Why It’s Actually Important to Washing Your Car
There are people who never wash their car, and that’s okay. Well, it’s actually not good because washing your car is very important. Aside from the basic pride of ownership, there are some compelling reasons to get out the rags and soaps and get to work on your favorite car.
1. Preserve the beauty of your car
You can ignore the condition of your car’s paint; however, it requires care and maintenance just like any other part of a car or truck. The cars stay nice and shiny through several coats of paint and then a clear coat on the outside. You often see old cars driving around with colorless skins, it doesn’t look great.
Dirt softens the outer surface and wears it down over time. Maintenance of the paint and clear coat is a good reason to wash the car regularly. Road debris, bird droppings and rain residue can damage your car’s surface. Bird droppings eat the finish and so do bugs because they release amino acids as they break down. Also, nothing you want hanging from your car.
2. Protect from winter damage
If you live in a northern climate, you know that highway departments put a lot of salt on the roads to melt the snow in the winter. When driving, salt is sprinkled under the car and on the sides around the wheel arches. This is the perfect opportunity for rust to set in and start eating away at your precious vehicle. Regular car washing – yes, even at low temperatures – is a must in winter.
Be sure to get under the chassis and spray and under the wheel wells to remove any salt or winter debris that may be trapped there. Also remember not to wash your car in sub-freezing temperatures, otherwise the water will freeze and you won’t be able to open the door.
3. Having a clean car makes it safer
Visibility is key to driving safely. If you can’t see, you can’t drive properly. Clear windows are an important part of your car’s 360-degree visibility. Even if the wipers clear the center of the window, it is not enough for safe driving. All windows, including the front, side and rear windows, must be completely free of dirt and grime.
Washing your car regularly will prevent dirt from building up and causing visual problems. Another way that washing your car helps with safety is by giving you the option to run a gentle comb over your car. While scrubbing, you can check for loose wires, bulbs, license plates, and even look under the hood for problems. Think of the car wash as an opportunity to get to know your car better and check for safety issues.
It is recommended to wash the car with a hose in your own driveway or in the car wash bay. It’s generally not a good idea to run a nice car through a mechanized car wash because there are small particles in the recycled water that can cause microscopic damage to the clear coat. Car wash brushes can be harsh on the car surface and may not get to all surfaces of your car or truck. Make breaking soft cloths and buckets part of your routine maintenance and you’ll benefit from many years of safe driving.
