How Often Should You Wash Your Car
October 7th, 2015 by Eli P
Everyone likes to keep their car looking good, which means washing it on a regular basis. But washing does more than just make your car look good; it also protects the exterior from premature wear and tear that could cost a pretty penny to repair.
So whether you wash your car by hand or take it through a drive-thru carwash, getting into a regular washing routine will keep the outside of your vehicle in good shape.
How often should you wash your car? Most car experts recommend washing every two weeks. However, there are a number of factors that may increase or decrease the frequency of your washes, starting with:
Location.
Where you live plays a big role in how often to wash your car because the local weather conditions can vary widely throughout the U.S. For example, if you live near the ocean, salt in the air can quickly pile up on your car’s surface and cause damage.
It can also eat away at your car’s undercarriage, so be sure to wash that part as well. If you live in the desert, the heat and dry sand blown on the wind can erode your car’s paint if not removed. In these extreme conditions, washing once a week would be a reasonable car-wash frequency.
Where you park.
Suppose your workplace has a nice shaded parking lot with lots of trees. The shade may keep your car cool on a hot summer’s day. But the trees can drop seeds, flowers, tree sap, and other sticky materials that can damage the paint if not regularly cleaned.
In this situation, thoroughness of washing is just as important as frequency. A quick-once over will probably not do the job in removing sap and other materials that stick to the surface of your car. A thorough cleaning at least once a week, will keep harmful substances from building up and damaging the paint.
Air quality.
If all you do is city driving, the question of how often to wash your car can still vary. Sad to say, but city air isn’t as clean as it used to be, especially in crowded metropolitan areas where roads are jammed with commuters.
Smog particles can leave a layer of debris on your car. And in some areas rain can produce an acidic environment that eats away at the car’s finish. If you live or drive in a polluted area, it’s a good idea to frequently wash all chemical residues off your car – come rain or shine.
How and where you drive.
Do you like to go offroading on weekends? Does your idea of fun involve taking your car down a few dusty country back roads?
Then you will certainly want to increase your car wash frequency. At minimum, always leave time at the end of your adventure to give your car a quick rinse-off. At best, give it a thorough cleaning once a week to remove all dirt, mud, sludge and grime in a timely manner.
Don’t Forget to Wax!
If washing is good, waxing your car is even better. You don’t have to wax every time you wash, but applying a new coat of wax every few months will protect your car and make the dirt come off easier when you wash.
Even if you follow all the guidelines for how often to wash your car, you can’t protect it from all possible damage. If you find any scratches or rust spots during your car’s next bath, bring it in to Fix Auto USA. We’ll touch up those “owies” so that little nicks don’t turn into bigger repairs.
