Can You Wash Your Car Too Much?
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If you try to keep your car clean and shiny all the time, you probably wash it every few days. A few people already asked me the same question: can you wash your car too much?
In this post, I’ll give you a detailed answer to this question, but also share some tips that you should implement in your car washing routine.
Key Takeaways:
- There’s no such thing as “washing the car too much.”
- As long as you follow proper car wash procedures, you can wash your car as much as you want.
Frequent Washing Isn’t Bad At All
Frequently washing your car, even washing it every day, is not bad for the vehicle and can’t do any harm to the car’s paint.
Frequent washing is actually beneficial in many ways:
- Your car will be clean all the time.
- Dirt, dust, debris, and contaminants won’t sit long on the paint, reducing the chances of damaging the clear coat.
- Keeping the car clean is easier if you do it on a frequent basis.
But like I told you in the beginning, you have to follow proper procedures to keep all car washes safe for the car. Below, I’m giving you just a few basic principles of safe car washing.
Tips To Follow When Washing Cars
Here are the tips you should follow when washing cars. By following those tips, no matter how often you wash a car, it won’t be bad for it.
Avoid Washing Your Car in Direct Sunlight
Washing your car under intense sunlight can be detrimental. The sun heats the car’s surface, causing cleaning products and water to evaporate quickly. If they dry before being rinsed off, they can harm the car’s finish.
For optimal results:
- Wash your car early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) or in the evening (after 4 p.m.).
- If those times aren’t feasible, seek a shaded area or consider using a pop-up tent.
- If shade isn’t available, wash one section of the car at a time to prevent products from drying too quickly.
Remember, while sunny days might seem ideal for car washing, they can pose challenges. Adjust your approach to protect your car’s finish.
Use The Right Tools and Chemicals
The products and tools you use while washing your car play a pivotal role in maintaining its appearance and longevity. Regular car washes with subpar products can lead to long-term damage.
Avoid using dishwashing soap or shampoo on your car. While they might save you money upfront, they can harm your car’s paint in the long run. Instead, invest in car-specific products that are designed to protect and enhance your vehicle’s finish.
Similarly, the tools you use matter. A regular sponge might seem harmless, but it can introduce scratches and degrade the paint over time. Opt for a microfiber towel instead. It’s soft, durable, and designed to clean without causing damage, making it an essential tool for those who wash their cars frequently.
Use Safe Methods For Washing Cars
Washing cars demands attention and diligence. Even if you’re meticulous, there’s always a risk of mistakes. It’s essential to be thorough and avoid shortcuts.
A common mistake is using the same microfiber cloth throughout the wash without cleaning it. This can lead to the cloth accumulating dirt, which, when used continuously, can scratch and damage your car’s surface.
To ensure a thorough clean, adopt the 3-bucket method. This method helps in keeping your washing tools clean, ensuring that you’re not just redistributing dirt on your car.
If you’re not keen on cleaning a microfiber cloth during the wash, have a spare on hand. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t clean your face with a dirty cloth, so why treat your car any differently?
Properly Dry The Car
Drying your car properly is as essential as washing it. Using regular towels not only risks leaving spots, especially on windows, but can also lead to swirl marks, scratches, and even strip away waxes and sealants from the clear coat.
For a safer approach, use microfiber drying towels. If you want to avoid touching the car altogether, consider using an air compressor or a pet hair dryer. These methods ensure a cleaner, scratch-free finish, and they’re more effective than traditional hand drying.
Avoid Automatic Car Wash Services
While automatic car washes are convenient, they can potentially damage your car. The chemicals and brushes used might not always be of the best quality, risking your car’s protective layer. Over time, this can make your car’s paint more susceptible to wear and tear.
Automatic car washes, being mechanical, can cause swirl marks and scratches due to their aggressive cleaning methods. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t use a machine to bathe yourself, so why subject your car to it?
For the best care, wash your car yourself or hire a professional detailer. If you’re pressed for time and must use an automatic service, opt for a contactless car wash to minimize potential damage.
Conclusion
In essence, washing your car frequently is fine as long as you do it correctly. It might be challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll master the process. Remember, consistency and attention to detail are key.
However, frequent washing does come with its set of challenges. Regular washes can affect tire dressings and plastic restorers, meaning you’ll need to reapply them more often. Additionally, car wax diminishes with each wash, so be prepared to wax more frequently to maintain that shine.
In the end, it’s all about giving your car the best care possible. With the right techniques and products, you can ensure your car always looks its best. Happy washing!
