How often do you go to the car wash? For some, it’s a ritual they make a priority every week in order to keep their car looking its best. For others, it’s something they only do when they notice caked on dirt that has turned their car a completely different color. No matter which crowd you’re in, it’s important to know why washing your car regularly is actually a great idea. Five of the biggest advantages, in particular, are listed below and worth considering.

1. Avoiding Damage

Mud, dirt, rain, and even salt sprinkled on icy roads can attach themselves to the surface of your car as you drive. While you might not notice these at first, over time, the minerals that are in them can cause damage to your paint job. For this reason, it’s important to take time to have your car washed on a regular basis. This will blast away those impurities in seconds. Even something like rain should be considered as damaging to your car, as it can negatively impact your paint job if it’s not properly washed within a few days.

2. Improving the Condition

When you take your car in to get washed, soap and water will brush the impurities away from the autobody to help prevent the deterioration of your paint and even the different parts of your car. In time, this can improve the condition of your car and its overall longevity. This is especially true if you have your engine washed, because removing debris and dirt from this area can help keep your engine healthier in the long-run.

3. Improving Safety

When you go for a drive, your windows, mirrors, and even tires should be clear of debris. By going to the car wash on a regular basis, you’ll never have to worry about these areas being too dirty to drive with. You’ll have confidence knowing your windshield, rear window, side mirrors, and tires are clean and safe for your next trip.

4. Improving the Value

Are you planning on selling your vehicle or even trading it in? Even if you’re going to do this months or years in the future, it’s important to do what you can to keep your car looking great now. Regular car washes are a big part of this, as they can help prevent rust, scratches, dull paint, and other issues that take away from the look of your car.

5. A Clean Look

Do you want to avoid having dirt on your hands when you shut your trunk? Washing your car on a regular basis can help avoid issues like this. This one small task can help improve the look of your paint and your entire car overall.

When Should You Wash?

A weekly or even bi-weekly car wash is a small investment that can pay off with all of the benefits above. What’s even better is the fact that regular washes may even save you money by helping to minimize or even avoid damage completely. With just a little bit of effort, you might be surprised by how great your car looks and how much pride you have in it when it’s kept sparkling clean.