Why Keeping Your Car Clean Is More Important Than You Might Think

Be honest — hands up if you don’t wash your car that often. That’s quite a few of us, right? Lots of us drive around in cars that are in the range of slightly to very dusty or dirty.

Let’s think about why. Are you not feeling like a clean car should be a priority right now? Do you ponder why friends, neighbours or colleagues always seem to have spotless vehicles? Are you confused why regular car washing seems to be a necessity for some?

This article is going to let you in on a secret. We’re going to explain why keeping your car clean and tidy is more important than you might think. Plus, we’re going to give you some tips on how you can fit a car wash into your busy schedule with minimum hassle.

5 reasons to keep your car clean and tidy

Keeping your car clean is going to help protect you and your family from harm, help your car retain its value better, and help you feel good about yourself. Here’s how and why.

1.    To stay safe

Firstly, and most importantly, there’s the safety aspect. You need excellent visibility through your windshield, side and rear windows, so keep your windows clean, and your dashboard and parcel shelf clear of clutter.

Your mirrors need to be clear too so that you can use them effectively. Lights, both front and rear, need to be bright so that other vehicles can see you and so that you can see the road ahead properly.

A cleaner car is, quite simply, a safer car.

2.    To preserve your paintwork

The exterior of your car takes a beating from the weather and local conditions, even when it’s stationary. The kind of dirt and pollution your car is exposed to very much depends on where you live and the areas you drive through. You need to be aware of sand, dust, mud, and salt used for gritting roads in icy conditions. All these are very abrasive and can scratch and damage car exteriors.

Watch out for things like bugs, tree sap and bird droppings sticking to your car. These can also stain or cause paint deterioration.

It is very difficult to prevent all of the above from ever landing or settling on your vehicle, even if you store it indoors or under cover. The best preventative measures, therefore, are to remove dust, debris and residues regularly and carefully. This will minimise the damage they might otherwise cause.

If your wash routine includes using wax, this will do even more to protect your paintwork.

3.    To look after you and your family’s health

Most drivers and their families spend a sizeable chunk of their day in their car, commuting, running errands, doing the school run, or taking trips out for fun. Surely, then, it should be a safe and healthy place to be.

We make an effort to regularly clear our homes of spills, crumbs, and dirt. Why? Because we know that all of these are breeding grounds for bacteria. We need to apply the same logic to our cars, too.

Cleaning and sanitising the interior of your car regularly will remove bugs and germs, and help prevent the accumulation of nasty bacteria that might otherwise cause you or your family members to get sick.

4.    To prevent odours

Nobody wants to sit in a smelly car! Bad odours in vehicles can have a range of causes but most are to do with dirt build-ups.

If your car doesn’t smell quite right, check for the obvious culprits like forgotten food or deposits of pet hair. Condensation or damp carpets can also cause a musty smell. Dirty or mouldy air conditioning units can blast nasty smells out into the cabin of your vehicle.

Make sure your car is a pleasant environment for all your occupants. Regular clearing of rubbish plus vacuuming will help prevent smells. In addition, steam cleaning is the best way to prevent and remove odours and to keep your car as hygienic as possible.

5.    To make a good impression

Does your car make a good impression? Whether you drive a luxury vehicle or not, the cleanliness of your car says something about your attention to detail. If you are using your mobile car valet for professional purposes, even just for commuting to work, what your car says about you is something you’ll want to think about carefully.

Even if you are not that bothered about what your car looks like now, you will be when you come to sell it. You are going to want your car to be in tip-top condition, and stain- and odour-free. This will mean you attract more potential buyers and get a better price for it.

How often should I clean my car?

There’s no hard and fast rule here. Most experts say it’s at least every two weeks for an exterior wash and interior vacuum. If you live in a very dusty or sandy area like a desert or coastal region, then once a week is more appropriate. The same goes if you park your vehicle under trees regularly or if you drive through muddy areas often.

In colder, wetter climates then you need to look out for salt and mud sticking to the undercarriage of your car in winter months. You might need to wash your car more often this time of year.

If you can see the dirt, then it’s probably time to wash your car!

How can I make car washing easier?

Let’s face it: We have busy lives and car washing and vacuuming aren’t that exciting for many of us. We highly recommend you use a professional service. Not only will they do a great job but it will also be easier to fit into your routine.

A mobile car wash company that comes to you is the ideal solution. You should be able to choose from a range of services from exterior wash only right through to a full exterior and interior steam wash that will sanitise your vehicle. The same company may offer a range of solutions like an oil change service, tyre change, or even a fuel delivery service that all come to you. They can save you valuable time and effort. Plus, they will help you keep your car in the best possible condition, meaning you are as safe and smart as possible.