The benefits of properly washing your car
Abby Wingett | 10th July 2023 | 5 minutes to read
Cars are often the second biggest financial commitment you will make, so it makes sense to maintain your pride and joy and keep your vehicle in good condition. Whilst having a shiny exterior is one thing, the frequent routine of washing your vehicle with a quality car wash will provide longevity to rubber seals and weather strips that keep dirt, water, and eventually rust at bay.
There are also some less obvious benefits to keeping your car clean that are just as important and, in this article, we’ll take a look at some of the ill effects of a dirty car and how you can remedy the problem.
Check out all the benefits of washing your car below:
Aesthetics
The main reason people wash their cars is to make it look good, but that doesn’t mean that getting nods of approval from fellow petrol-heads is the only benefit.
The visual and tactile experience of washing your car also enables you to pay close attention to deteriorating paint surfaces, frayed windscreen wipers, and any blemishes that should be attended to.
Many of these elements are easier to remedy in their initial stages rather than when they are past their best, so keeping your car clean is an important part of vehicle maintenance.
A Clean Car Improves Resale Value
Resale value is another factor when lavishing time and effort on cleaning your car. A well looked after car will fetch a better price and be more sought after compared to the same model of car that has suffered neglect.
If you’re anything like us, keeping your car in good condition also gives a feeling of accomplishment and the satisfaction of a job well done and those things are hard to put a price on.
The Dangers of a Dirty Car
Safety might not be the first reason you clean your car, but it can be a factor if you’ve put off the car wash for long enough. Dirty mirrors, windscreens, and windows can reduce your visibility when you’re driving and make seeing potential hazards more difficult.
Cloudy headlights are also going to provide less illumination at night, which is only going to increase your risk of accidents occurring.
The Effect of Dirt, Airborne Contaminants, and Bugs
Dirt and bugs of course degrade your paint, but these inflict damage in different forms. Dirt and dust damage through abrasion and scratches, whilst bugs and bird droppings, due to their acidity, will oxidise the clearcoat.
Road tar will slowly migrate into the clearcoat to cause discolouration and the sun’s UV rays will serve as a catalyst and speed up the damage process. Providing good protection on the car by using suitable car wash products and cleaning techniques will significantly minimise damage.
Pollen & Insects
Enough pollen and decaying insects can cause corrosion and damage your car’s paint work due to the acidity both contain. This means that if you experience heavy pollen fall on your car it’s best to remove it as soon as possible and regularly wash your car during the spring to keep it off your vehicle.
Salt & Corrosion
If you live in a particularly cold climate where roads are prone to freezing and require salting down, the salt can cause corrosion on undercarriage parts but can also cause rusting on your panel and paint work. Regular car washing is important in these conditions to avoid this kind of corrosion and keep your car looking newer for longer.
Improper Washing
The most significant damage to your paint will often occur through improper washing and drying techniques when using poor quality car wash and unsuitable drying cloths and mitts. Using a safe system of products and equipment is the best way to look after your paint. Regular application of quality paint protection such as ceramic coatings or waxes makes the paint easier to clean and this added protection plays a significant role in keeping your paint looking good over the long term.
How To Wash Your Car for The Best Results
At Repco we are big believers in utilising a car wash system that best looks after your vehicle. Looking after your vehicle's paint surface means using the best washing and drying products, along with good technique, to minimise the chances of causing swirl marks and scratches in your paint.
A key tip to remember is to wash your vehicle regularly. Wait too long between car washes and contaminants to bond to your paintwork and trims impacts the longevity and lifespan of these.
Before washing your car, you need to choose the right products to suit you, your vehicle, and the outcome you want. This is probably the most challenging step as there are many good products used for a variety of reasons.
Things To Remember When Washing Your Car
- Wash your car regularly.
- When possible, wash in a cool shaded area, as well as investing in a car sunshade to protect the interior of your vehicle from the sun.
- A pressure washer will make your life a lot easier too! Used sensibly, a pressure washer is the most effective tool for washing cars. Just remember to hold the nozzle around 1-2 metres away from the vehicle surface to minimise water entering weather seals and window rubbers.
- Use the recommended amount of car wash and dunk your wash mitt often to free up any dirty or contaminants. The foam and lubricity of car shampoo will minimise scratches.
- Use the two or three bucket method to limit the transfer of dirty water and minimise scratches (1 for washing wheels, 1 for clean water to rinse your wash tools out and one bucket dedicated to washing the car).
- Use a separate dedicated wash mitt for the body of the car and another one for the wheels.
- To minimise water spots, dry your car immediately after washing.
- A few good brushes for cleaning wheels and other bits and pieces around the car.
- Use high-quality microfibre wash tools and super plush and high-quality microfibre drying towels — get rid of that old chamois!
- Look after your microfibre products — wash your microfibre in a dedicated microfibre wash solution after each use, then pop it in the dryer on the cool setting, and it’ll continue to look after you for years to come.
Get Your Car Cleaner at Repco
With all the benefits of a clean car now abundantly clear, you’ll want to make sure you have the right car cleaning products to get the job done. Repco has all the soaps, polishes, and waxes you need, as well as pressure washers and foam cannons if you’re looking for a powerful clean. Head into your local Repco store or shop online to enjoy our full range of car care products.
