Although the question “How often should you wash your car?” is very individual, we would say, “Basically, once a week.” Why? Because cars are constantly infected with contaminants. Dirt, tree saps, mist, and bird droppings affect the beauty and proper functioning of the prized vehicle if not cleaned regularly. It can be done at home or by professionals at their detailing location. It is, however, not certain how often the owner should wash their car. Some folks do it a couple of times a year. Others perhaps once a year. Some do it once a month. In general, washing your vehicle is one thing every car owner does a number of times during the period they own a vehicle.
The Question Is, How Often Should You Wash Your Car?
There are certain factors that can affect the frequency of washing or detailing your vehicle. They may help you frame a washing schedule and keep the car shiny all the time. These factors include your location and its respective climate, the size of the car and how often you ride it, and whether you park it in a garage or out there in the open. The only way to keep the vehicle looking its best is to get it steam cleaned by professional detailing services on a consistent schedule.
Factors to Consider When Deciding How Often to Wash Your Car
1. Location
The location of the car owner can influence the cleaning frequency because if you live in coastal areas, you will need to wash your car more often or as many times as possible within a month. This is because the salt in the air and other dirt from the coast affect the car if you do not wash it often. If your residence is in a posh and dust-free zone, you can schedule the wash once a month. Industrial area residents should also clean their vehicles frequently as chemical particles may build up on the car and destroy its body and the paintwork.
2. Traveling
Some people travel to different places quite regularly. These travels on open roads, therefore, expose their vehicle to dust, vegetation, and mud. This can lead to scratches and cracks on the windows and the car’s exterior. In such situations, wash your car every week or two to preserve its shine and performance for a long time.
3. Climate
If you drive in winter, you are likely to get snow, salt, and mud on your vehicle which can damage its paint later on. This is why washing your car once a week during this season is critical. You should also wash your car once a week in the springtime because pollen and other contaminants may come into contact with your car. The same goes for vehicles in high humidity locations.
Moisture attracts contaminants and promotes a variety of chemical reactions that can destroy your car’s chrome and painted surfaces. If you live in a climate where sand or salt is used on the road surface, be sure to rinse inside the wheel wells also. In seasons or climates less conductive to corrosion, a wash every two weeks or so is adequate. In areas with acid rain, we advise getting a car wash every ten days. If you already have a problem with your car paint, be sure to check our post on how to remove oxidation from car paint.
4. Temperature
Temperature accelerates erosion. Acid from bugs, bird droppings, tree sap, and even tree leaves become more active when heated. Metal retains heat when sitting out in the sun, which in turn increases the chances of permanent stains when left on your car. For that reason, washing your vehicle regulary is necessary to nullify the temperature hazard.
5. Precaution
Assuming that your vehicle has received a thorough polish and wax after the previous wash, a customary wash should be carried out randomly at your convenience just to get rid of any dirt and impurities that may have built up over time. This will return the car to its original clean state without much trouble.
However, the only way to keep your car looking its best is to get a professional clean it. See how is professional detailing different than the regular car wash. There are many detailing services that offer their service at an affordable cost. This relieves your burden of washing and lets you roam free to enjoy the life that you love most.
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