How Often Should You Use These 5 Car Wash Services?

Your business vehicles represent your company, and they are often the first impression that potential clients and job site workers have of your business. So you want those company vehicles to be clean and well-kept. Regular car washes are a necessary part of this, but how often should you really get the various parts of your company car cleaned? Here is a short guide to choosing the right schedule.

Company cars used to meet with the public or clients should be kept the cleanest. You should consider a car wash subscription service that allows either a high number or an unlimited number of washes per month. Many sales, advertising, and management cars should be washed about once per week. Employee cars and work trucks may be reduced to a two-week schedule, depending on what they're used for.

Keep in mind that car washes are not just about the optics of your vehicle. They also protect the company's investment by removing potential problems for the paint job. If you notice bird feces, excessive dead bugs, or other debris, get the vehicle washed right away to prevent corrosion.

Many car wash services offer either a spray wax or hand waxing services. While regular waxing is less important for the finishes of modern cars, it is very important if you have an older or vintage vehicle in your fleet. Protect modern cars with a good hand wax every month or two. Talk with the provider of your wax services to determine how long their wax lasts. In addition, harsh winter conditions may warrant a wax job more often.

Wheel cleaning services are offered separately from other wash services because the cleaner is specifically designed for the chrome of your wheels.

Why might your cars need a special wheel cleaning? Brake dust gets on the wheels over time and through regular use. While this brake dust isn't particularly dangerous to the wheels themselves, it does cause them to appear unsightly or unkempt. Add wheel cleaning to your regular car wash as often or as little as your aesthetics allow.

The undercarriages of all vehicles are constantly exposed to damaging materials kicked up from the road. That includes dust, debris, chemicals, and pollutants. And in climates like the Bay Area, that also includes ice-melting chemicals and salt, which can cause rust and wear problems.

Keep all your vehicles' undercarriages free of these toxic elements by opting for the undercarriage wash at least once per season. If the vehicle is on snowy or icy roads often, you may want to schedule this service more often. Even if no one will ever see the condition of your undercarriage, you need to protect it for everyone's safety.

Detailing can take many forms, from a simple preparation by hand before a regular car wash to an hours-long deep cleaning. Depending on how detailed your detailing, the frequency will vary. For most cars, detailing should be done at least every 3 to 6 months. Again, the actual schedule depends on your usage and conditions on the road.

Detailing a shared company car is probably more important than a family daily driver. First, your employees don't want to share a dirty vehicle and feel like they're living in each other's dorm rooms. Second, if that car will carry any potential clients or business partners, it needs to appear spotless. Third, the more usage a shared vehicle gets and the harder it works, the sooner it could deteriorate and lose value or function.

Your business should create a set schedule for car care - both on the road and off it - so that everyone understands what's required. Start designing your car care schedule by consulting with the automotive pros at Grand Prix Car Wash today.