in simplicity since each vehicle is different than the next. In most cases, we recommend revitalizing your coating in some shape or foam every 2-3 months for optimal results.
Does ceramic coating shine more than wax? ›A layer of ceramic coating adds an element of shine to your car. More critically, it adds a long-lasting shield of protection far more durable than carnauba-based waxes. Chemically bonded to the clear coat during application, a ceramic coating resists UV rays and chemical contamination and repels water and soils.
Are ceramic car waxes worth it? ›Yes – if you're a lover of the wax on wax off method of paint protection – a ceramic wax is a far better alternative to the traditional carnauba wax. It's designed to apply easier, remove easier, can be layered with each application, and simply lasts longer.
Is ceramic wax really better? ›Ceramic protectants (coatings) provide a much higher durability than wax. They resist heat, UV rays, environmental contaminants & harsh detergents much better than wax. Wax on the other hand simply sits on top of the paint's surface. It does not create the chemical bond like we find with ceramic coatings.
How long does original Turtle Wax last? ›It's the world's leading car wax with legendary Hard Shell protection that lasts up to 12 months.
How long do you let a wax seal sit? ›Slowly pour the wax into a shape just a little smaller than your stamp head. Firmly press your sealing stamp in the wax for a couple of seconds and leave it to harden for about a minute. Gently remove the sealing stamp. If you feel some resistance, leave it to cool for a little longer.
What is the difference between liquid wax and spray wax? ›Now you might ask: how different is spray wax vs paste wax or even liquid wax? In a nutshell, the difference lies in the ease of application from product container to car surface. It's really the same old product in a brand new formulation.