How Often Should You Wash Your Car?

As experts in mechanical servicing and car tyres in Auckland, you could say we know a thing about cars. So, you won’t be surprised to learn that we have plenty of opinions on how to look after them, including how often you should wash them. What we have to say on that subject might surprise you. 

While there is no hard and fast rule, it is generally accepted that you should wash your car once every two weeks depending on how often you drive it and where it is garaged. Now, we can just imagine your reaction right about now. Every TWO weeks!!!??? That might seem like a crazy idea because most Kiwis would be lucky to wash their car every two months! But keep reading and you’ll see why we believe that frequent car washing is essential in protecting your vehicle

New Zealand roads are very dirty and dusty. Even our sealed roads in the city throw up a lot of debris. Therefore, it doesn’t take long for dust and dirt to build up on cars and damage the finish; when that happens, scratching and rusting is so much harder to protect against and the metal of the car can also be at risk. Rusting will cause bubbles in the paintwork and in the blink of an eye, your nice car will look like an old bomb. 

Let’s not forget that bird droppings and dead bugs are highly acidic and they can eat through your vehicle’s paintwork. Droppings and bugs on Kiwi cars are common, and like dust and dirt, these things build up and do damage in no time. Another reason why frequent car washing is the best way to go.

Of course, water restrictions might limit how often you can wash your car anyway. If that’s the case, contact your local car wash company and ask if they use recycled water. Better to get them to do the job than not at all. But if you are allowed to wash your car yourself, don’t use household detergent; it’s as bad for your car as the stuff you’re trying to wash off! Specialty car wash products are the way to go, and they’re relatively inexpensive, especially when you consider the benefits they’ll deliver. And whatever you do, don’t forget to wash the tyres! If the tyres are dirty, it will bring down the appearance of the whole car.