There is a reason why some older cars look nice and others don’t. It’s not by chance or luck, nor does it have anything to do with the type of car. Nope, the owners have taken the time to care for them and kept them looking sharp.
I one time told my boss about my new Jeep Wrangler as I was so proud of it. His response: “It’s pretty, keep it shined!” How many people tell you to keep your car shined? He was an interesting guy, but that was pretty good advice.
Taking care of your car offers many benefits. Consider these four reasons it’s important to wash your car regularly:
If I’m going to sell a car or trade it in, I always want to make sure it’s cleaned up and looking good. Unfortunately, you can’t do this after one wash. A car needs to be kept clean regularly over a long period of time to really look good.
Let’s face it, there is a lot of subjectivity when appraising cars. Certainly, the car needs to be in good working order, mileage and year all have to be taken into consideration as well. However, a car that’s in good shape, washed, waxed and taken care of inside and out, is simply going to be worth more to the appraiser than the car with coffee stains on the carpet and trash in the backseat.
There is something about driving around town in a car that is well kept and clean inside. It makes you feel different as a person as it’s just one more area of your life that’s organized. We also know that first impressions can mean a lot. What if you’re asked to give a co-worker a ride or meet co-workers for lunch? Will you do so in a clean car and leave a good impression?
Those who are driving around in cars that are dirty and not well kept may just be the same folks who have stacks of paper on their desks and coffee stains on their neck tie. You know who you are! Organization in the little areas of life mean a lot and certainly spill over into other areas.
I drive an older car that has just over 120,000 miles. I find that when it’s dirty I tend to dream about driving a newer car more often. In fact, I find myself a bit embarrassed with my older model dirty car. It’s just makes my car look all that much older!
However, when it’s been washed and cleaned inside and out, I have a new sense of pride in my car and the fact that I continue to drive it and avoid a monthly car payment. Such a psychological benefit of taking care of your car can also save you a lot of money in terms of the cost of buying a new car.
Taking care of a car and washing and waxing it regularly also helps it last longer. Many states experience bad weather in the winter and car owners need to keep the salt off their cars. Other states have a lot of heat and sun in the summertime and need to protect their cars with a wash and wax.
Cleaning your car on a regular basis will keep your car’s paint looking new longer and protect it against environmental elements. Paint eventually dulls, then slowly starts to come off or easily chip away, which then makes the car susceptible to rusting. Not only will this bring down the value of the car, it makes it look really bad.
Do you need some extra encouragement or motivation to keep your car clean? Well, don’t think you have to do all the work yourself. There are plenty of coupons out there that can get you discounts to your local car wash. Don’t forget to check out such options as your local food club which sometimes offers them in packages.
Do you wash your car regularly and “keep it shined?” If so, why do you take the time (and money) to do so? Leave a comment below with your answer.
Jason Price is a personal finance blogger and the founder of PersonalPennies.com. He’s served in financial coaching ministry for Compass – Finances God’s Way, Crown Financial Ministries and in his local church. He’s also served on the board of directors for Compass Finances God’s Way – Texas. Jason has spoken publicly for the Jumpstart National Educator Conference in support of financial literacy for kids as well as in his local church on the topic of financial stewardship.
