There’s no right (or wrong) answer to this. Wash your car as often as you like, as long as you’re using the right, quality products.
A different way of asking the same question might be “when should I wash my car”? The answer to that is as simple as: “when it’s dirty”, and as soon as possible after that, because that’s the point at which the nasties can start to take hold.
In that sense, somewhere between a couple to several weeks of normal, everyday driving for a simple wash, seems about right to start the habit off.
I’ll just take it through the local auto wash/car wash café:
We get it, you’re on the go, juggling time, things to do. It’s easy to be lured by the promise of a car wash café, a coffee and downtime while an army gets all over (and in) your car, cleans it, and charges you what seems like value.
But there are some good reasons to choose yourself as the place where you clean, condition and protect your own car, and these are our top ones:
- You know what you’re using: When you wash your own car, you’re in control of the products used. No mystery soaps or harsh chemical, just the good stuff that you trust.
- You’re gentler (and more thorough): Let’s be real: automatic car washes and car wash cafés aren’t always careful. They’ve got others lined up, and in a rush, they miss spots. And those auto wash big brushes? Listen to the thwack they make as they hit the body of your car.... You, on the other hand, will baby your car like it deserves.
- It can be a legitimate workout: Ever heard the term: Incidental Activity? Enter car cleaning. It’s a surprisingly good workout. It burns calories. Who needs the gym when you’ve got a car to clean?
- The results are always tip-top: When you do it yourself, you know it’s done right, every time. No streaks, no missed spots, and no wondering if someone else rushed through the job.
- You can still have a coffee… or whatever: Who says you can’t make it fun? Bring a cup of coffee, a danish or even a cool beverage of your choice (would you like a mimosa with that?) Cleaning your car can be your time to relax and enjoy yourself.
- Bonding and teaching: It can be a great way to bond as a family and teach your offspring great habits that will serve them into their own car ownership journey.
Bottom line? DIY car washing is about doing it your way, with care and a little bit of flair. Even if, on occasion, you must slip into a café or auto wash, the less the better.
For trusted car care products, check out the Autoglym range.