How often should you really wash your car?

March 20th, 2023

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Most car owners know when their car needs a wash, especially if ‘wash me’ is clearly visible through the dust. However, like routine car maintenance, regular washing may help the paint stay in good condition. Routine washing could even keep the car body from corroding, making it last longer.

Parking your car in a garage or under cover will keep it cleaner for longer than on the street. Where you live can also affect how often you wash your car. If you drive daily on unsealed roads, live near the beach or are in an area with high air contaminants such as pollen or smoke, you may need to wash your car weekly. 

Otherwise, you could get away with stretching out your car washes to every fortnight or three weeks.

How often you should wash your car comes down to a few factors

Weather

Dark colour cars can show salty spots. But, looking dirty is the least of your concerns. The salty air of Sydney’s Eastern suburbs and other areas up and down the coast can speed up corrosion and damage your car’s paint. 

Wind and smoke from backburning or bushfires can add a layer of dust on cars. While many think rain will clean the car, the droplets can mix with pollen or dust in the air, leaving dirty marks. It’s even worse for dark coloured cars.

The colour of your car

Some car colours hide the dirt better than others. That’s why some cars appear to get dirty quickly.

It’s probably no surprise that most Aussies prefer a white car, with 30 percent of us choosing this colour. But, just like anything white, it’s difficult to keep clean. Dirt and grime show up on white cars quicker than most other colours. 

But surprisingly, it’s black and dark coloured cars that look dirtier the quickest. Dirt, bird droppings, dust, pollen, and greasy substances are easily visible. Rain also leaves water marks on dark cars. To keep a dark coloured car looking clean, consider washing it weekly.

Almost 20 percent of Australians drive a silver car, which is a sensible choice for hiding dirt. Light blue is also good at looking clean for longer. 

Animals

If you live in an area with many birds or park under a nest, bird droppings can do more damage than simply looking ugly. Bird droppings and some tree saps contain acid, which eats away at paint. 

Dead bugs can leave a nasty mess on your car after a road trip. If not washed off, the sun can bake them onto the paint, making them harder to remove.

If you see signs of sap, droppings or dead insects on your car, don’t wait till your next car wash. Wash them off ASAP.

Is it possible to wash your car too much?

Overwashing may wear the paint down, giving it a dull sheen. This can also occur if you rub too vigorously on one spot. This shouldn’t occur if you use the right products.

If you’re considering purchasing a car that’s easier to keep clean, contact us. We can discuss your needs and find the right car for you.