The Real Reason Your Car Gets Dirty After the Rain: A Mystery Decoded

August 20, 2024

Many of us welcome the rain because of the wonderful benefits it provides the planet: improved air quality, cooler temperatures, and support for plant and animal life. However, one of the downsides of rain is how it leaves your car looking dirtier than before.  

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “why is my car dirty after rain?”, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we dive into the science behind dirty cars post-rain and discuss ways to keep your car looking its best during rainy weather including monsoons.  

The Science Behind Dirty Cars After Rain 

When it rains, you may assume you’re getting a free car wash from Mother Nature, but experience has taught you that is definitely not the case.  

The truth is, rainwater isn’t just pure H2O. As it falls from the sky, rain collects pollutants like dust, pollen, and vehicle emissions on the way down. By the time those little drops hit your car, the water is full of “dirt”, which leaves behind pesky spots as the water evaporates.  

The appearance of rain spots are often more prevalent in places with high levels of pollution (like big cities) or during storms with strong winds, where dust is kicked up from the ground.  

Long-Term Consequences  

Nobody likes how the rain makes your car look, but did you know those unsightly spots can actually damage your vehicle over time?  

While the rain itself is not the issue, pollutants contained within the water drops can create an acidic effect, eventually deteriorating your car’s finish, wearing away the paint and causing costly damage. 

That’s why it’s important to address rain spots and dirt right away, so they don’t sit on your car for long periods of time. Regular car washes are crucial to remove this grime and protect your car’s paintwork. 

How to Protect Your Car From Rainy Weather 

The good news is, it’s super easy to prevent and remove rain spots on your vehicle.  

Avoid the rain when you can:

Rain or shine, we know you’ve got places to go. You can’t always avoid driving in the rain, but whenever possible, try and park in a garage, under cover, or even invest in a car cover to avoid rain spots accumulating on your vehicle when it’s not in use.  

Wash your car BEFORE it rains:

We know it sounds counterintuitive, but a trip to Super Star Car Wash before a storm can actually keep your car protected from unsightly and damaging rain spots. That’s because our incredible products like graphene coating, carnauba wax and ceramic shine create a slick barrier on your vehicle’s exterior, so the rain slides right off instead of sticking around.  

Wash your car AFTER it rains:

As soon as the storm passes, we recommend getting those rain spots removed promptly to avoid long-term damage and keep your car looking its best. After a quick trip through the Super Star Car Wash tunnel, you can feel comfortable knowing your car is clean and protected from top to bottom. Afterward, take advantage of the free services like microfiber towels to wipe away any leftover drops.  

Does all this washing seem like overkill? Maybe.. but, it’s not! With a monthly membership from Super Star Car Wash, you can wash your car as often as you like for a low monthly fee. In the end, it’s a good investment that will keep your car clean and protected for as long as possible. Click here to learn more about membership plans at Super Star Car Wash.