A clean car not only looks better – it also protects the paintwork, increases safety and helps to maintain the value of your vehicle. But how often should you wash your car? And which method is gentlest on the paintwork? In this article, we show you how to clean your Volvo thoroughly and gently on the paintwork – with practical tips for every season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A regular car wash maintains the paintwork and protects your car from environmental influences<\/strong>. This also helps to maintain the value<\/strong> of your vehicle. It also prevents rust and saves you money on repairs and reconditioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another reason is safety<\/strong>: dirty windscreens and mirrors restrict your visibility and increase the risk of accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no one-size-fits-all answer <\/strong>to the question of how often you should wash your car. For example, it depends on how important cleanliness is to you, how often you drive your car and whether the vehicle is parked outside or in a garage. We have simply orientated ourselves to the seasons and give you a few tips in this context: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spring: <\/strong>When nature awakens from its winter hibernation, pollen can smear the windscreen of your car. Worse still, the high levels of sunlight can burn pollen etc. into your car paintwork. You should wash your car once a month<\/strong> at this time – a quick rinse with clear water is often enough. If you do not use your vehicle that often, it is up to you to decide when your vehicle needs another wash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summer:<\/strong> In the hot season, dirt, bird droppings and insects from the sun can cause long-term damage to the paintwork<\/a>. And in the worst case, this can reduce the value. You should wash your Volvo more often in summer than in spring; if you don’t drive much, once a month is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Autumn: <\/strong>If you leave your car unprotected under trees, you will end up with wet leaves on your windows and bodywork. Above all, keep the blades of your windscreen wipers free of them, otherwise they can become dirty. This can cause a smear film to form, making it difficult to see clearly through the windscreen. As it often rains at this time of year, it may be sufficient to wash your vehicle or have it washed every six to eight weeks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter:<\/strong> Road salt<\/a> and slush with dust and sand residues are not only unsightly, but also really damage the paintwork. Therefore, if you are a frequent driver, you should consider washing your car every other week <\/strong>during the cold months. Infrequent drivers should be able to manage with one wash per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pre-washing is always a good idea<\/strong> – whether by hand or by machine. Not only can you remove coarse dirt particles in advance, but you can also avoid damage to the paintwork due to the so-called sanding effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fold in or unscrew aerials in advance. Roof boxes<\/a>, for example, should definitely be removed beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you drive into an operated car wash, check whether your car will fit<\/strong>. It makes a difference whether you drive into the car wash with an SUV<\/a>, an estate car<\/a> or a limousine<\/a>. You won’t have any problems with most standard models, but there can be complications with particularly large, wide or tall vehicles. The same applies to particularly wide tyres or rims. You can also drive your convertible into the car wash without any problems – as long as it is a hardtop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking your electric car<\/strong> to the car wash? This is usually not a problem <\/strong>either. However, pay attention to special features, for example with regard to the sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The way in which you wash your car is of secondary importance. Firstly, it is important that you clean it (or have it cleaned) regularly<\/strong>. Whether by hand or in a professional car wash<\/a>, both methods have their specific advantages and disadvantages. These are also linked to personal preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hand washing may be cheap and thorough – but in Switzerland it is severely restricted. The Water Protection Act<\/strong> prohibits washing cars on your own forecourt if dirt, oil or cleaning agents can get into the ground or the sewage system<\/strong>. Anyone who still washes privately risks heavy fines. Hand washing is only permitted in designated, suitable washing areas with appropriate drainage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, hand washing on private property may be permitted – for example, if the property is connected to a sewerage system that drains the wastewater directly into a wastewater pipe. You can find out whether this applies to you from your local authority. They will also be able to provide you with information on local regulations, such as restrictions during lunchtime or at night or general washing bans on Sundays and public holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The classic car wash – for example at a petrol station – is practical and quick. Even if there is no staff on site, washing the car is easy if you pay attention to a few little things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you drive into the car wash, it’s worth doing a quick check<\/strong>: Are all the windows and doors closed? Have the mirrors been folded in? Are the load carrier<\/a> or aerial fitted? If so, it is better to remove them. If the car is very dirty – for example after driving on country roads – a short pre-wash with a high-pressure cleaner can be useful to remove coarse dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then select the appropriate wash programme at the terminal. A standard programme is often sufficient for regular maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A traffic light system or a display with instructions usually helps when starting the programme. Important:<\/strong> Drive in slowly and straight, leave the engine running and – depending on the system – take the gear out and release the brake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply remain seated during the wash. After the wash cycle, you can help with a microfibre cloth if necessary – especially in areas such as the side mirrors, around the doors or on the boot – where some water often collects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A clean car only looks really well maintained if the interior<\/a> is also cleaned regularly. Remove crumbs and dust with a hoover <\/strong>and wipe down the fittings and surfaces <\/strong>with a suitable cockpit cleaner. The windows should also be cleaned from the inside without leaving streaks so that you have a clear view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In winter or if it rains for long periods, you should remove and dry the floor mats more frequently. This will prevent moisture from collecting in the interior and unpleasant odours from developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An operated car wash<\/a> offers a convenient service where trained staff take care of cleaning the vehicle. While you browse through the showroom or enjoy a cup of coffee, your car is professionally cleaned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Advantages of an attended car wash:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Care at Volvo level – without any effort. Our serviced car wash in Baar offers you premium cleaning for your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A thorough car wash is half the battle – the subsequent care is just as important. After washing, it is best to dry your car with a microfibre cloth<\/strong> to avoid water stains. For additional protection, we recommend treating the paintwork with wax or a paint sealer. This not only ensures a beautiful shine, but also protects against environmental influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rubber seals on doors and windows also benefit from care: a special care product keeps them supple and prevents them from freezing in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the cleaning utensils mentioned above regularly or have your car professionally cleaned to maintain your car paintwork in the long term. We also provide you with this checklist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A clean car not only looks better – it also protects the paintwork, increases safety and helps to maintain the value of your vehicle. But how often should you wash your car? And which method is gentlest on the paintwork? … Continue reading How often should you wash your car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preparation before washing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Car wash vs. hand wash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hand washing – only permitted under certain conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Washing your car in a car wash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don’t forget to clean the interior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Operated car wash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The right care after the car wash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the best cleaning utensils?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is the best way to care for my car paintwork?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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