Choosing the Best Conditions for Car Washing

It’s so important to protect your car from the myriad of potential paint job wrecking elements.

11:44 18 March 2020

Everything from dirt and grime to squished bugs and bird poop can play a part in taking the shine off your vehicle’s looks, and not taking care to protect your car can even lead to long term structural damage, especially if muck is left to collect underneath over a long period of time and can even lead to significant corrosion of your undercarriage.

Basic car maintenance is crucial to keep your car on the road, retain peak performance, longevity and value. You may be used to ensuring that your car tyres are always at the correct pressure and in good shape, that your car’s fluids and oil are all at the correct level along with air and oil filters all being ship-shape, but are you taking as much care of the exterior as you are under the hood?

One common question when it comes to keeping your car clean is what are the best weather conditions for cleaning your car in? The truth is that there are pros and cons to all different weather conditions, whether it’s wet or dry, warm or cold.

Is it a good idea to wash your car when it’s cold and wet outside?

Just because you’re right in the middle of the winter months does not mean that your car isn’t going to get filthy and dirty. In fact, during the cold season your car is far more susceptible to muddy conditions, especially the filthy spray that can quickly cover your car in dirt and grime on the motorway. It can often feel like no sooner have you cleaned your car than it’s time to do it again.

Even when it’s cold and wet outside it’s important that you maintain the integrity of your car’s painted surfaces and it’s undercarriage so that you don’t succumb to metal corrosion, rust from salt spray or faded paintwork. Watch out for especially cold days as freezing water is no friend to your doors, locks and wiper blades.

If in doubt, defer to the professionals

Regardless of the time of year it’s always a good idea to defer to the professionals when it comes to taking care of the most expensive items and investments in your life. Particularly in winter when there’s typically a great deal more protection needed to keep your car paint clean, it’s a good idea to put a sealant or protective coating on your car to make it more resilient to dirt, grime, scratches and scuffs; this is something else a professional car detailing team can assist with.

It takes time and expertise to detail a car to a high specification and whilst you may be able to wash your car yourself, a professional will always do a more effective job. Gone are the days when you have to drive around looking for someone to detail your car for you; did you know there are now car detailing professionals that come to you? ACH Mobile Car Detailing in Kansas City are a great example of a professional, mobile car detailing service.

How about washing your car when it’s warm and sunny outside?

You would think that hot and sunny would be the best weather to wash you car in but whilst it may be the most pleasant for you, it may not be the best for your car. If it’s too warm the water can negatively interact with your paintwork. If the car is hot from the sun then your soapy water simply evaporates on contact, leaving grimy smears and smudges.

The best time and weather for washing your car is actually a cloudy morning. Try to use shade and avoid hot direct sunlight. Or, as we’ve already suggested, instead of agonising over the best times and conditions, simply pay a professional and get the finish your car truly deserves.