How often should you Wash your Car
Hand washing a car is a chore but taking a vehicle through a car wash can cost $10 or more. Unsurprisingly then, many owners put off this essential maintenance task. That can be an expensive mistake. Let's remind ourselves why regular washing is important, and then answer the question, how often should you wash your car?
Why do cars need washing?
Paint is under attack every day. Even in summertime airborne dust and contaminants are landing on the surface while tree sap and bird droppings can quickly etch away the outermost layers. Winter is worse though, with salt and road grime creating a nasty coating that can permanently spoil the finish. And don't overlook the underside either. Mud and salt can build up in the nooks and crannies, harboring moisture and leading to corrosion that eats into suspension components and bodywork.
The result is that the showroom gleam can rapidly fade, and that cuts into the resale value of your car. According toAOL Autos, “a car with faded paint and a dingy overall look sells for 10-20 percent less,”. That means regular washing can be worth hundreds, or even thousands, when you come to sell.
There are other reasons for regular washing too. Keeping windows and lights clean improves visibility, helping reduce the risk of an accident. Second, it's no fun opening and closing the doors and liftgate on a dirty car or SUV. That grime gets transferred to your hands and clothes, making you feel grubby and perhaps requiring a trip to the dry cleaners.
How often should a car be washed?
The simple answer is, whenever it looks dirty. The auto experts atJ.D. Power & Associatessay, “Most vehicles can go at least seven to 10 days between washings.” Complicating this though, some paint colors show the dirt far more than others. A black or white car can be very hard to keep looking clean while it might be weeks before a silver minivan or beige SUV seems in need of a wash.
Weather and usage make a big difference too. A car that gets lots of wintertime use in the snowbelt might need washing twice a week to prevent salt from building up. (And remember that the underside needs a thorough cleaning too.) Conversely, a lightly used convertible kept in a garage will collect little more than dust, so a monthly wash may be sufficient.
Car washing tips
If handwashing, always use a proper car detergent or shampoo. These are gentler on paint than dish soap which can damage a pristine finish. Always wash a car in the shade, never in direct sun, and in summertime consider using aCalifornia Car Dusterfor a quick clean up between washes.
Regular washing helps maintain the value of a car or truck. For most vehicles, a wash every seven to ten days is enough. Step it up if the vehicle is getting a lot of use or road conditions are bad, and dial it back a little in summertime or if there's only dust to remove.
