What are the effects of rain after washing a car?
2 Answers
Rain after washing a car will not have any other effects besides leaving water stains on the body once the weather clears up. Choice of car wash solution: It is best to use a dedicated car wash solution, preferably one containing water wax. Professional car wash solutions have a neutral pH and will not erode the car's surface. If the solution contains water wax, it can provide a nourishing and protective effect while washing the car. Even with frequent washing, it will not damage the car's paint; instead, the car will become shinier with each wash. Timing for washing the car: It is best to wash the car under sheltered conditions. If that is not possible, choose an overcast day or the early morning or evening on a sunny day. Washing the car under direct sunlight can cause the water droplets to act as convex lenses, creating localized high temperatures on the top layer of the paint, which can cause the paint to lose its luster. Waxing the car under such conditions may also result in uneven coloration. Frequency of washing the car: Generally, washing the car once a week is sufficient. Washing the car too frequently can accelerate paint oxidation. For light dust, using a feather duster or a soft-bristled brush is enough. However, if the car is exposed to dust, mud, heavy rain, etc., the driver should clean the vehicle as soon as possible. On the other hand, leaving the car unwashed for extended periods can accelerate paint aging and damage due to the erosion and adhesion of acidic components in rain and air, as well as harmful substances like bird droppings and dust.
Just after finishing the car wash, it started to rain, which I personally found quite frustrating. Rainwater carries dust and pollutants from the air, depositing them on the car's surface and forming unsightly stains. These stains become even harder to clean under sunlight. I've seen many friends' car paints turn dull and lifeless because of this, and over time, they had to spend a lot on polishing and repairs. Additionally, rainwater can seep into door gaps or wheel arch areas, causing metal parts to rust and corrode, leading to unnecessary repair costs. To minimize these negative effects, I make it a habit to dry all corners immediately after washing or use a car cover to protect it, avoiding leaving the car parked outdoors for too long. If it does rain, I recommend driving to a dry, ventilated area to dry the car body promptly. From a vehicle maintenance perspective, these small measures can extend the car's aesthetics and durability, making them worth learning for every car owner. I believe developing good habits is more important than fixing problems afterward, such as choosing sunny weather for car washing and finishing the job quickly.
