Most people wash their cars when they get covered in mud,
grime or salt—or if they attract the attention of a passing flock of birds.
When it comes to regular car washes, however, many of us
miss the mark. That’s unfortunate, because having your car washed regularly is
an easy, relatively inexpensive way to protect your vehicle, yourself and your
investment.
There are several reasons to get a weekly or bi-weekly car
wash, even if you’re driving through city streets and under bird-free skies.
Here are
·
It protects your paint. A regular wash and wax
will protect our car’s paint, not wear it down. The fact is that the dirt that
vehicles gather as they move about—even over seemingly dry, clean roads—can be
very damaging if left to bake onto a surface.
·
It increases fuel efficiency. Believe it or not,
dirt will slow you down and cause wind resistance on an otherwise slick
surface. You may not think it makes a significant impact, but any automotive
engineer will tell you otherwise. Over time, the increased drag of dirt or
other residue will impact your aerodynamics. Studies have shown it can decrease
efficiency by as much as 10 percent. Consider the swimmer, who shaves excess
body hair, or cyclists—there’s a reason they wear those slick, silly shorts.
·
It protects your body. Dirt, salt and grime will
not only hurt your paint, it could damage your underbody, frame and engine. Add
a semi-regular engine wash with your regular car washes to protect your motor.
·
It improves safety. Dirt and debris can build up
on your windows, impacting your ability to see and causing damage to your wiper
blades. Even at moderate speeds, a blotch or smear can cause a dangerous blind
spot.
·
It shows pride in your vehicle. Clean cars look
newer and better cared for. A regular car wash will also help you make a better
first impression at work and while socializing.
·
It will improve the resale value, particularly
if you sell the car to a private party, rather than training it in to a dealer.
If a perspective buyer thinks the car is well-maintained—as evidenced by a
regular car wash, he or she will be more likely to meet your asking price.
·
It can help keep you healthy. We spend a lot of
time in our cars—and so do our germs. Think about every you sneeze or cough
behind the wheel and then multiply it by the number of times you’re out
interacting with the public and trailing their germs back to your driver’s
seat. A regular disinfectant along with your car wash can kill those germs and
keep you sniffle-free.
It’s just as important to keep your car looking good as it
is to keep it running good and driving straight. Add a weekly or bi-weekly car
wash to your maintenance schedule. It’s a relatively small investment that can
pay large dividends in the long run.
More articles from Splash N Dash Car Wash & Laundry
How to Wash your Car at the Coin Operated Car Wash
How to Wash your Car at the Coin Operated Car Wash 1. Get ready. Do you have enough coins for one or two cycles (or more if your vehicle is very dirty)? 2. Grab Optional Equipment a. Rubber gloves b. Soft Cloth or a Lambs... More
Tips for Doing Your Laundry at a Laundromat
If you're living in an apartment without laundry facilities, or if you're currently living in a home without laundry, then you probably have some experience going to the laundromat. There are many ways that you can make this experience easier, fas... More