Ever wondered, “What happens if you don’t wash your car?” The results aren’t pretty. Find out why it’s important to wash your vehicle — and how often.
Wondering if it’s important to wash your car on a regular basis? The answer is YES. Washing your car is crucial for multiple reasons, from preserving your paint job to preventing rust as your vehicle ages.
Learn more about why it is important to get your car washed, how often you should get your car washed, and — finally — what can happen if you don’t.
Wash your car year-round — even in the winter. How often you wash your car depends on the environment you live and drive in. If you live in an area with heavy rain, snow, and road salt, you should get your car washed at least once a month. If you live in an area with lots of trees and their sap, you should aim to get your car washed at least every two weeks.
Here in Corpus Christi, we don’t deal with snow and road salt, however, we do deal with salty ocean air that can cause vehicle rust.
Where you park and how often you drive also play a role in determining how often you should wash your vehicle. If you’re parking outdoors, you’ll need to wash your car more frequently compared to someone who parks in an enclosed garage. Similarly, if you drive daily or drive hundreds of miles per week, you’ll need to wash up more often than someone who infrequently drives short distances.
Regular car washes are essential for maintaining your car’s exterior. Not only does a regular car wash remove dirt, grime, and bird droppings, but it can also help prevent your car from fading and rusting.
When dirt, salt, pollen, and other debris accumulate on your car, it can damage the paint job. Tree sap, in particular, can mar the paint and cause significant damage.
It is important to note that a single quick run through an automatic car wash will not protect the paint on your vehicle for the long term. You should visit the car wash once a month to maintain the exterior of your vehicle. If your environment is especially hostile to cars, visit the car wash more often.
So, what happens if you skip car washing? Aside from running the risk that someone scrawls “Wash Me” on your vehicle, there are some major implications. The longer you wait to wash your car, the more damage the dirt, grime, and debris can do to the paint job — resulting in scratches or other disfigurements. If you don’t wash your car regularly, the paint job can fade, and the exterior may eventually rust. In addition, dirt, grime, rust, or damage to the paint job on your car may reduce its value when you decide to sell it compared to a well-maintained vehicle.
Yes — it’s important to clean your vehicle regularly, whether you opt to DIY the task or head to your nearest car wash. But, cleaning your car doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Accessories like floor mats can help keep your vehicle clean and make wash day a little bit easier. Shop All-Weather Floor Mats and other great accessories made to fit the look and feel of your Nissan online today at Ed Hicks Nissan. You can also visit us anytime for body and cosmetic repairs.