What are the effects of not washing the car after rain?
2 Answers
Not washing the car after rain can have the following impacts: 1. It will make the car dirty: Rainwater only cleans part of the car body, leaving many areas still unclean. These uncleaned areas will accumulate more dirt when driven, making the car appear even dirtier. Therefore, it is important to wash the car promptly after rain instead of relying on the rain to clean it. 2. Damage to the car: Rainwater often contains acidic substances that can corrode the outer glossy layer of the car paint. Additionally, rainwater carries invisible dust particles that, when exposed to sunlight, can generate a large amount of oxides, which are difficult to clean over time. After rain, it is essential to perform a paint treatment on the car to prevent damage from rainwater.
As a city dweller who drives all year round, I deeply understand that if I don't wash my car promptly after each rain, mud and urban pollutants remain on the car body. The acidic substances in rainwater and accumulated dust on the car's paint surface can, over time, begin to corrode the clear coat layer, leading to fading colors and the appearance of spots, especially on darker cars which look particularly bad. Water stains on the windshield can also blur visibility, requiring more frequent use of the wipers, which in turn wear out faster. If water accumulates in the chassis and isn't cleaned, the residue can corrode metal parts after the water evaporates on sunny days, potentially affecting the suspension system over time. Having learned my lesson, I've developed the habit of heading to a self-service car wash for a quick rinse after the rain stops, saving myself from costly repairs in the future.
