Can a Car Wash Preserve Your Vehicle's Value?

​There is certainly no shortage of car washes here in the Sacramento, and more specifically the Citrus Heights area!

Lately it seems a new one is opening around almost every corner.  Most of the newer ones are geared toward "self serve" type facilities.  While these are good for those of us who want to maintain a clean vehicle, they may not provide some of the advantages of a full service wash or detail. 

Perhaps we should take advantage of all the new options!  More frequent car washing can help preserve and protect our vehicles and help maintain their value.

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Why Should We Wash Our Cars Often?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, motor vehicle corrosion is a billion-dollar problem in the United States.  It's no wonder.  Road salt (if you travel into the mountains or snow country out of State), tree sap, mud, pollution, sun, and even dead bugs and bird poop all contribute to a year-round assault on your vehicle here in Northern California, potentially leading to serious damage and/or premature aging.

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Safety can also be an issue.  Grime across your windshield and windows restricts visibility in all directions, and even a light coating of dust or pollen can impair your ability to see clearly, especially at night or when driving into the sun’s glare.

That’s why we here at Bauer's Full Service Car Wash encourage you to visit us regularly.  Washing your car removes dirt, residues and pollutants that degrade your paint finish and corrode the underlying metal.  It’s like anti-aging cosmetics for your automobile!

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No Matter Which Method You Choose, These 5 Tips Will Help You Get the Most Out of Your Car Cleaning Routine

1. ​ Wash often. The longer tree sap, dead bugs and other gunk sit on your paint and clearcoat,   the more damage they can cause.
2.  Avoid abrasive soaps, cloths and sponges that can grind dirt deeper into your paint finish.   It's why we rotate cleaning materials regularly to keep scratches from developing.
3.  Wash the undercarriage thoroughly to help prevent rust, especially after driving on road       salt in the winter mountains.  Actually, there are plenty of pollutants that find their way to   your vehicle down here in the Valley too. 
4.  Don’t forget your headlights.  When you’re driving at night, in the rain or through an           unfamiliar area, you want every bit of illumination your vehicle can create.
5.  Consider eco-friendly car soaps, such as biodegradable like we use here, to help lighten          the environmental impact of washing your car more often.

Hand Wash or Commercial Wash?

Is hand washing at home or visiting a commercial car wash your best bet? 

​While both lead to a clean vehicle, you’ll cut your water usage in half by going to a commercial facility like ours and help keep toxins and soap away from street drains, which can lead to local waterways.  

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When you are all done, finish up with a good waxing to give your vehicle extra protection and shine!