In the grand tapestry of car ownership, the question of how often to wash your car is a thread that's both vibrant and fraught with controversy. Like deciding between coffee or tea in the morning, the frequency of your car wash can significantly impact its health, appearance, and even its self-esteem. In this article we will discuss the optimal time between washes.
Can you wash your car too much?
Yes, you can, and it's akin to overwatering a plant. Washing your car too frequently, especially if you're not using the right products, can lead to paint damage, and the premature aging of your car's clear coat and paint. It's like taking a bath in dish soap; it'll clean you, but at what cost? To avoid stripping your car's protective wax or sealant layer, consider using a gentle, pH-balanced Car Shampoo that cleans without aggression.
Is it better to hand wash your car?
Hand washing your car is the best method for ensuring proper technique. It allows for attention to detail and the use of high-quality products ensuring that every nook and cranny is pampered and pristine. Hand washing with a microfiber wash mitt and good lubricating shampoos are extremely gentle on your paint compared to the spinning brushes of death in an automatic car wash. There are several hand washing techniques like the two-bucket wash method or the multiple wash mitt method and each of these helps reduce the risk of scratching and creating swirls on your paint and delicate surfaces. Another reason we love hand washing our cars is it's therapeutic, offering a moment of zen between you and your ride, far away from the swirling brushes of doom found in automatic car washes.
Benefits of washing your car regularly
Regular car washes are the secret to maintaining your vehicle's youthful glow. They remove contaminants that can damage the paint, prevent rust, and improve safety by keeping windows and mirrors clear. Think of it as brushing your teeth; neglect it, and things will start to decay. Plus, a clean car has been scientifically proven to make you 47% more attractive. (Note: Science may vary.) Maintaining the appearance of your car will also help hold its value better than a neglected vehicle. Another thing you learn when you do normal washing on your car is you notice wear and tear and damage easier and faster which can help you prevent larger issues over time.
Should I go through a tunnel car wash?
Tunnel car washes are the fast food of car care—convenient but not always beneficial for your car's health. The harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes will be detrimental over time. These brushes can scratch and swirl your paint badly, you may as well wipe your car with sandpaper. If you must, opt for touchless options. A touchless car wash might be the only option you have in the Winter but these types of washes still use high pH chemicals that can break down the protection on your paint. However, for those who truly cherish their vehicle, a hand wash using products like a good soap and drying aid will always be the gourmet meal, leaving your car both satisfied and glossy.
Best ways to dry your car
Drying your car is an art form. Forget the old shake-and-bake method of driving around and hoping for the best. Using a microfiber towel and a Drying Aid can reduce water spots and enhance shine, making your car look like it just stepped out of a magazine. A high quality drying towel is bigger than normal towels and more like the size of a bath towel. They make drying easy because they hold and absorb a lot of water. A drying aid acts as a layer of protection and lubrication between the towel and car's surface which helps alleviate scratches and swirls. You can also use a cordless leaf blower to blow the majority of water off of your car and reduce your drying time by blowing out mirrors and other seams. Once you blow dry the vehicle off you can quickly dry the remaining water off with your drying towels. Either way a good drying process can really finish your hand wash off properly.
What do I need to wash my car?
Aside from a bucket of water and a dream, you'll need the right tools for the job: a high-quality car shampoo, a microfiber wash mitt, wheel cleaner, and an all-purpose cleanser for those tough spots. If you want to take it a step further, you can also wax it afterwards. Each product serves a purpose, like the instruments in a symphony, working together to create a masterpiece of cleanliness. We also suggest a second bucket of clean water to rinse your wash mitt before putting it back into your wash bucket. You can also use soft detailing brushes to work around emblems, window seals, and other tight areas. Do not use your washing materials and tools on your wheels and tires as those are the dirtiest parts of your vehicle and can cause damage to your paint. Having dedicated tools for wheels and tires and a separate bucket is the way to go.If you want to increase the efficiency and fun you can have with washing your vehicle we recommend an electric pressure washer and foam cannon. A pressure washer can blast off lots of dirt and grime and a foam cannon can quickly spread car shampoo and other cleaners on your car quickly.
Steps on washing your car
Pre-Rinse: Begin your wash with a pre-rinse from your garden hose or pressure washer to remove loose dirt and debris.
Wheels & Tires First: Tackle the wheels and tires with a dedicated cleaner and brushes to keep brake dust at bay and remove the browning from your tires. This step is key before you apply a tire dressing.
Soap Up: Use a pH-balanced shampoo, lathering your car in a bubble bath of cleanliness.
Rinse and Repeat: Rinse thoroughly, ensuring no soap is left behind to tell tales of your labor. If you have a foam cannon or foam gun you can first put down a layer of suds on the entire vehicle to help breakdown dirt before your contact wash with a wash mitt.
Dry: Grab your microfiber drying towel and apply a drying aid then pat your car dry, whispering sweet nothings as you go. Or step it up a notch with your cordless leaf blower to make quick work of drying your vehicle.
Wax On: Apply a protective layer of wax or a paint sealant to seal in your hard work and give your car that showroom shine. The advantage of our drying aid is it combines a drying lubricant and paint protection in one step!
Washing your car is more than just a chore; it's a labor of love, a ritual that keeps your vehicle looking its best and you feeling proud. Whether you're a weekly washer or an as-needed type, remember that the key to a long-lasting relationship with your car is not just in how often you wash it, but in how well you treat it during those intimate sudsy sessions.
