The benefits of a clean and well-maintained vehicle

As vehicle owners, it’s easy to focus solely on the mechanics — in other words, the inside parts. Is it running well? When was the last oil change? How’s the air filter? Are the tires properly inflated? If you keep to a regular maintenance schedule, then we say, excellent work! Still, it is important not to neglect the outside of your vehicle. Keeping it clean is nearly as important as keeping it running well.

A dirty car is unsightly, but it’s more than surface level. Putting off washing your car allows deposits of salt, dirt, bird droppings, grime and other corrosive materials like brake dust to build up on your car. In turn, this can cause rust, wear and other damage. If you live in an area that has a lot of road debris or that uses salt or other materials as de-icing agents, this is especially important. So while your car may be mechanically fine, it will look less than fine and could have exterior damage down the line. Cars that look less than fine tend to sell for less on the resale and trade-in markets, so maybe it’s time to think about keeping your car’s interior and exterior looking spotless.

Combining a weekly wash with a sanitizing wipe down of your car’s interior can help keep the inside of your vehicle looking great and even prevent illnesses such as colds and flu. Wipe down all surfaces you touch regularly, including the steering wheel, door handles and other surfaces. This is important year-round and especially during the winter months!

So, now we’ve got your attention, right? If this information doesn’t get you running to the closest car wash (we suggest Scrubby’s!), maybe setting a calendar reminder on your phone will do the job. Just like you make a point to get a haircut every few weeks or months, you should make a point to take care of your car’s exterior. Just be sure to do it when the temperature is above freezing. Water and shampoo solution can quickly freeze onto the surface of the vehicle, literally making it impossible to wash properly.

A weekly wash can do wonders. Not only will your car look great, but you will also be taking the necessary steps to protect it in the future and boost resale value. Trust us — your car will thank you. When it’s time to clean your car, visit Scrubby’s. Bonus tip: each Monday is Dollar Monday, where you get four minutes of wash for just a buck. Come see us!