Car washing is essential as it removes contaminants like dust, debris, tar, etc., that tend to settle on your car and cause damage to it. Periodic cleaning helps in preserving and maintaining the overall health of the car. It also helps you improve the economy of the car. Car washing is an essential small investment that you must invest in to help you get the best out of the vehicle you have purchased and perhaps improve its lifespan.
Washing your car is like ensuring good hygiene for your vehicle. Furthermore, investing small amounts that are almost negligible can help you get a higher return when you finally decide to trade in your car for a new one.
How frequent should a car be washed?
There is no definitive answer to the question above. The number of times a car requires a wash is dependent on several factors. The temperature, climate, and other environmental factors are to be considered along with the frequency of the vehicle being used. Factors including the layout of the locality, position of trees, etc., also affect the number of times a car needs to be washed.
The simple rule is, if a car looks dirty, it requires a wash. However, a car must be washed at least once i two weeks. If not, it could cause permanent damage to the paint job of the vehicle or could lead to rust that could affect the structural integrity of the car. Furthermore, a very dirty car could also affect the fuel economy of the car due to the drag it creates when the car is in motion.
Just like cleanliness is the symbol of good health, a clean car is a symbol of good car health. Oil changes, regular engine service, and interior cleaning are all essential to keep up the condition of a vehicle.
As mentioned earlier, the number of times a car should be washed depends on seasonal and environmental factors. Thus, it gives rise to the following questions:
How often should my car be washed in winter?
The cold weather has a different impact on the vehicle. The snow, rain, hail, and salt can easily eat away the pain and undercarriage of your car leaving it structurally unsafe. The salt can create chemical reactions with the paint and lead to corrosive reactions resulting in rust. Washing your car after the clearance of roads, salt, and chemicals can help you preserve the health of your car. When you live near salty oceans or in extreme climates, washing your car at least once a week is a must to avoid any form of permanent damage to the vehicle.
How often should I wash my car in moderate climates?
If the weather is not too harsh, washing your car once in two weeks is good practice. Waxing your car regularly minimizes this need further. The wax layer acts as a protective layer between the pain topcoat and the other elements that cause harm to it. It shields the paint from decaying or reacting with other elements thereby maintaining the overall health of your vehicle. Parking your vehicle safely in a sheltered place also helps you with the upkeep.
Cleaning the interior is just as important as cleaning the exterior of the car. Adding a ceramic coating and some seat covers can help you minimize stains and other such damage to the interiors of your car.
Can I over-wash my car?
Professionals say that if you’re doing it right, there is no way that you are overdoing your car wash. However, doing a poor job of cleaning your car might cause harm. Substances like tree wax and bird droppings can cause severe damage to your car. First is also capable of eating up your wheel finishings.
Professionals from Surf N Shine Express Car Wash recommend different rags for different parts of the car to avoid scratches and other permanent damage.
What is the best car washing practice?
Here are a bunch of things you can do, to ensure that you are washing your car properly and are not causing any permanent damage to it:
- Use chemical-free lubricants and soaps
- Use a guard to avoid dirty water contamination
- Use different buckets and rags for cleaning the interiors, paint, and wheels
- Work upwards and then slowly comes downward. Try to begin with the wheels
- Avoid the circular motion with the mitt
- Do not use sponges on the pain portion of your vehicle
- Do not touch the soap while applying it
Final Word
The bottom line, cleaning your car should be a part of your routine. Washing your car helps you expand its service to you. Using the right things to clean your car is also important.
Furthermore, you should understand the environmental impact that your car faces and use the appropriate methods to curb the effects it faces. As a rule of thumb, washing your car at least once in two weeks is necessary to keep up the health of your vehicle.