Car Washing and Car Values: the Missing Connection

Car washing

Did you know that used car values are affected by car washing?

Car values are affected by many things. There’s the model, make, demand, supply, car history, mileage and many other factors to take into consideration.

Car values and the condition of your car’s exterior, however, are very strongly linked. And a major factor in keeping your car’s showroom look is how you wash your car.

So, put down that squeegee and sponge because we are about to dig deep into our tip bucket and brush up your car washing skills.

And next time you think, “It’s time to sell the Holden, I wonder what price my car will get”, you may be in for a pleasant surprise.

Read on for the goodies, but first the baddies.

The threats used car values from your car’s exterior

The following factors can really take the shine off your car and leave it not just looking tired and old, but also leave it realising a lower used car value when it’s up for sale.

That strong sun is not just harmful to your skin: UV rays are a main factor in causing discoloration and fading of the paintwork.
Acid rain or salt water can cause oxidation (or rust) and ‘spots’ to appear on your car’s once sleek paintwork finish.
Those blessings from above from our feathered friends really take their toll on both your paintwork and car values in general. Bird droppings are highly corrosive and will at best stain, and at worst corrode, your car if they are not quickly removed.
Small paint chips occur from loose gravel flying up from the road – this is particularly noticeable on the lower half of your car.
Warning: here’s the big factor that you may not be aware of. Your acts of kindness to your car (when you finally get round to washing it) could be knocking dollars off its resale value. Car washing itself is a major cause of those scratches and marks that help drive down the price of a used car.

There you have it: a correct car wash will help preserve your car’s exterior, but do it wrong and you are tipping dollars down the drain along with that dirty water.

So, let’s get it right.

How to wash your car to maintain its used car value

The well-meaning act of washing your car can actually be one of the greatest dangers to maintaining its sleek finish and its used car value. There is a high price to pay for rookie car washing mistakes.

Many of those fine scratches that the sun picks out on the body of your car are the direct result of it being washed. But that’s not the worst.

When you see that machine car wash by the side of the road, gently keep the pressure on your accelerator and drive straight past it. Machine tools for cleaning cars are not a good a match – they apply the most pressure on bends and curves, which is exactly where the paint is at its thinnest and easiest to damage. What’s more those thick, abrasive brushes will certainly clean your car beautifully but they’ll also leave ugly scratches all over the delicate paintwork.

If you want to keep your car clean and protect its paintwork and protects its used car value here is how to do it right in seven simple steps.

Drop the detergent
It is a car we’re dealing with here, not a kitchen utensil. Detergent gives your car a murky, cloudy look and dulls its finish: not a good look when it comes up for resale. Pick up some car wash soap: this will clean all that dirt and grime without stripping the protective waxes and compounds that maintain your car’s vibrant, deep shine.
Remember to rinse
Rinsing your car remove grit and dirt from it. If this is still there when you start to wash all you do is grind it into your car’s exterior. Select the finest setting your hose has to rinse. Never power blast a car: you’ll just be embedding those particles into the paintwork.
A mitt is the best kit
The traditional sponge is nothing against the benefits of a mitt. Sponges tend to absorb the dirt and then scrape them across the paintwork. Mitts clean the dirt straight off.
A change is gonna come
Change that water regularly and always use two buckets: one will contain your wash solution but the other is for rinsing out that handy mitt.
Start at the top and work down
The dirtiest part of your car is closer to the wheels and the road. When you wash from the top down you avoid spreading this harmful grit and dirt. Get your mitt action right too: it’s side-to-side strokes with an even light pressure.
Need more power?
Grease and tar stains are a little tough for water and wash solution alone. Yet chemical-based cleaners can be too tough for your car’s exterior. Seek out a citrus-based cleaner which will be kinder to your car and nicer to its resale value.
Lose the leather
A final rinse after its clean helps avoid streaks and a good old dry should be given with a microfiber towel, rather than the traditional chamois leather, as this is less likely to leave those tell-tale ‘patches’ on your paintwork which the uneven effect of drying in the sun can cause.