How Often Should You Wash Your Car?
2 Answers
It is recommended to wash your car every two weeks, averaging 2 to 3 times per month. Additionally, waxing should be done every 3 months. New cars do not require waxing as they come with a factory-applied wax layer; waxing can be done after six months. The frequency of car washing should be determined based on the vehicle's condition, including the local environment, weather, and season. To slow down paint aging, you can apply wax after washing to protect the paint, with waxing needed every 3 months. It is also advisable to wash the car immediately after rain, as rainwater is acidic and carries dust, which can significantly damage the paint. For better paint protection, parking the car in an underground garage is ideal, as exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays accelerates the aging of the car body. If the car is not washed for an extended period, acidic components in the air, along with harmful substances like bird droppings and dust, can erode and adhere to the paint surface, speeding up paint aging and damage. Paint damage can also expose the metal parts of the car body to oxidation due to loss of protection, leading to premature vehicle deterioration. However, car washing should not be too frequent and should be adjusted according to needs.
As an ordinary office worker, I believe the frequency of car washing depends on driving habits. For daily urban commuting, washing every two weeks is quite appropriate. However, if you live near the coast or industrial areas, salt and industrial dust can corrode the paint, necessitating weekly washes. I once met a fellow car owner who insisted that rain provided a free car wash, only to find his paint spotted from acid rain corrosion. In reality, bird droppings and tree sap stuck on the car are the most troublesome; these contaminants can damage the paint if left for more than three days, so it's essential to check the car's body condition regularly. If washing the car yourself, avoid using laundry detergent as its high alkalinity can harm the paint. Professional car wash solutions are not expensive anyway.
