Ok, so you haven’t washed your car since disco was king. But you get your oil changed, replace old parts, and keep it running like new. So what’s the big deal? It’s just dirt right?
Well, a filthy car can be more than just smelly. It might actually be damaging your ride…and your wallet!
Dirt Can Hurt
One way or the other, your car’s going to get dirty. So what happens if you don’t wash it off (besides kids writing “Wash Me” on it)?
- Dirt build up can act like sandpaper, wearing down and weakening the paint.
- Dirt can mix with rain and other pollutants, etching paint right off.
- Other things, like sap and bird droppings will ruin your paint even faster.
Why is Paint so Important?
The color of your car is a big deal. It might define your personality (lime green? Must be a free spirit!) or fit your car perfectly (nothing like a hot red sports car!). But your paint does more than just make you look cool. It protects the body of the car from the elements too.
When paint starts to crack, etch, or chip off, it exposes the car’s body to moisture. And when that happens, the metal can start to rust and corrode, spreading like a nasty brownish disease. Left untreated, rust can weaken the car’s body, eat away holes, and expose vital parts…doing some real damage.