If you’re a car owner, you may spend a significant amount of money on vehicle maintenance. Although you may agree that routine oil changes, brake checks, and tuneups are essential for keeping you on the road, what of regular car washes? Find out how often you should be washing your car—and why—below.

Does Washing Protect My Car?

Your car is continually exposed to the elements, especially if it’s not parked in a garage. Dust, pollen, tree sap, and bird droppings can damage the paint, dull a car’s finish, and promote rust. Regular cleaning removes these environmental harms before they have a chance to mar your car’s exterior.

Think of regular car washing as an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance, especially if you have a lengthy daily commute or live in an area that experiences extreme weather events. Cars subject to long highway hauls get splattered with insects and road grit. If they aren’t promptly cleaned off, they may stick to the paint or chip it when you wipe them away. In addition, frequent exposure to heat and sunlight can fade automotive paint and melt away your car’s protective wax finish. Similarly, rain, ice, sleet, and snow trap corrosive dirt and grime.

Is Weekly Washing Necessary?

If your car’s in frequent use and not protected by a garage when idle, most auto experts recommend washing it once a week, especially if you drive long distances or live in an industrial zone. Regular car washes will not only protect your vehicle from wear and tear but also save you money over the long run.

For more advice on how to keep your car clean and protect it from exterior damage, contact the vehicle maintenance experts at Reffitt’s Garage & Towing Service, Auto Body Repair, LLC. For more than 40 years, they’ve been providing customers in Hamilton, OH, with fast and affordable services, from collision repair and transmission work to 24-hour emergency towing. Visit their website to learn more about their service lineup, or call (513) 863-3008 to speak with an experienced technician today.