You’re Ruining Your Car by Not Doing This

Car ownership requires consistent care, but unfortunately, far too many drivers overlook basic maintenance. That’s not to say people are actively neglecting their vehicles — it’s just that some folks are simply unfamiliar with what it takes to keep a car in tip-top shape. 

That brings us to one particular task that many car owners do much less frequently than they should, and that those who already do may be doing wrong. Here’s a look at the task in question, and what you need to know so you don’t inadvertently ruin your car.

Time To Clean Up Your Act

Many drivers decide to wash their cars only when the vehicle appears substantially dirty, which may happen every few months. But according to industry experts, you need to wash your car at least every two weeks, even if it looks relatively clean to the naked eye. You could even wash your car daily if you feel so inclined, per the automotive parts company AutoZone. Modern car paint is often durable enough to withstand it, whereas the car paint of yesteryear was more susceptible to erosion from frequent washing. If anything, you’re damaging the car by not washing it enough.

There are many reasons why regular car washes are essential. Frequent cleanings keep rust from forming and prevent corrosive substances such as bird droppings and tree sap from damaging the paint. Letting those substances sit untreated can lead to costly damage and depreciate the resale value of your vehicle. Regular cleanings may also make you more aware of things like scratches, dents, and other damage so you can deal with them before they turn into even bigger issues. As Kelley Blue Book explains, “A cleaned and detailed car is worth more at trade-in than a worn and poorly maintained one.”

An uncleaned car can even be a possible safety issue. The longer you wait to wash it, the more residue will build up on the windows and windshield, obstructing your vision. 

And last but not least, nobody wants to be seen in a dirty vehicle — driving a nice, clean car is a point of pride for many.

While cleaning your car every two weeks is a good average recommendation, the actual frequency could depend on each driver’s individual lifestyle and where they live. For instance, a vehicle that mainly drives on paved city roads will need to be washed less often than cars that travel down dusty dirt paths, while one in an area near the ocean will need to be washed frequently to avoid damage from salt. (This is also why you should wash your car in the winter if you live in an area where the roads are salted before snow.) And those who drive their car only once or twice a week will need to wash it less often than someone who uses it daily.

And no, a rain shower is not a free car wash: Rainwater contains minerals as well as contaminants from the air that can damage your paint, so you’ll need to give your car a rinse even if it has rained recently. 

How To Clean Your Car

There’s another issue to discuss, and that’s the fact that those who do clean their vehicle regularly may be doing it wrong. This helpful video from the popular YouTube channel Chemical Guys (experts in the field of cleaning cars) shows a few of the more common mistakes people make when washing their cars by hand.

One common problem is using a single bucket when washing your car. You end up just putting your dirty sponge into the water, picking up the dirt you wiped off, and rubbing it right back into the finish. Always use two buckets: one with clean water for washing, and another exclusively for rinsing the sponge or rag.

Also, never use dish soap or any other cleaning product that isn’t explicitly designed for cars. Products such as dish soap are extremely caustic and can dry out a car’s paint and strip away its wax. Always stick to soaps dedicated for washing cars, which have been chemically designed to avoid these issues.

Another piece of advice is to never wash your car using a circular motion. If you do so, you may inadvertently pick up some debris, rub it into the finish, and create unsightly swirl marks. As you wash the vehicle, always move your hand in a straight motion, as it limits the risk of any circular scratch marks. And don’t use just any old rag — you’ll want a soft and absorbent chenille microfiber mitt instead. 

These are just a few of the ways in which washing your car by hand can accidentally do more harm than good. Any of those mistakes can lower the vehicle’s value — just like not washing your car enough. Stick to a regular cleaning schedule, which will help maintain your car’s sleek appearance, keep its resale value high, and ensure that it’s safe to drive.

_{Feature image credit: © Natalia Blauth/Unsplash.com}