Your car is one of the biggest investments you`ll make in your life, and for many people, it is the first one. Most people already take care of regular oil and tire changes, but the exterior of your car is also integral to its longevity. There are many factors which should be taken into account because they affect how often you should wash your car. So whether you`re trying to maintain your new Ford Transit Connect or keep your old faithful car around for as long as possible, make sure it gets cleaned.
Commute Length
The length of your daily commute will greatly affect how often you might want to wash your car. The longer it is on the road the more likely dust, dirt, and pollution are to build on the surface of the car. This process is inevitable unfortunately and generally, it is suggested that you wash your car for approximately every 300 km driven. While the length of the commute is non-negotiable short of moving or finding a new job, you have some control over factors which can affect the dirtiness of your car. If possible, alter the time of your commute to avoid rush hour so there is less traffic on the road when you`re driving. Less exhaust hitting your car will mean a cleaner exterior overall. You could also look for alternate routes with less traffic or dust to keep your car clean.
Method of Storage
Unsurprisingly, how the car is stored will also affect how often you should clean your car. If it is stored inside a garage it will be better protected from the elements. This is the ideal way to store your car because it not only helps to keep it clean, the garage will shield it from the elements which will also lengthen the lifespan of the vehicle. It will be protected from dirt and dust being blown on it, mud splatters, and even bird droppings. That being said, not everyone has a garage or simply not enough space to house a second car. This is completely fine, it just means that more cleaning will be necessary.
Climate
Climate can have a huge impact on how often cleaning is required for the vehicle. For instance, if you live in an area where there is a lot of snow the salt marks are going to be a reality which will need to be dealt with regularly. Salt, in particular, is important to deal with regularly; it doesn`t just look dirty, salt can also be incredibly corrosive over time. You have nothing to worry about in the immediate, but this fact should be kept in mind over the course of the winter.
Rain also will take its toll on the cleanliness of the car. Mud and dirty water hitting the side or front of the car will result in dirt stains. Luckily these can easily be cleaned off with a soft cloth, warm water, and a soft detergent. The same goes for tree sap in the fall or insects in the springtime.
Rural Versus Urban Environment
Whether you live in an urban or rural environment will affect your car as well. Depending on your unique situation it may not necessarily impact the frequency of cleaning, and more so the kind of cleaning you will be doing. Pollution or smog in urban environments might cause build up on your car, while dusty roads and mud might be your main enemy in rural environments. If you do a lot of off-roading in rural areas you can also expect to be cleaning more. In the end, the key is to avoid driving on dusty roads, when there is a lot of rain, or on smoggy days. This will keep you safe and your car clean.
Personal Preference
Generally it is recommended to clean the car roughly every two weeks with the above factors taken into consideration, but in the end, personal preference is everything. Some people need their cars to be immaculate every day while others never see the need to clean it. Most of us fall somewhere between the two. Personal preference is everything in this regard so simply find a routine which keeps the car healthy and looking the way you want it too.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have more insight into how to maintain your car at peak performance and appearance. Never forget that it is a big investment and some consistent and regular care can take it a long way.
