After buying a house, your vehicle is most likely your biggest investment. After your initial purchase, you have regular maintenance costs, tire replacements, and occasional repairs to pay for. A lot of money goes into your vehicle. So, of course, you will want to keep it protected and maintain its value the best you can. Washing your vehicle is an inexpensive way to do just that.
There’s A Lot of Dirt Out There
There are a lot of everyday threats that can damage your vehicle if left to sit too long. These damages can cause the value of your vehicle to depreciate. Tucson, AZ is smack-dab in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, so, there is an abundant amount of dirt and dust everywhere. When left to sit and smear on your vehicle these fine particles scratch the paint. Bird poop and dead bugs splattered across the vehicle will corrode the paint when left to sit too long. Living in Tucson, we are only around four hours from the beaches of Rocky Point, Mexico and six hours from San Diego. Many locals will travel to these places frequently, exposing their vehicles to salt and moisture that can build up causing damage to the undercarriage. Protecting your paint and undercarriage with regular washes will help prevent rusting and peeling.
How Often Should You Wash Your Vehicle?
Sometimes it will be apparent when a wash is needed. Like when you park under a tree that happens to be home to many birds. Or after driving down a dirt road. But what about your vehicle’s regular washing needs? It is a general rule amongst experts that you wash your vehicle every two weeks, however, there may be circumstances in which the regularity for a wash increases or decreases. Should you keep your vehicle parked in a garage and drive it only a few times a month, washing it every two weeks would be excessive. Yet, if you live in a more remote area and frequently travel on dirt roads, you may want to wash weekly. At least once a month take the time to vacuum and wipe down the interior of your vehicle as well.
It is more environmentally friendly to wash your vehicle at a car wash. This way the water runoff is collected and treated for reuse. However, if you choose to wash your vehicle at home, use a mild, biodegradable detergent and wash it on your lawn (if you have one). This way the water runoff is not wasted, instead you water your grass!
What About Waxing and Detailing?
Wax is important to the care of your vehicle. Yes, it does much more than make your car shine. It helps to protect your paint from damaging substances like the bugs, bird poop, and dirt we mentioned above. You should have your car waxed at least two times a year. How do you know if your car is due for a waxing? Splash some water on it. If the water beads, you’re fine. If not, then it’s time for more.
Once every year or two, depending on how and where you drive, you should have your vehicle detailed. A detail is a very thorough cleaning of both the inside and outside of your vehicle. A good detail job can leave your vehicle feeling like new. You can have it professionally done as a nice treat to yourself, or to save some money, you can do it on your own in a couple of hours.
To help maintain the value of your vehicle, make regular washing part of your maintenance routine. For your automotive service and repair needs, you can trust the professionals at Accurate Service. We work on all makes and models of vehicles, domestic or foreign. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (520) 620-9129.