How often to wash car to prevent paint damage? Not for looks

[VEFF]

I guess this is car question week for me:

I was wondering how often to get a car washed at the automatic car wash with metallic paint, so as to prevent paint damage and rust in the long run from accumulated grime and dirt not being washed away in time.

I know it varies based on season/weather.

My car is steel gray metallic, which doesn't look dirty - except up VERY close and on the FRONT rims which have brake dust - even after three weeks, including rain.

I am not concerned as much with the car looking slightly dirty - as I said, even after three weeks it still looks good - as much as I am concerned by the fact that I don't want the dirt to damage the finish if I don't get it washed off often enough...

I know that getting it washed too often (I use the automatic car wash, since hoses aren't permitted where I live, and since it takes too much time anyway) might actually be harmful to the car's paint finish.

I am trying to find a balance between washing it too often and not washing it enough...


Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks!

to the finish?

[JamieW]

You just need to get corrosive stuff off of your car. Things like bird crap, salt, and tree sap. Anything else is really just dirt that isn't going to be a big deal. Be careful what you select. Autowashes with brushes are very bad for your car's coat. Make sure it is a brushless wash. And in winter, when they are throwing down salt and sand, do not use those washes as the pressure can actually push the salt or sand further into nooks and crannies which can cause premature rust.

[VEFF]

Thanks JamieW!

I knew about the advantage of brushless washes. I have been going to brushless washes for years now.

Very interesting info about the winter washing and the effects of pressure washing. Thanks, I didn't know about that.
Unfortunately I have no choice but to go to an automatic car wash, since my condo associaton doesn't allow, nor does it have the facility, for hoses.
I will see if they hose cars down first in winter, before they go through the wash.

Thanks for the info about what is corrosive; I guess that is what I was getting at. I wasn't sure (until I read your reply) how corrosive, if at all, "plain" dirt is.
Of course, it shouldn't be left on too long, but at least it isn't going to harm the finish nearly as quickly as dried up salt, tree sap, tar, bird shit etc.
I knew salt, tree sap and bird shit/crap was not good for the finish.

[hoxlund]

haha a lot less than a Lincoln should, like once a year, and this being colorado not much birdshit, no bugs

[Ian]

How often do you wax your car?

[hoxlund]

i have never waxed my lincoln, other than the touch free at the car wash