When Is the Best Time to Wash Your Car?

Grime, dirt, mud, and even pollen can all take a toll on your vehicle's paint. Washing your car regularly not only keeps it clean but also reduces the risk of corrosion, rust, and damage to the body. But when is the best time to wash your car?

Washing Your Car in the Summer

One common misconception is that you should wash your vehicle around midday during summer months. But midday is when temperatures run the hottest, so the soap will dry before you even have the chance to rinse off, leaving water spots and soap stains. Washing your car in direct sunlight also makes dust and grime more difficult to see, so dirty areas may be left uncleaned.

Even in moderate temperatures, wind gusts can blow dust and pollen onto your vehicle before it has even dried, causing it to stick to the paint. Pollen's high acidity can facilitate rapid oxidation of the paint and even just one single grain of pollen can lead to noticeable scratches. If you live in an area with lots of trees and plants, you'll need to clean off pollen and dirt regularly to prevent exposure to rust and corrosion.

For the best results, wash your car in the summer during moderate temperatures in the mid-morning, evening, or on a cloudy day when there is little direct sunlight and low winds. Bring your vehicle to Andy's Autowash for a convenient, quick, and affordable solution. Our exterior wash and detailing packages include a thorough cleaning, spot-free rinse, and meticulous hand-polishing. We'll remove all water spots, soap stains, pollen, and dirt to enhance the beauty of your vehicle without scratching the paint.

Washing Your Car in Winter

While pollen is a problem in the summer, road salt, ice, and excess moisture can cause rust to develop in the winter. During the cold season, the best time to wash your car is earlier in the day when temperatures are above freezing. This will allow your car to dry as temperatures begin to rise.

Our vehicles endure quite a beating during harsh Ohio winters. Stop by Andy's Autowash to prepare your vehicle for the coming cold season. We'll make your car squeaky clean inside and out and protect the paint and body work with a quality wax job. Once the winter weather hits and salt coats the roads, we'll carefully remove debris that have collected and hardened around problem areas such as the front grille, behind the wheels, and even on the engine. Having your car washed and waxed regularly at the right time of day will keep it in pristine condition and uphold it's trade-in value.