Have you ever thought, “Does rain count as a car wash?” The short answer to that question is, “Not really” While rainwater may rinse away some surface dirt, it’s not enough to clean your vehicle thoroughly, and you should avoid it when possible.
In this blog, we are going to explore the reasons why rain is not a substitute for a car wash and the importance of regular car washing:
Reasons Why Rain Is Not A Substitute For A Car Wash
Reason 1: Acid Rain
One of the biggest reasons why rain is not a substitute for a car wash is acid rain. Acid rain is any form of precipitation that contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. It is typically caused by pollution in the air and can be very harmful to your car’s paint job. From fading, peeling, and even corrosion, acid rain can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle’s exterior. If your car is frequently exposed to acid rain, it can lead to permanent damage.
Reason 2: Dirt and Debris
While rainwater can wash away some of the surface-level dirt, it does not have nearly as much cleaning power as soap and water. Dirt and debris accumulate over time, and if left untreated, this dirt can cause scratches and damage to your car’s exterior.
Reason 3: Water Spots
Have you ever seen those pesky, white-edge splotches that appear on your windshield or window after it rains? These are called water spots, and they are remnants of hard water that have dried. Water spots are caused by mineral deposits that etch into the exterior of your car, leaving white spots behind. The longer you wait to remove water spots, the more difficult they become to get rid of!
To learn how to get rid of pesky water spots, read more here.
Reason 4: Environmental Pollutants
Another reason why rain is not a substitute for a car wash is environmental pollutants. Rainwater can contain pollutants from the air, such as pollen, dust, and industrial emissions. When these pollutants mix with rainwater, it causes a thin film to form on your car’s surface which can be very difficult to remove. To make things worse, the film can also attract more dirt and debris, making your car even dirtier and more prone to damage.
Reason 5: Rust
Last, but not least, the fifth reason why rain is not a substitute for a car wash is rust. Things like mud, salt, and rainwater can lead to rust, especially if your car already has any scratches or chips in the paint. When metal and water come in contact with eachother, a chemical reaction occurs. This leaves your car with a corrosive material that eats away at its surface. When rust is not taken care of right away, it will leave you with some extremely expensive repairs!
Conclusion
Now you can see rain is not a substitute for a car wash. From acid rain and environmental pollutants to water spots and rust, rainwater ultimately has more negative effects on your car than positive ones.
For proper car maintenance and care, we recommend coming down to Rocket Carwash! It is important to maintain a fresh look, and at Rocket Carwash, we can help you achieve that! We are committed to providing you with a wash experience that has some of the best technology and equipment available.
To find the closest Rocket Carwash location near you, please click here.
