Exactly whats the difference between wax and polish? To me polish is just like wax.

 

wax if for clear coats on paintjobs and polish is to shine aluminum up to a mirror like finish

 

They just talked about this in Consumer Reports. Back in the day wax was just a protectant and had to properties that would help with oxidation or fine scratches. Polish on the other hand would be used before waxing to bring back some luster to the old paint and contained no protective properties.

 

Polishing your paint removes the oxidated layer which in turn makes the paint look like new. Like Rasky said, polish has no protective properties so that's why you have to wax your car right after to preserve the shine.

 

Rasky and Meta hit the nail on the head. If you are interested in more detail check here ...