Your car has many enemies. Some are visible, like salt, sand and dirt, and some are not, like emissions from industrial plants that are released into the atmosphere where they’re transformed into nitric or sulfuric acid. These contaminants can corrode your car’s finish and the problem is accelerated by temperature. Acid from tree sap, bird droppings, bugs and even leaves become more active when heated. These irritants can cause permanent stains to your car’s finish in direct sunlight. Your car is constantly being bombarded by these contaminants. If they aren’t removed quickly, they can bond to your paint and eventually etch it. The main objective of a good car wash is to remove dirt and contaminants. Washing your car a minimum of once a week is a good rule of thumb to keep your finish looking its best.
Winter is another threat to your car as salt and sand on the road can cause a chemical reaction in your car’s finish, accelerating pitting and rusting. Washing your car consistently removes the offensive substances that accumulate and reduces the chance of damage.
Why is it important to keep your car looking its best? The reality is that people value material based on how it looks. Kelley Blue Book states that aesthetics is one of the top considerations of potential buyers. Now, more people are buying pre-owned vehicles, so it is important to keep your car in good condition. It will be worth more when you’re ready to sell. If you neglect your vehicle, you risk the resale or trade-in value drastically, simply because you failed to wash your car regularly. To many buyers, a vehicle with a flawed finish or splotches of rust is a turnoff. It is worth less than a car that looks brand new, regardless of how the mechanics of the vehicle work.
The way your vehicle looks also reflects on you. If it is a company vehicle, the cleanliness of your car will reflect directly on your business, whether positive or negative. Keeping your business fleet vehicles clean is an absolute must.
A good coat of wax will help protect from scratches, abrasions and swirls that make the paint look dull. Most automakers recommend that you wax your vehicle two to three times a year to protect its clear coat from damage and maintain the car’s color and shine. Wax before winter starts to help protect from salt and sand, after winter is over, and during summer. Waxing will help remove paint oxidation and surface dirt while adding a protective coat. It will improve or remove minor damage such as surface scratches or light contaminants and will provide a high luster finish.
If you aren’t currently keeping your car clean on a regular basis, don’t worry, it isn’t too late! The quickest and easiest way to get your car in great condition is to start washing your car once a week and take it to a professional detail shop for a wax before winter hits.
Visit Jet Splash at one of our three locations today:
3800 S. 9th Street, 1641 N. 86th St. or 2730 Dan Ave.