Is It Bad to Get a Car Wash Every Day?

Photo of author

(Newswire.net — December 16, 2020) — There is nothing wrong with washing your car every day, provided it is done correctly. Most cars do not need to be washed every day, but if you’re someone who really appreciates a spotless car, it is safe to wash your car often if you follow these steps:

  • Make sure the car wash uses vehicle-safe soap
  • Make sure the car wash dries your car with a microfiber cloth
  • Have the car wash wax your vehicle afterward
  • Choose touchless car washes with self-pay car wash payment systems whenever possible

Keeping a car in good shape is important, and making sure everything is in good mechanical working order is crucial. However, keeping the outside in good condition is also key. Not only does keeping the outside clean and in good condition help keep rust and corrosion at bay, but the visual appeal of a well-maintained outside will help maintain the value of the car.

Why Washing Your Car Is Important

Washing a car takes time and money—things that are in short supply for many people. However, just letting the rain rinse the dust away isn’t the same as a real car wash. Washing a car removes things like dust, tree sap, pollen, bird droppings, bug splatter, air pollutants, and salt.

All of these contaminants will damage the paint and finish of the car if allowed to remain for too long. Not removing contaminants in a timely manner can result in ugly stains, faded paint, chipped paint, discoloration, rust, and corrosion. If the weather is extremely hot and sunny, the contaminants can expedite the negative effects on the surface of the car.

Keeping the surface of your car clean and visually appealing will help keep it looking nicer longer, potentially making resale easier and more profitable.

How Often You Should Visit the Car Wash

The recommended car wash frequency, in general, is once every two weeks. There are many circumstances that could call for more or less frequent washing. For example, if your car is parked in a garage or driven infrequently, you may only need to wash it once every three or four weeks. Those who live in mild climates could also only need to wash their cars every three or four weeks.

If your car is near the beach, there is a higher concentration of salt in the air. Washing it once a week will help prevent rusting. In the winter, your car should be washed more often, especially if you live in a colder climate. Salt put on the roads will corrode and rust your car if they are not removed on a regular basis.

It is always a good idea to wash your car immediately after a road trip to remove the contaminants that your car was exposed to. If your road trip will last more than a few days, consider stopping to wash it along the way to keep contaminants from building up and becoming more difficult to remove.

Car Washes May Be the Safer Option

Believe it or not, some individuals believe that having your car washed in a car wash is safer than doing it yourself. Many people don’t use enough water and scratch the surface of their paint, or they wash it in the sun, which damages the surface and leaves a less-than-desirable finish. 

Additionally, do-it-yourselfers tend to use the wrong kind of soap, which removes the wax and dulls the finish, leaving the surface susceptible to damage from contaminants. Ultimately, opting for a professional car wash could save you valuable time and money, preserving the finish on your car for years to come.

Follow this link to learn more about how a self-pay car wash terminal works.