We could easily recommend you have your car washed every few weeks, but the fact of the matter is it’s more circumstantial than that. Washing your car every few weeks only makes sense if your car actually needs to be cleaned. Before you run out and pay for a bunch of expensive car washes, it’s worth it to stop and think about a few things.
Consider Where You Live
One of the biggest factors for how often you should get your car washed is the physical location of your residence. Is there a lot of snow and therefore road salt? Is dust blowing around in the air near where you live? Are bugs and insects prevalent in your area? Do you park in the garage or outside? All of these things can have an impact on how often you wash your car.
If you live in an area where your car gets dirty quickly, you may want to think about washing your vehicle more often. Typically every other week is fine, but keep an eye on your vehicle. If it looks dirty, go ahead and give it a wash.
Think About Where and How You Drive
In addition to thinking about where you live, you also need to consider the areas in which you routinely drive your car. Are there dirt roads? What’s the air quality like? Are there a lot of other cars on the road that can kick up dirt on your vehicle? Many of the things to think about when assessing your place of residence apply again. If you drive in an area that is generally dirty and dusty, or if you take your vehicle off-road, you probably need to wash it a lot more than if you drive in an area that doesn’t have those things.
What’s the Weather Like?
The frequency at which you wash your car may change depending on what the weather does. If it’s been exceptionally dry and there’s a lot of dust floating around, you’ll need to wash your car often. You might think that sunny conditions are best, but excessive amounts of sun can cause issues with your paint. Conversely, a lot of rain may wash off your car, but too much moisture can increase rust. Also, driving around when it’s raining kicks up all kinds of nasty dirt and debris on your car.
If you live in an area of the country that experiences weather extremes, consider washing your car once a week. This will ensure that any corrosive or damaging elements are removed from your car’s exterior. Washing regularly will keep your car looking nice, which helps it retain its value so you can get as much money as possible when you sell it or trade it in.
