Your car is always on the go.
Between work, trips, running errands, and carting the kids around, it’s a vital component that keeps our busy lives running smoothly. But just like any hard-working machine, it deserves a little TLC now and then. Aside from giving your car some love, keeping up with regular car maintenance can prolong the life of your vehicle, preserving appearance and value, which saves you money in the long run.
One essential part of high-quality car maintenance is car washing and waxing. Not only does a clean car look better, but it can also protect your paint job and keep your car’s value high. So, how often should you get your car washed?
When Should You Get Your Car Washed?
Generally, it’s best to wash your car every two weeks or so. However, this is also dependent on several factors.
Living in an area with a lot of dirt, dust, or pollen can shorten your necessary car wash timeline to once a week. This is because all those particles can act like sandpaper, slowly wearing away at your paint job.
You may want to wash your car more often if you live in a busy area with heavy traffic, such as congested areas of the Denver metro. The same goes for if you frequently drive on unpaved roads, as the extra grime can dull your paint job and make your car look older than it is, and permanently stain parts of your vehicle if not cleaned regularly.
When the seasons change, you may also want to increase how often you wash your car. In the spring, pollen and other allergens can cling to your paint and be challenging to remove. Proper washing (followed by thorough vacuuming) can help eliminate all that extra gunk.
During the winter, you’ll want to wash your car more often to remove all the salt and sand used to de-ice roads. Not only is this bad for your paint job, but it can also speed up corrosion. Meanwhile, pets can also track in a lot of dirt during the colder months. You may want to do auto detailing more often in winter if you have a furry friend.
Auto Detailing: The Next Level of Car Cleaning
If you want to give your car a new standard of cleaning, you should consider an auto detailing service. Auto detailing is a more thorough clean that covers everything from the inside of your car to the undercarriage. Many people get their vehicles detailed once or twice a year, although many Colorado natives opt to do more often due to harsh weather conditions.
In addition to a regular wash, auto detailing services will:
- Vacuum the carpets and upholstery
- Clean the windows, both inside and out
- Polish the dashboard and other interior surfaces
- Wash and wax the exterior
- Clean the wheels and tires
- Shampoo the floor mats
Auto detailing is a great way to give your car a deep clean, and it’s also the perfect solution if you’re trying to sell your car or want to keep it looking showroom-ready.
Car Waxing: The Final Touch
When it comes to car care, waxing is the icing on the cake. Wax helps protect your paint job from the elements and makes your car look shiny and new. It often goes hand in hand with detailing, and many kill two birds with one stone by completing both in the same visit.
Most experts recommend waxing your car once or twice a year. However, if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, just like an exterior car wash, it’s better to do it more often. Hotter climates can cause the wax to break down more quickly, while cold weather can make it harder for the wax to adhere to your paint.
Is Regular Automatic Car Wash Bad for Your Car?
If you’re short on time, you may be tempted to use an automatic touchless gas station-type car wash. While this is better than nothing, it’s not as good as a professional tunnel wash or hand wash – both of which are available 7 days a week at Jazz Car Wash and Detailing. Also, note that some automatic car washes use harsh brushes that can scratch the surface of a vehicle, modern car washes like Jazz Car Wash use a safe gentle soft cloth, professional lubricating waxes, and soaps along with plenty of high-pressure water to pre-clean your car before any cloth touched the paint.
Ensure you are using manned car washes, as these have been designed with your car’s finish in mind, and use companies that only use high-quality products. You should also avoid automatic car washes if your car has just been waxed or detailed.
Professional Car Washing Services
For the regular TLC that your car needs and deserves, take it to a professional who knows their cars and values meticulous car maintenance. Regular car washes are significantly important for the upkeep of your car and are more affordable than you might think. Choose a reputable company like Jazz Car Wash & Detailing, who are experts in the business (and won’t damage your paint job!)
Jazz Car Wash is an excellent option if you’re looking for professional car washing services. We offer a variety of packages to suit your needs and budget, and our team of experts will have your car looking good as new in no time. And if you’re looking for something more than just a regular wash, we also offer outstanding auto detailing services. Contact us today to learn more!
