Unless you’re in a client-facing position that requires in-person meetings and time spent on the road, you may not give too much thought to your car’s exterior. You regularly clean and maintain it, but you may be more concerned with your car being in good working condition than having a shiny ride. Well, listen up–a clean exterior isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must if you want to get the most out of your investment.

Risks of Not Washing Your Car

We’ve mentioned it in plenty of our past articles, but it bears repeating: buildup is abrasive. The tiny particles of dirt, grime, pollen, or other debris you’ll encounter from one season to the next can be acidic and corrosive. They can also be rough in texture, and can readily wear down your car’s clear coat. This layer of protective coating is your car’s best defense against the elements and the natural cycle of breakdown that can happen to metal over time. 

If you drive your vehicle daily and especially if it is left uncovered when not in use, you can bet that tree sap, smashed insects and bird droppings are mixing with dirt and debris to create a caustic substance that can quickly erode any clear coat. That can lead to pitting and strong UV rays can increase the damage while also causing color fading. Once paint’s protective layer is compromised, the same substances that build up on your vehicle can start to affect the base metal. Resulting rust spots are unsightly, will devalue your vehicle, and if unaddressed, could even go so far as to impact structural integrity. The detrimental effects will do a number on any vehicle, old or new.

Impaired visibility is another, maybe not so obvious side effect of a dirty car. In winter, salt spray from wet roads mixes with other debris already present on an unwashed car, forming a layer of grime that’s difficult to remove. Even a seasonal windshield washing fluid may not be able to break it down. And if your vehicle doesn’t have a rear wiper, then this grimy film can quickly block rear visibility, especially in seasonal snowstorms, fog, or rain. When the sun sets at 4:30 and we’re oftentimes driving in the dark, any hindrance to visibility can be a serious threat to safety. And if your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, or windows are also coated, that adds another layer of risk.

Unlike an ice layer, grit and grime won’t just melt away. The occasional rain helps, but more is needed to get your car clean again. Grime needs to be removed by the surfactants found in car washing soaps. Follow up a wash with a wax and the next cleaning will be even more effective, keeping the protective layer intact.

The Benefits of Car Washing

The best and easiest way to fight against the potential degradation of your vehicle’s paint job is to wash it regularly. Car washing stations are specifically designed with equipment and cleansers that are gentle on a car’s paint job while still being effective at wiping away grime and removing debris. 

Of course visiting your local car wash in North Olmsted, Ohio won’t only protect your car’s lifespan, it will also keep it looking shiny and new for as long as possible. So even if having a clean car isn’t top on your priority list, hopefully you can now see the value in a weekly visit to your local car wash. Other than the exterior, keeping your car’s interior clean is also vitally important and is part of auto maintenance best practices. 

That said, not everyone has the right home setup to easily vacuum and get their car’s interior perfectly clean. Instead, look locally for interior detailing in North Olmsted, Ohio. There you’ll find all the services you need to keep your car tidy without any extra legwork.

The Value of Interior Detailing

A road trip that drags in mud and pollen. Pet hair from the last vet visit. Crumbs from several lunches on the go. And a mystery, sticky residue that might be the source of that odd smell. Your vehicle’s interior sees a lot of action throughout the year, and even though it facilitates some great memories, what they leave behind in your car may not be so hot. Besides all the visible, physical evidence of time spent in your vehicle, there’s all the sweaty summer days, the times you were sick, and all the inevitable sneezes, coughs, and noseblows. Dust in your car can also include chemical residues, pollen, mold spores and other common allergens that build up and can affect your and your family’s health. Not to mention the dust mites that are happy to clean up any lingering hair and skin particles–that alone can trigger indoor allergy symptoms. And because your car is often a transition space between your home and the world “out there,” it’s a place where contaminants and germs can be easily transferred and incubated. Researchers in both the US and UK have found an array of harmful bacteria when swabbing car cabins. Yes–your car could be making you sick. Gross, right?  

But how often should you clean your car’s interior? Well that depends on how often you’re in it and what you’re doing while you’re there. Are you taking quick drives to work and back, by yourself? Or are you transporting kids and pets and spending more time in your vehicle than in your home? Clearly, the more you use it, the more it will need to be cleaned. Opt for an unlimited package at your local interior detailing spot in Cleveland to ensure that when you need your car cleaned, it’s a quick, easy, and painless process. You’ll have healthier cabin air, less distraction while driving, and a preserved car interior, all of which can contribute to a more valuable ride and improved mood and wellbeing while in your car. Take care of your car’s exterior first, so that you aren’t dragging dirty residues and grime inside–that’s one clean, complete package!

Should You Wash Your Car In Winter?

As we head into the winter season, we might be taking advantage of days off at work or school and scheduling a road trip to get out of town for a while. Maybe we’re visiting family and friends or taking in the sights in a new vacation spot. Whatever the case, any road trip–and really any driving at all–during winter will inevitably bring your car into contact with copious amounts of road salt. Car maintenance is important year-round, but especially during winter months, it is vital to keep your vehicle’s exterior and undercarriage clean and free of corrosive salt buildup.

Protect Your Car This Winter–Visit Andy’s Car Wash in North Olmsted, Ohio

A vehicle can be one of the larger-scale investments you make in life. We know you do all you can to keep it running well, now you can keep it looking as good as new no matter the time of year. From interior detailing to ensure the best quality cabin air, to an exterior wash to preserve paint finish, look no further. Whether you need a car wash or the best provider of auto detailing in Cleveland you can turn to Andy's Auto Wash and Detailing Center. Our unlimited package deals, interior and exterior cleaning and auto detailing options mean you never have to pull out the tools at home–just drop by anytime. 

Take advantage of our wide range of services, including auto detailing in North Olmsted, Ohio. Get in touch with us to schedule your next visit!