Can Too Many Car Washes Damage Your Car?

No matter what new car you get, automobiles are still a major financial investment. Therefore, it’s natural to want to take great care of your vehicle, and the easiest way to do that is through frequent car washes and cleanings. For some, this is a weekly routine, and for others, it’s almost an obsession. But as you’re washing your car every week, or maybe even multiple times each week, one does have to wonder if too many car washes can damage your car.

Well, let us put your fears to rest. While washing your car improperly can damage it, washing it as often as you’d like won’t hurt your vehicle, even if you do it every week. Keep in mind, however, that if you wax your car you may need to reapply that wax after each wash depending on how well it holds up. Therefore, washing it every day or even every week could be seen as excessive, unnecessary and more work than is needed, but if you have the urge to wash… wash away.

How to Wash Your Car Without Damaging the Paint

What you’re most worried about protecting when washing your car is the paint and clearcoat. And if you’re washing your car improperly, you will do damage to it, and washing improperly more frequently will do even more damage, of course.

So, if you like to do frequent car washes, here are some tips to keep in mind so that “overwashing” your vehicle doesn’t do any major harm:

• Properly hand washing a vehicle is best, but if you do use automatic washes, only use touch-free.
• Whenever possible use only a vehicle-safe soap and water for your washes. If some scrubbing is necessary, be gentle and only use microfiber sponges or cloths to avoid scratches.
• When drying, you should also use a microfiber cloth. Dry the vehicle thoroughly so you don’t leave water spots, but again, be gentle and don’t overdo it in areas that are already dry.
• Finish your washes with a wax or paint protection.

 
How Often Should You Really Be Washing Your Car?

The real question here, however, isn’t about how much car washing is too much. The real question you should be asking is when should you wash your car and how often. Thankfully, the answer to that question is just as simple: Wash your car whenever it is dirty. That’s it.

If your car is dirty, give it a wash. If it isn’t that dirty, then cut yourself and your car a break and go for a fun-filled drive.

So, again, you really can’t wash your car too much to do any significant damage, as long as you are having it washed properly.