'Tis the Season to Wash Your Car

Fall is swirling through the air and landing on everything that stays solidly in the same place for more than few minutes. Winter is not far behind, and as North Texans know, winter weather can derail all plans for days at a time. As leaves fall and turn to mulch, temperatures drop and the holiday season is in full swing, it’s easy to let auto maintenance and upkeep slide in the whirl of family and work obligations, seasonal gift giving and travel.

Though routine car washes and oil changes may not include a whirl of holiday flair, without them, you risk damage to your vehicle and a decline in long-term value. Here’s why to it's so important to keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained even during life's busiest seasons.

• Resale value is key. A vehicle that looks well cared for usually is. Year-end is often a prime time for buying and selling new and used cars as dealers make way for new inventory to hit their lots. In the post-pandemic supply chain shift as manufacturers work to reconnect broken supply lines and get high-demand vehicles to consumers, used cars are drawing top dollar in the resale market. If you plan to upgrade your vehicle, keeping your old car looking and running its best will put you in the best position for a trade or private sale.

• Mental health benefits. Ever felt a sense of chaos visiting a home that was unkept and chaotic? Our vehicles are similar. Research shows that a clean and tidy environment helps us maintain a sense of calm. We feel less stressed, healthier and happier. When our surroundings are in order, it helps us make sense of the world around us. Maintain a clean and tidy vehicle, and you’ll just feel better coming and going in your day to day life. 

• Maintaining vs. repairing. It’s much easier and more cost-efficient to maintain a vehicle than it is to make repairs. Worrying about ongoing engine and power train repair is typically a decision you make when you initially buy your car – you research and purchase a car you think will last until you are ready for a new vehicle. But when it comes to ongoing care, your paint job is THE EASIEST area of your car to maintain. Just wash and wax your car regularly. That’s all it takes to keep your exterior looking its best. Failing to regularly wash your car can lead to a breakdown of the clear coat, the protective layer above your paint. Once this begins to fail, it’s just a matter of time before you may start to notice more significant damage. Scratches can lead to rust and even peeling paint. And all it takes to prevent the damage – or at least delay it until a vehicle is ready to salvage – is to regularly clean your car. Since most of us park outdoors, it’s all the more reason to wash regularly. UV rays break down the protective clear coat leading to failure if not properly cared for.

When it comes to helping you care for your car, no one is more committed than our team of car wash professionals. Our high-tech system will help you maintain your vehicle from day one. Ready for a cleaner drive? Stop by today, and check out our monthly wash packages! See you soon at Snap Clean.