How Often You Should Wash Your Vehicle: A Complete Guide for the South
Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned car owner, you’ve likely wondered how often you really need to wash your car. Here in the South, our vehicles are exposed to a range of extreme weather conditions from intense sun and high humidity to heavy rain. They also face constant environmental contaminants like dust, pollen, tree sap and bird droppings. If you live in a coastal region, you can add salty air to the list. All of these threats can do more than just damage your paint job. They also leave the underlying metal vulnerable to corrosion.
How often should you actually wash your car?
It depends on how much you drive and where your vehicle is usually parked. If you’re a daily driver or your car is parked outside, we recommend a weekly wash. For vehicles that see less use and are garaged, every two weeks will generally suffice.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
- If you live on the Gulf Coast, weekly washing is required. Salty air can quickly cause rust on the exterior and undercarriage.
- More frequent washing is recommended during pollen season and during winter if salt has been used on the roads.
- Tree sap and bird droppings should be washed off immediately, as damage can begin within hours.
- Rain can leave dirt and pollutants on your vehicle’s finish. If your car has been out in heavy rain, give it a wash.
While regular washing is a great start, a coat of wax adds an essential layer of protection against the elements. Wax provides a protective barrier from sun, rain and contaminants to safeguard your finish between washes.
The easiest way to keep your car clean and protected is with a monthly membership at Xpress Car Wash. You can have your vehicle washed as often as you like, starting at $29 per month. Learn more about our unlimited car wash packages here.
Keeping your car looking like new doesn’t have to take a lot of work or even much time. Just three minutes in the tunnel at any of our convenient Xpress Car Wash locations gives your vehicle a thorough wash, wax and dry.
