Should be able to see it break down tbh. It should go clear, you'll know what I mean when you see it.
Remember than menz doesn't like the cold, so if it is make sure you've got a halogen to hand to heat the panel (just a little).
Copied this from a detail thread I did a few weeks back, if you follow this it there will be adequate time for the polish to break down:
I start by doing 2 quick passes at speed 2 to spread the polish in a 12" x 18" area, then another 2 passes at speed 4. At this stage I tend to put enough pressure on so that the pad spins once or twice a second (I put a mark on the backing plate so that I can see this). I then move the pad over the paint at around 1 to 2 inches a second. I then move up to speed 5.5, doing 4 passes. I then buff the polish off to check the paint, and if more correction is needed I'll do a few more passes, usually 2 at a time. This is the combo I tend to use, and it seems to work so I stick with it!
Hope this helps