Whether your car leaves the garage once a week, or sits out in the weather 24/7, regular car washes are a must. Your paint may look smooth as glass but under a microscope your paints finish is as jagged as the Rocky Mountains. The low spots in your paint trap contaminates that your car is subjected to on a daily basis, from dust and tree sap to road rubber. Under the microscope, those contaminates are scraping against the rough edges of your paint and over time your paint begins to show signs of oxidation and wear. Regular washes of your cars paint will help keep the finish clear of contaminates and debris that can scratch or bond to your paints surface. Many people try to save money by washing their cars with dish soap mixed in with a bucket of water.
If you care anything for your cars paint, avoid this practice at all costs. Dish soap is designed to remove everything from a surface. Have you ever noticed how dry your hands get after washing the dishes? Dish soap will accelerate the oxidation process of your cars paint as it strips it of protective sealants and polymers. It is much more cost effective to spend a few more dollars for a bottle of car wash like Meguiar’s Deep Crystal Wash or Armor All Car Wash. Car Wash helps lift dirt and contaminates from your paint without scratching the finish and without stripping the paint of its protective properties.
It’s especially important to wash your vehicle on a regular basis during the winter months in areas that salt the roads. The buildup that can occur from months of winter driving without a wash can be catastrophic, not only to your paint, but also to your vehicles undercarriage, suspension, and brakes. The salt and other properties that are put on icy roads to provide traction and melt the ice are very corrosive, especially to exposed metal. Regular washes in the winter and a good rinsing of the undercarriage are necessary to rinse these corrosive materials away. Otherwise, vehicles in these types of climates develop rust and oxidation at a very young age.
Your vehicle might not be your most prized possession but it is an investment. No matter the purpose, it is wise to care for your car, both mechanically and cosmetically. The better you take care of your vehicle, the better it will take care of you and the more return you’ll get when it comes time to sell.
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