How Often Should You Wash Your Car? A Quick Auto Care Guide

Washing Your Car Like A  Pro Car Detailer:

 

Your Car Is An Expensive Asset

Buying a car is a huge investment as you spend a lot of money to get one but also maintain it. It can be gas, oil changes, brakes, or tires. But do you know that washing your car is just as important as these other maintenance jobs too? Washing a car isn’t just good for the aesthetics, it’s also great for the health of the vehicle. It’s also pretty simple like doing some chores in your kitchen or your room. Keeping a vehicle in top-tier shape is all up to you but it isn’t that hard to do. 

With a variety of external forces constantly attacking your car, you will need to stay persistent in cleaning your car. Many car owners will question when is the right time to wash or can you wash a car too much. Well, I can answer all of those questions here below!

As a general rule of thumb, every owner of a car should wash their car at least every two weeks. However, there are many variables and factors that can change the frequency of cleaning your car.  

How Often You Use Your Car

If you are someone who takes out their automobile every day and commutes long distances for work then it is important that you stick to the two-week wash schedule. On the other hand, if you are only using it to do quick errands that are not far, then you can just wash your car around once a month. Basically, if you have your car out for longer periods of time, then you should be detailing your car more frequently. 

If you are putting your vehicle into long-term storage then it is also necessary to clean your car before it goes idle. Once you finally take it out again you’ll want to clean it up to make sure it is upkeep.

WHERE You Use Your Car

Another important factor to take in is where you are driving and the type of roads you drive on. Muddy roads are filled with grime and muck that can cause a build-up of crap that can downgrade the vehicles health.

If you live in an area with a lot of salt, near the ocean or from salt trucks, then it’s imperative that you wash your car every week as salt can corrode the metal and eventually cause rust. Leaving salt on your precious asset will only cause harm and increase the cost of future repairs and replacements. 

WHEN You Use Your Car

Apart from frequency and where you drive, the weather can have a big effect on your car. In the winter, apart from the salt, dirty snow and moisture can collect in the body and the undercarriage of your car. If left untreated then rust can occur. In the cold seasons when the temperature is below freezing then you will want to avoid washing as water could get inside certain parts and then freeze. And then you will be coughing up money to fix it. 

In the opposite season, summer can come with intense sunlight and scorching heat that will bake your paint. It can also bake grime and things like bird droppings and bug splatters. The damages will make your car’s paint fade and discolor. Repainting a car is very expensive so you will need to take the time to clean your car to prevent things from getting baked into your exterior.

Being Cautious

We are all different types of people when we drive our cars and this can determine how often your car needs to be washed. By being a cautious driver, you will more than likely avoid hitting potholes, muddy areas, not driving in the rain, driving into puddles, etc. If you are someone that doesn’t care about these then you will be taking a beating and will require more washes. 

Just Clean Your Vehicle

Whether it’s you that cleans it or you take it to a car wash, you will be saving the life of your automobile. You shall be confident in creating your own schedule now after reading all the factors that impact your car. 

author avatar
Darren Burgard

Neon 8Neon 8
18:55 05 Apr 24
We are extremely well satisfied with the work done by Darren on our two cars; an eleven year old Audi and an eleven year old Lexus. The cars look almost new. Darren showed up on time, did the work efficiently and thoroughly, and the price was very competitive. We will definitely use his service again.
Hugo ContrerasHugo Contreras
23:07 30 Mar 24
I enjoyed collaborating with Sumptuous detailing services! Definitely recommend to anyone looking for great detailing services!
Gareth EvansGareth Evans
16:01 21 Mar 24
Darren did a great job on my pickup truck I use for construction. I was surprised how clean he got it inside.
TJ EdwardsTJ Edwards
00:58 13 Mar 24
Tyrone came out today and detailed my dad’s Tesla model X for us. Let me tell you - that man is so incredibly positive. You just feel good talking to him. He spent a large amount of time detailing his car and it looks better than it did the day he bought it! We could not be more thrilled and will continue to use Tyrone every month to detail and keep it looking great! The pricing is extremely competitive and even on the lower end compared to other mobile retailers! We are extremely pleased all the way around!
Anne HucksAnne Hucks
00:30 13 Mar 24
It was a wonderful experience. My car has not been this clean since I bought it.
millenyn soaresmillenyn soares
01:46 10 Mar 24
If I could put 10000+ Stars I would. Words can't explain how satisfied, I am. Tyrone did a phenomenal job, he took his time and you can tell he loves what he does. My car looks brand new, the seats are so clean and when I opened my car the smell of brand new car hit me. If you are looking for someone to detail your car STOP LOOKING, Because you found them and the customer service is excellent! I highly strongly recommend them you will not be disappointed!
Gregory TrenaryGregory Trenary
02:21 09 Feb 24
02/08/24 We are not local to this area, visiting with our son. Three large cups of coffee were accidentally split in our vehicle this morning... What a mess! Found some one online who didn't do interior detailing, however recommended Darren. He made arrangements to clean our truck that day. His men were here at scheduled time, did a fantastic job! Highly recommend Sumptuous Mobile Detailing!
Pam McCloudPam McCloud
12:24 06 Oct 23
Amazing and meticulous! Darren did such a great job with my vehicle that his services were requested the very next day by my hubby. My vehicle is so clean that I’m afraid to get in and undo all of his hard work. Most importantly, he took his time and didn’t rush the job.
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Fundamental Detailing Package
  • Exterior wash
  • Towel dry
  • 25-60 day wax (beads water and dirt off the paint, offering superior protection compared to traditional wax)
  • Tire conditioning
  • Window cleaning
  • Detailed vacuuming
  • Detailed cleaning of all hard, plastic, leather, and vinyl surfaces
  • Pressure wash for hard floor mats
    For a deeper clean with added surface protection and attention to detail.
Full Decontamination Package
  • Includes all features of Fundamentals
  • Clay Bar Treatment: Removes embedded contaminants like tar and sap that washing alone can't eliminate.
  • Iron Remover: Dissolves bonded iron particles from brake dust, protecting the paint from long-term damage.
  • Steam cleaning or extraction for seats and carpets if needed
    Perfect for vehicles requiring a thorough clean and contamination removal. Interior only is available in this package & higher only.
OCD Package
  • Includes all features of Full Decontamination
  • Special Stain Removal Attention: Attempts to target and remove stains, though results are not guaranteed.
  • 1-step Paint Correction: Removes minor surface defects like swirl marks and light scratches to restore the car’s shine.
  • 6-12 month Ceramic Wax: Adds a durable layer of protection and shine, lasting longer than standard waxes.
    For clients who want every detail perfected and their paint protected.
    Highly recommended to add the 5-year ceramic coating for long-term protection.
The Exterior Wash, Clay, & Seal
  • Wash
  • Clay Bar Treatment
  • 6-12 month sealant/wax.
  • Exterior Only
The Express Wash (4+ Vehicles Required)
  • Exterior wash (exterior)
  • Vacuum
  • Dash cleaning

It is not very detail-oriented, but it is convenient for daily drivers that aren't particular.

Interior Only

Select full decontamination or OCD package, then specify interior only.

Add Ons
  • 6-12 month Wax: Upgrade for longer-lasting protection is available for Fundamentals and Decontamination packages.
  • Headliner Cleaning: Can be added to any package to remove dirt and stains from the ceiling fabric.
  • 5-year Ceramic Coating: A long-lasting, high-gloss protective layer that repels water, dirt, and UV rays, making maintenance easier.
  • Ozone Treatment: Eliminates odors, bacteria, and mold by oxidizing and destroying airborne contaminants for a fresher, cleaner interior environment.
  • Paint Correction: Restores the car’s original shine by removing surface defects like swirl marks, oxidation, and light scratches. This results in a deeper and more natural shine compared to the superficial gloss added by wax.
  • Headlight Restoration: Increases nighttime visibility, improves front-end aesthetics, and compliments shiny paint.
  • Clay Bar Treatment: Removing embedded contaminants from the paint, which the wash will not remove.
  • Pet Hair Removal: Extensive pet hair removal beyond vacuuming.
  • Leather Conditioning
  • Spot Stain Removal
  • Decal/Sticker Removal