How Often Should You Wash Your Car? A Simple Guide for Aussie Drivers

If you’re not sure how often to wash your car, you’re not alone. Many drivers wait until their vehicle looks dirty before heading to a wash bay, but by then, road grime, dust, and contaminants may already be affecting their paintwork and visibility.

At Washco Express Broadmeadows, we see all kinds of drivers come through: commuters, tradies, weekend adventurers and families. The good news is there’s no complicated formula, just a few simple considerations.

Weather & Environment Matter

Drivers in high-dust or coastal areas typically need to wash more frequently. Salt spray, dust and road film can stick to the surface and dull your paint faster than normal driving conditions.

Weekly vs Fortnightly vs Monthly

Most vehicles benefit from a quick wash every 1-2 weeks, even if it’s just to remove the film that builds up from daily driving. For garaged vehicles or low-use cars, a monthly wash can be enough to keep things looking sharp.

Tradies, 4×4 drivers and those using dirt roads should wash more often to remove grit and mud that can trap moisture.

Don’t Forget the Glass & Wheels

Clean glass and mirrors improve visibility, especially during early mornings or rainy days. Wheels and brake dust are often overlooked, but they make a big difference to both appearance and corrosion prevention.

Touch-Free or Self-Serve?

Either option works depending on your vehicle and situation:

✔ Touch-Free - fast, no brushes, ideal for touch-up or maintenance cleaning✔ Self-Serve - best for heavy-use or well-soiled vehicles such as 4×4s and utes, and anyone who wants more control over the process.

Most of our regulars combine the two depending on their week.

For drivers who park outdoors, regular washing becomes even more important. Trees, birds, road spray and UV exposure can all leave residue or marks on the paint that are easier to remove early than once they’ve etched or baked in. Even a quick rinse between washes can make a noticeable difference, especially during summer or after longer highway drives.

Seasonal Factors to Consider

Different seasons can also influence how often you wash. In winter, rain tends to mix with road grime, leaving a chalky residue on the body and glass. In summer, UV exposure and dust can accumulate more quickly, especially on vehicles parked outside. Adjusting your wash frequency throughout the year helps keep your paintwork consistent rather than playing catch-up at the end of each season.

For people who use their vehicle for work, towing, sports, or road trips, regular cleaning also prevents grime from settling in hard-to-reach areas like badges, wheel arches, and trims.

A little attention along the way avoids bigger clean-ups later and keeps the vehicle looking fresh without the need for heavy detailing.

Keeping your vehicle clean isn’t just about appearances; it helps protect your paint, visibility and long-term value.

Whether you need a quick wash before hitting the road or a more hands-on clean, Washco Express has you covered.

Visit Us Today

Washco Express Broadmeadows - 382 Camp Rd, Broadmeadows VIC 3047

Touch-free auto bays | Self-serve bays | Vacuum | Dog wash

More info: washcoexpress.com.au