12 Feb 2025Cleaning your car can feel like a chore. It’s time-consuming, and in the summer heat, it leaves you sweaty and uncomfortable. But how often should you really clean your car, and is it worth the effort?
Regular cleaning of your European car not only keeps it looking good but also creates a protective barrier, preventing paint damage from UV rays, road grime, and bird droppings. Depending on how much you drive, the conditions you drive in, and how often your car is exposed to the sun, experts recommend washing your car at least once every 1-2 weeks. However, you only need to polish and wax a few times a year. Stick to car-specific detergents and avoid household cleaners, which can strip protective polishes. And while automatic car washes are convenient, be cautious, frequent use of brushes can cause fine scratches on the paint.
Now, let’s break down how to keep your car care routine simple and suited to each season.
Spring:
• Deep Clean, Polish and Wax:
Start with a thorough wash, then apply a polish to restore shine, followed by a protective wax layer to safeguard your car’s paint against the summer heat and harsh conditions.
• Combat Pollen and Check Cabin Filters:
Pollen can stick to your car’s paint and cause stains, so washing your car regularly during spring is essential. This is also a good time to check and replace your cabin air filter, as it can become clogged with pollen and dust, reducing the air quality inside your vehicle. Learn more.
• Avoid Parking Under Trees:
Park away from trees to protect your car from sap and bird droppings. These can damage your paint if left on for too long. Regularly clean these off to avoid potential harm to your car’s finish.
Pro Tip for a Cleaner Car Wash:
Use two buckets when washing your car. One bucket for clean water and shampoo, and another for rinsing your sponge or mitt. This ensures that dirt and grime from the car’s surface don’t contaminate the cleaning solution, keeping your wash fresh and effective.
Summer:
• Weekly Washes: Wash your car regularly to remove dirt, bugs, and pollen that can stick to your paint and cause damage. Be mindful of water restrictions in your area, and look for eco-friendly car wash solutions to minimise water use.
• Keep the Interior Cool:
Use sunshades to prevent heat damage and keep the interior cooler. Protect leather seats by conditioning them regularly to prevent cracking or drying out.
• Clean the Glass:
Clean windows and mirrors regularly to combat glare from the sun, ensuring clear visibility.
Additional Tip:
Always wash your car in the shade, as direct sunlight—especially in summer—can cause detergents to dry too quickly, leaving behind a residue that reduces the gloss of the paint. Before washing, hose off any dirt or large lumps of mud. If you start rubbing down your car with dirt and dust still on it, the particles can act like sandpaper, creating tiny scratches that dull the finish.
Autumn:
• Reapply Wax:
Add a fresh layer of wax to protect your car’s paint from moisture, fallen leaves, and autumn debris. A good wax layer creates a protective barrier that helps maintain the car’s finish through the changing seasons.
• Check Wipers and Glass:
Autumn brings seasonal rain, so make sure to replace any worn-out wipers and keep your windshield clean for clear visibility. Regularly check for any cracks or chips in your windshield that could worsen in colder weather. Learn more.
• Protect Your Windows:
Clean your wiper blades with hot soapy water or alcohol wipes, and spray the wiper arms with a lubricant if you hear any squeaking. Ensure you add high-quality windscreen wash fluid to the reservoir under the hood, which will make a big difference in keeping your windshield clear during those rainy months.
• Interior Care:
Treat your car’s interior to a clean with automotive wet wipes to remove dust and grime that accumulates. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like cup holders, gear shifters, and armrests. Avoid using shiny silicones on the dashboard near the windshield, as they can reflect the sun and create an annoying glare while driving.
Top Tip for Preventing Tree Debris Damage:
Avoid parking under trees to protect your car from falling leaves, sap, and other debris that can stick to the surface and cause stains. Leaves left on the car can trap moisture, leading to paint damage or clogging drainage areas like sunroof channels and windshield vents. Be sure to clean them off promptly to prevent potential issues. Learn more.
Winter:
• Wash Every Two Weeks:
Keep your car clean, focusing on headlights, which can get glazed over in winter conditions. If your headlight lenses are not glass, they may develop a cloudy appearance over time. A light cut and polish can help clear this up. You can use a headlight cleaning kit or consult a professional detailer if needed. If the lenses don’t recover, replacement might be necessary. Winter’s rain, road grime, and road salt can all take a toll on your car’s paint, so regular washes are essential.
• Use All-Weather Mats:
Swap your fabric mats for rubber ones to protect your interior from mud, snow, and moisture, which can damage the carpet over time.
• Don’t Forget the Wheels:
Clean your wheels regularly to remove brake dust, road salt, and winter debris. This helps prevent long-term damage to the rims and the overall performance of the wheels.
Environmental Care Tip:
When washing your car, avoid doing it on grass or in driveways where water runoff may flow into stormwater drains. These drains eventually empty into rivers, affecting the environment negatively.
Year-Round Car Care
Just like your home, your car is more enjoyable when it's clean and tidy. With motorists spending up to 20 working days each year stuck in traffic, keeping your car clean not only enhances its appearance but also makes your driving experience more pleasant.
Clutter can quickly accumulate, especially from items used only occasionally, like sports gear, camping equipment, or road trip supplies. Keep these items in accessible containers and store them at home or in the garage. The easier it is to access them, the more likely you’ll be to only bring them when necessary, reducing clutter and improving your car's fuel efficiency. Plus, keeping your vehicle organised improves safety, loose items can become dangerous projectiles in the event of an emergency.
Tip to Combat Interior Moisture:
If you park outdoors during the wetter months, moisture can easily find its way into your car. To tackle this, consider using a portable moisture absorber inside the cabin for a few days. You'll be surprised at how much moisture is absorbed! Alternatively, on a sunny day, open all the doors to let the sun naturally dry out the interior and freshen up your car.
Remember, when it comes to European cars, the right care makes all the difference. Keep your Audi, BMW, Mercedes, MINI, Skoda or Volkswagen looking and performing its best, and don't hesitate to reach out to our team for any service or advice. We're here to help!
