Most people believe that the winter months and dirty cars go hand in hand. Rain, road salt, mud, and grime definitely take their toll on vehicles during the colder months. However, the truth is that a car should be sent to a St Albans car wash more often in summer than in winter. In fact, automobiles tend to get dirtier more quickly as temperatures rise.
Dust, insects, pollen, tree sap, bird droppings, and increased road traffic present a completely different set of challenges for your car’s paintwork, especially when combined with summer heat.
How Cars Get So Dirty in Summer: A Few Reasons Explained
Knowing why and how your car gets dirtier faster in summer than in winter can help you adjust your detailing routine, protect your paint, and keep your vehicle’s freshly detailed finish for longer.
A Rarely-Discussed Contaminant
Pollen is a major contributor to summer grime. During summer and spring, trees and plants release massive amounts of pollen into the air. At first glance, it may seem harmless, but in reality, it settles onto paintwork and glass. You can confirm it if you notice a yellowish-green film covering a recently washed vehicle.
Pollen is weirdly sticky and often becomes more noticeable when it mixes with morning dew or light rain. Damp pollen bonds more aggressively to the surface and can be difficult to remove with a simple rinse. The only solution is to wash the car regularly using a good-quality vehicle shampoo.
Dust Accumulates Faster
Roads are drier in summer, which leads to more dust being stirred up by traffic. Even if you leave your car parked, airborne dust can quickly settle onto horizontal surfaces, such as roofs, bonnets, and boot lids.
As opposed to winter grime, dust may not look serious at first glance. Wiping it away incorrectly, however, can leave swirl marks and fine scratches.
That is why you should take it to a St Albans car wash. If it is not an option for you, avoid dry wiping your vehicle. Instead, use a dedicated quick detailer and a high-quality micro-fibre towel to remove the dust.
The Dangers of Bird Droppings
You may not know this, but bird droppings are one of the most aggressive paintwork contaminants.
During summer, the heat increases the rate at which the chemicals in bird droppings react with your car’s clear coat. What seemingly looks like harmless splatter can quickly etch into paintwork if left unattended.
The combination of UV rays and acidic contamination can leave permanent marks on the surface within a short period.
Immediate removal is the best solution. You should keep a quick detailer and a microfibre towel in your vehicle to safely address contamination before it becomes a problem.
If you incorporate strong paint protection, it will provide an additional layer between the contaminants and paint.
Car enthusiasts focus on protecting their vehicles during winter but neglect this chore as soon as the temperature starts to rise. Paint protection actually matters as much in summer as in winter. If your vehicle needs a little professional care and attention, Supreme Car Valeting can provide it. Our speedy mobile valeting services are always available at your home or office. Or, you can visit our St Albans car wash to have it cleaned by our specialists.
Book your car valet today.