That's why you shouldn't dirty wash your car

Do you also wash your car at home in the garage driveway? Think about it - you can affect the car's resale value.

More and more people are reporting that they wash their cars at home in the driveway or garage. Sure, it may seem easy and economical in the moment, but "washing" the car at home has a negative impact on the environment. It can also have a major impact on the car's resale value.

Don't wash your car at home and save our drinking water

Washing your car in the driveway or garage means that toxic heavy metals, oil residues and chemicals flow into stormwater drains and further into lakes and waterways.

– Many people probably think it is practical and cheap to “wash” their car on the street or in the driveway. For this, our drinking water and our environment pay a high price, says Daniel Odsberg, Sales Manager Kvdbil .

Daniel's recommendation is to always wash your car at a car wash. At the car wash, the wash water is separated from oil and toxic particles before it is directed to a wastewater treatment plant where it is purified.

– You might think that the best option is to wash your car at home with eco-labeled car care products. I would think again. Go to a car wash, preferably one that is eco-labeled. You will get a clean car and a clear conscience, says Daniel Odsberg, Sales Manager Kvdbil .

How often should you wash your car?

It sounds obvious to take care of your car, right? But washing it too infrequently, as rarely as every other month, can lead to increased wear and tear and a lower resale value. In our Nordic climate, it is extra important to wash your car regularly to protect it from dirt, salt and other harmful elements.

– I recommend washing the car at least once a month. Otherwise, there is a risk that dirt and salt will accumulate both on and under the car and the paint can be damaged and dulled, allowing rust to take hold, says Daniel Odsberg.

Why go to a car wash?

Now we have established that a regular car wash is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also an investment in the car's lifespan and resale value. There are many reasons why car washing is the best option:

– Lower consumption
Did you know that washing your car at home often uses more water and time than washing it at a car wash? At home, you wash your car with a hose or pressure washer, which can waste a lot of water. Getting your car clean usually takes 20 minutes or more. Modern car washes have advanced flushing systems that optimize water usage. They can wash your car in just a few minutes, saving both time and water.

– Water reuse
Car washes have separators that clean the water. Many car washes also have their own treatment plants so that the water can be reused before it goes to the municipal treatment plant. This way, multiple cars can be washed with the same water.

– Higher water pressure
A car wash has higher water pressure than what you have at home, so you don't have to scrub as much when you choose a car wash.

– Protects the paintwork
The paint on your car can be damaged if you don't wash it properly and with the right products.

– Space and equipment
At a car wash or car wash you don't have to stand outside, you can also borrow other equipment such as a vacuum cleaner.