How Often Should You Wash Your Car? A Comprehensive Guide

August 30, 2024

A car is one of the biggest purchases you will likely make, so it’s important to take care of your investment to keep it in great shape as long as possible. Oil changes, tire rotations and replacing brake pads are all part of regular car maintenance, but have you ever considered how important car washes can be? 

In this blog, we’ll explain the value of car washes, how frequently you should wash your car, whether or not you can over wash your car, and other best practices.  

Benefits of Regular Car Washing 

Regular car washing is a crucial part of maintaining your vehicle’s appearance and value. Neglecting this can lead to the accumulation of dirt, grime, and other contaminants, which can cause scratches, stains, and even corrosion. That’s why we recommend following this simple rule: “Don’t Drive Dirty!”.  

In addition to cleaning and protecting your car, keeping your vehicle clean can also improve your mental health. Click here to learn more about the mental health benefits of driving a clean ride.  

What Determines Optimal Car Washing Frequency? 

The general rule of thumb is to wash your car every two weeks. That said, the ideal car wash frequency can vary slightly depending on several factors.  

For instance, if you live in an area with frequent rain or snow, or if you often drive on dirt roads, your car may get dirty quicker, necessitating a more frequent car wash schedule.  

Similarly, if you park under trees or near construction sites, this might accumulate more debris and require more frequent cleaning. The best time to wash your car in these scenarios would be as soon as noticeable dirt or debris is present. 

Seasonal Care 

Your car may need some extra love during extreme weather, mainly the cold winter and hot summer months.  

Summer: Debris can end up scratching your car’s topcoat and exposing it to damaging UV rays, accelerating the oxidation process. Regularly washing your car is one of the easiest ways to protect it from sun damage.  

Winter: Accumulation of winter grime, road salt and slush can damage your car’s paint, including rust and corrosion. If your vehicle encounters snow and ice, make sure to wash it as soon as it melts. 

For more information on this, check out our blog on how to protect your car from extreme heat.  

Can You Over Wash Your Car? 

If you do it right, the short answer is NO. At Super Star Car Wash, we use only the best equipment and products, so your car receives a gentle yet effective clean every single time. That means you can wash your car as often as you like, with no negative side effects.  

That said, beware if you’re washing your car by hand. Over washing with the wrong materials may lead to unnecessary wear and tear over time (not to mention a lot of wasted water). That’s why we recommend you stick with the professionals at Super Star Car Wash.  

Going the Extra Mile 

Regular waxing and detailing can significantly enhance your car’s appearance and protection. Waxing creates a protective barrier against harmful elements, while detailing involves a comprehensive cleaning and restoration process. 

While we recommend getting the standard wash every two weeks or so, sometimes your car needs a little extra TLC. When you notice a regular car wash isn’t quite cutting it, it may be time for the Super Shine or Super Protect car wash. Both washes include the Simoniz Carnauba Hot Wax for superior protection and shine. 

To test if your car needs a wax treatment, splash some water on the hood. If the water beads up, your wax is still effective. If it doesn’t, it’s time to add a wax treatment during your next visit to Super Star Car Wash. 

Don’t Forget the Inside! 

While the inside of your car may not be exposed to the elements as much as the outside, it’s still important to get in the habit of regularly cleaning the interior so it stays looking nice and avoids wear and tear as long as possible.  

With our multitude of free services at Super Star Car Wash, there’s no excuse to have a dirty car interior! Take advantage of our strong vacuums to pick up unwanted particles like dog hair, crumbs, and dirt from seat crevices and floor mats. Additionally, the free microfiber towels are kept moist to help wipe away dust and debris from those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.  

If you have a leather interior, make sure to keep it cleaned and conditioned to prevent cracking and aging, at least every few months or so.  

We hope this blog answered your questions about how often to wash your car, and provided some simple ways to take care of one of your biggest investments. With an affordable monthly membership from Super Star Car Wash, it’s one of the easiest ways to be a responsible car owner. Click here to learn more about our services and find a location near you!