The Starter

CEBU, Philippines - The cost of NOT washing your car If you're like me, you wash your car often enough.  Unless, of course, you enjoy the site of names written on the pile of dust on your car's surface or you don't mind a few spots on bird poo to blend-in to the layers of grime, then it's all right.  If it runs well, it's good. Right?  But along with these daily contemptuous treatment, is it possible that this no-care attitude is actually costing you money?

In short-terms, not washing your car regularly would save you money, right? With the cost of the carwashes these days, some just want to let it be. Even DIY washing equipment and products don't come cheap. 

Though obviously, an accumulation of dust, grime, and other particles on the surface of a vehicle is unsightly, the broader problem is quite damaging. If you're driving around with a layer of grit constantly scratching your car's finish, the clear or top coat that protects the paint from abrasion and fading is going to wear down faster.

And dirt isn't the only thing that regularly lands on your car. Bird droppings, tree juice and those aforementioned dead insects all damage paint over time. Ironically, even  the water from the hose bibb can ruin a good paint finish as it contains chlorine and metals.   If these aren't quickly removed from your car's surface, it's bad news for your car's finish. Without a regular washing routine, you're giving these contaminants more time to do their dirty work, which could chemically damage your paint and eat through the metal parts.

But paint damage isn't just an issue of aesthetics. Your paint and clear coat are also defending your car against its most dangerous foe called rust.

Rust, or oxidation, is the natural process of metals breaking down when they're exposed to air. One scratch that gets through the paint and exposes the metal underneath is all it takes to get rust started. And once it starts, it's not going to stop. How much is a good paint washover then?

The speed at which rust consumes your vehicle can be greatly affected by the presence of salt, which is always present in dirt.  Salt as we all know chemically increases the rate at which metal corrodes. Washing regularly is the best way to minimize corrosion and keep rust at bay, saving you a potentially costly issue.

Taking time to thoroughly wash potentially damaging particles off your vehicle can significantly decrease the risk of rust and washing your car means you're more likely to spot visible scratches, dings, and other trouble spots. This gives you an opportunity to address developing damages on your car's finish and body before you find yourself with serious damage.

So how often should we wash our cars? An "every other day" routine would be best but for those who are struggling to make ends meet, twice a week is sufficient.

All of these will equate to better resale value for your car.  In the long-term, you're probably doing your car, and your wallet, a big favor.