How Often Should You Wash Your Car

Most experts recommend washing your car every two weeks or so throughout the year as a general rule. If you live in an area with a lot of salt — either from a nearby ocean or from salt trucks on the winter roads — you probably should wash it more, as salt can corrode the metal and cause rust. However, depending on the conditions that you tend to drive in, your car could benefit from being washed even more frequently.

If you notice bird droppings, tree sap, or other contaminants on your car, it's best to wash them off as soon as possible. These substances can damage your car's paint if left on for too long.

If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions such as snow or rain, it is recommended that you wash your car more frequently. This is because the salt and other chemicals used to treat the roads can cause damage to your car's paint and undercarriage.

It is also important to note that washing your car too often can actually be harmful to the paint job. Over-washing can strip away the protective wax coating and cause scratches and swirl marks.

In summary, how often you should wash your car depends on where you live and how often you drive it. As a general rule, washing it every two weeks is a good starting point. However, if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions or notice contaminants on your car's surface, it may be beneficial to wash it more frequently.