Why Washing Your Car Regularly is Essential: Protecting Your Investment

Let's talk about giving your ride some TLC. We all know our cars are investments, and keeping them happy goes a long way.  But washing your car? Is that really important? You bet it is!

Think about it. You wouldn't let your best friend walk around covered in mud, would you? Same goes for your car.  Sometimes a wash is a no-brainer, like after a dusty road trip or when a flock of birds decides your hood is their personal toilet.  But what about regular washing?

Washing your car isn't just about keeping it shiny. It's about protecting that paint job and preventing rust.  Most experts say a good wash every two weeks is a good rule of thumb.  Live by the ocean or get hammered with winter salt? Wash more often.  Salt can be brutal on your car's undercarriage.  Same goes for you off-road warriors!  Bird droppings and bug guts are acidic little buggers that can eat through your paint if left to bake in the sun.

Of course, if you garage your car and don't drive it daily, you can stretch those washes a bit.  But don't be fooled by summer sunshine! Winter is actually when car washes become super important.  Salt from the roads can cake on and wreak havoc.  So those car washes with the handy dandy pressure wands?  Your car will thank you for those winter visits.

Let's chat interiors for a sec.  Your car's inside doesn't get blasted with salt, but it still needs some love. 

• Vacuum out all that stuff – crumbs, dog hair, leaves – hiding in the crevices.  Spot clean any stains you find with an upholstery cleaner.  For regular cleaning, a simple mix of warm water and mild soap will do the trick.
• Leather seats?  Those need some love too.  Condition them every three months, or more often if you drive a lot or park in the sun.

Want your car to look showroom shiny?  Waxing twice a year is a good call.  You can even do a quick water test to see if it needs a fresh coat.  Splash some water on the car – if it beads up, you're good!  Waxing does more than make your car look amazing, it adds an extra layer of protection between your paint job and all that nasty stuff we talked about earlier.

Finally, the ultimate car pampering session:  getting it detailed!  That is going deeper than just taking off the mud. Your car will be spoiled with all types of "spa-procedures", from toothbrushing your grille to vacuuming every single nook. No need for detailing your car at every single wash, but it certainly deserves it from time to time. Wax it every 5 to 7 months, keep it clean inside and outside and you're good to go.

Bonus tip!  Want an eco-friendly way to wash your car? Take your beauty to a car wash! Runoffs are getting captured and not let off into the streams and rivers. Washing at home?  Park on the grass!  As long as you use mild, eco-friendly soap, you can give your lawn a drink on a hot day.  Just don't plan on changing your oil there, okay?