Car Chat

Even though an estimated 100,000 professional car washes exist in North America, the fact is that most vehicles aren't kept as clean as they need to be, which results in the loss of billions of consumer dollars.

More than $24 billion a year is spent battling automobile corrosion damage, a cost absorbed by consumers in three ways: Funding auto manufacturer efforts to research corrosion-resistant paints and coatings, fixing damage caused by road or sea salt, or corrosion-related depreciation of cars.*

Research shows that 52% of American car owners wash their cars less than once a month - and 15% never wash their cars (ICA).

Drivers should take better care of their cars by washing them professionally few reasons:

You’ll protect your investment

A vehicle is the second largest investment that people ever make.

Professional carwashing is more enviriomently friendly then driveway washing

You will gain emotional satisfaction and pride in your vehical

Protect your investment

Acid rain, a problem throughout North America caused by industrial and automotive pollution, leaves a film of acid on your car after a rainfall. This can permanently damage your car's finish.

Salt, which is used on winter roads, can corrode even the toughest paints and finishes in the long run if not washed off consistently.

Bird droppings, road grime, and tree sap can also mar your car's shiny finish, leaving it dulled and imperfect looking.

The fact is that if you're not washing your car at least once or twice a month, your car is probably suffering from environmental damage a little bit each day.

The outcome of this damage? Lost dollars when it comes time to sell or trade-in your vehicle. But don't just take our word for it.

According to Kelley Blue Book, a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer with 45,000 miles described as in 'excellent' condition (glossy paint, no visible defects inside or outside, no rust, and in excellent mechanical condition) is valued at $6,835.

In contrast, this same Chevrolet Blazer is valued at 20% less in 'fair' condition (paint, body or interior may need work, rust damage may be evident, some mechanical or cosmetic defects need repair). In this instance, the trade-in value is $5,475.

The bottom line: Professional car washes and detailing services reduce wear and tear to interiors and exteriors of cars, which directly impact the value of your car. Visit Kelley Blue Book to see how your trade-in value may be affected by interior or exterior car damage.

Quotes from the experts themselves:

On corrosion caused by road and marine salts: "…general corrosion can result in perforations in the body and can reduce the resale value of a vehicle… personal driving habits and diligent maintenance of the vehicle, such as regular washing and replacement of fluids, can have a significant effect on the reduction of corrosion." (NACE study: "Cost of Corrosion")

On carpet appearance: "Any stains will reduce the value." (Kelly Blue Book)

On upholstery appearance: "Should be clean… It usually has some added value if it is in good shape." (Kelley Blue Book).

Professional Car washing is more environmentally friendly.

• Automatic and self-service car washes use water efficient equipment, such as computer controlled systems and high-pressure nozzles and pumps, to clean cars thoroughly while conserving water.
• Professional car washes use an average of 32 gallons of water per vehicle. If this sounds like a lot of water, consider this: Washing your car at home can use up to twice this amount. In fact, some studies show that washing your car in the driveway can use up to 10 times more water than taking your car to a professional car wash.
• The Clean Water Act, established by the government in 1972, mandates prof
• professional car washes to pipe dirty water to treatment facilities or into state-approved drainage facilities.
• Home car washes pollute the environment as soap and road grime (oil, tar, dirt) end up in storm sewers that flow into lakes, streams and rivers. Many North American cities have even banned driveway or parking lot charity car-washing events, which result in soapy discharge and wasted water. Increasingly, professional car washes are considered as better site options for such event.

Emotional Satisfaction

• Surprisingly, the primary reason cited by drivers for not taking better care of their cars is lack of time. The truth is that professional car washes help save time. Considering that an average automatic car wash takes five to eight minutes, the investment of time to keep your car looking great is 20 to 35 minutes a month, if your car is washed every week. On the other hand, home washes typically take 30-45 minutes, totaling two to three hours a month.

Most people view their cars as a reflection of personality or status. A smaller group looks at their cars as simply a means of transportation. Regardless of what your car means to you, most of us feel a sense of pride when our car is clean. We feel more organized, too.