how often do you wash your car?

[Marc Anthony]

I park under a tree and wash mine when the birds flock or are getting too much fiber, semi-regularly in Spring and occasionally in early Fall.

[davester]

Probably about once every month of two, and I keep my nice car in the garage. I don't like to let it go too long because the paint degrades if pollutants sit on it for too long.

[fauch]

Only when I fill up in a gas station that offers a free carwash...

[Spock]

Once a year, whether it needs it or not.

[Numo]

Not at all in the summer, frequently in the winter (road salt). I have a local automatic car wash that is $5 a time.

[gabester]

I used to wash my car when it was new about once a month. I haven't washed it in several years. Bought a used car 5 years back, haven't washed it once.

What's the point? Does washing a car do any good except rinse the dirt off and leave that nasty runoff somewhere that maybe it shouldn't be?
g=

[steve...]

About two or three times a year. I'm fortunate to have a garage which really helps to keep it looking good. Plus I only put about 6k miles/year on it.

[LyleH]

I get our 2 cars serviced (oil change, etc.) twice a year. They offer a free carwash every time I get them serviced. So they each get washed twice a year. And I might wash them at home twice a year. I also go for silver or light-colored paint so they don't show the dirt. LyleH

[Golfer]

Whenever it gets dirty, usually at least once a week. A dirty car/truck is one of my pet peeves, inside or out. Unlike my wife who thinks a car is a rolling trash can. I also buff our cars 2/3 times a year.

[davester]

gabester wrote:
What's the point? Does washing a car do any good except rinse the dirt off and leave that nasty runoff somewhere that maybe it shouldn't be?
g=

If you live in or near an urban area, the pollutants in the dirt particles that sit on the paint will often react chemically with, and break down the paint. Your paint will stay looking good and will last longer if you clean that stuff off. Also, much of that stuff is abrasive and will scratch the paint if you lean against it or rub it. As far as runoff, everything that lands on your paint is going to runoff onto the ground eventually so it makes no difference whether it does it while you're washing it or some other time..