The car wash

Growing up, watching my dad work on the cars he loved during the weekends made me someone who appreciates the look of a finished product. I remember sitting in the garage, watching Dad and his mechanic friends treat each part of a car like a piece of jewelry.

That early experience of watching Dad inspired me to make sure that whenever I finally owned a car, it would always be clean. It must be why, on my days off once a week, I take my car to the wash and let my regulars do what they do best. Every week, I make it a point to wake up early, clear the mud and dust, and head to my favorite car wash near my village.

Here are some of the lessons I learned along the way.

Remember that your vehicle works hard to get you where you need to go. Along the route, it is exposed to dirt, debris, salt, grim and more. To keep your car running well, you have to take care of it, and that includes routine trips to the car wash. Hopefully, you are remembering your oil changes and basic maintenance, but don’t overlook the importance of a trip through the wash.

Let me share a few reasons why.

Make new friends

Yes, you eventually become friends with the regulars who wash your vehicle. They have advised me on what else I can do to improve the car, shared stories about their families, and talked about some of life’s curveballs. They have also offered wisdom on how to live a happier life. Who knew you could learn so much at a car wash?

Protect your paint

Roads are pretty gross, meaning your car comes into contact with grease, gas, dirt, bugs and animal droppings. Left untreated, these deposits can eventually eat away at your car’s finish and paint. A run through the car wash eliminates them. A simple rule of thumb: When you can see the dirt, it’s time for a wash.

Improve fuel efficiency

Want to get a bit more mileage out of your tank? As absurd as it may sound, regular car washes can help improve fuel economy. A layer of dirt increases drag, causing a vehicle to burn more fuel. One experiment reportedly found that a clean car achieved more kilometers per gallon than a dirty one. Of course, I can’t be entirely sure if that’s true, but the logic holds up.

Boost personal pride

Much like your home, you feel better when your car is clean and spotless rather than coated in a layer of grime with a hand-drawn “wash me” sign on the rear windshield. While your living space occasionally gets messy, you still regularly clean the bathrooms and wipe down the kitchen counters, right? It’s the same idea with your car. Your vehicle is your largest accessory, and a regular wash keeps it looking its best.

Maintain resale value

Besides making you feel good, regular washes preserve your car’s appearance and can improve its overall resale value. Sure, you love your car now, but a day will come when you’re in the market for an upgrade. The value of a used car depends heavily on its condition, and washing it is an inexpensive way to keep it in top shape.

Improve lifespan

If you want to keep your car on the road as long as possible, regular washing is a great preventative measure. Protecting your vehicle from rust and abrasive buildup can noticeably prolong its life.

Save money

True, car washes cost about P150 to P200 each time you swing through, but they can save you money in the long run. Protecting your paint, avoiding rust, and clearing road gunk from your undercarriage can help you steer clear of pricier repairs down the road.

Avoid rust

Protecting your paint isn’t just about aesthetics. If your paint becomes chipped or damaged, your car might develop rust. Although modern cars aren’t as prone to rust as their predecessors, owners still need to be proactive — especially if you live in an area where roads are treated with salt during winter.

Shine the easy way

Wax gives your car’s exterior an extra layer of shine, but applying it by hand takes plenty of time and elbow grease. Car washes offer a shortcut with spray-on wax that instantly brightens the finish. You can also opt for a hand wax at the shop for deeper paint protection.

Enjoy a quick and easy accomplishment

There’s no denying that a quick run through the car wash is extremely convenient. While some car maintenance tasks are pricey or time-consuming, you can easily fit a wash into even the busiest schedule. You get to drive away feeling accomplished that you’ve looked after your car for the day.

Until the next detour.