How Long Should You Wait To Wash A New Car?

New vehicles are perfect; their engines are intact, the same as the paint, ceramic coating, and others.

They are shiny and beautiful, but not for long.

Depending on different factors, you may notice some dust or dirt on your car on the first or second day of driving it.

So, can you wash it immediately?

Quick Answer

On average, you should wait at least two weeks to wash a new car to ensure that the clear coat has disappeared and won’t be affected by washing. 

Your new car won’t maintain its luster look forever, not even for a few weeks unless you don’t drive it.

However, before taking out your washing supplies or taking your car for a wash, read this article to find out when and how to wash your new car. 

How Long Should You Wait To Wash A New Car?

You can draw the attention of every passerby in your neighborhood when you drive your new car.

However, your car becomes less attractive when it’s dirty, but it can remain clean forever.

Therefore, you need to wash it. But when?

Quick Answer

As a general rule, you should wait for two weeks before washing a new car, which is enough time for the clear coat to have disappeared. 

The clear coat is a layer of protection that helps reduce the effects of harmful UV rays that can make the color fade on the car.

Washing your car earlier than that can wash off the clear coat and leave your car vulnerable. 

You can wash the new car after the two weeks are over; however, you still need to tread cautiously on how you wash it. 

Should I Wash My New Car In A Car Wash?

Getting dirt off your new car is important; however, you shouldn’t make any mistakes.

Washing your new car with the wrong means can make it lose its shine.

This might make you question whether a car wash is right for the new car.

Quick Answer

As a general rule, you shouldn’t wash your new car in a car wash because it will risk getting scratched. Some car washes use harsh chemicals and washing agents that contain abrasives, leaving scratches and swirl marks on your car.

A less damaging car wash option is a touchless car wash.

The chances of your car getting scratched are slimmer, but it isn’t a guarantee.

This is because they use harsh chemicals to remove dirt from cars since the process is touchless. 

The best way to wash your new car is by hand to prevent scratches and avoid damage to the paintwork.

However, that also requires some caution. 

Here are the things to do:

Get The Right Cleaning Products

You must use the appropriate cleaning supplies to wash your new car if you don’t want to do any damage.

Everything must be perfect, from the washing mitt and car wash shampoo to the drying towel.

In fact, you should consider getting new tools if you’ve used the current ones you have to wash your old car.

You don’t want to transfer the residual dirt on your car.

Then, ensure you use a dedicated car wash shampoo, not an alternative.

Wash Using The Two-Bucket Method

The safest way to wash your new car is to use the two-bucket method to ensure perfect cleaning.

One bucket should contain the shampoo wash solution, while the other is for rinsing the mitt.

Then, you should get a separate bucket and washing supplies for washing the wheel and tires.

Don’t Leave Water To Dry On Your Car

A mistake you can make with washing a new car is leaving water to dry on it.

Avoid that by all means and dry properly to prevent water spots or streaks.

Tip

Now that you’re clear on those, it’s time to learn how to wash your new car properly. Here’s how:

  • Pre-rinse the car from top to bottom with a pressure washer if available. Ensure you keep a reasonable distance to prevent damage.
  • Spray with a foam cannon from top to bottom.
  • Get your two buckets and washing mitt ready. 
  • Wash the car with the shampoo solution using the mitt.
  • Rinse off the soap and dry with a microfiber towel.

Conclusion

You shouldn’t be in haste to wash your new car when you notice dirt on it.

Wait for at least two weeks before washing it.

Moreover, don’t make the mistake of taking your new car to the car wash; instead, wash it at home using the two-bucket method.

Most importantly, use the right cleaning supplies, and ensure they are gentle washing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The clear coat needs at least two weeks to cure before washing,
  • Washing at a car wash may be damaging to a new car,
  • You can wash your new car at a touchless car wash, but not perfectly,
  • Hand washing your new car is the best option.

References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHp-v-dfXt4

https://www.charmcitycirculator.com/washing-a-new-car-for-the-first-time/#:~:text=Only%20Wash%20Your%20Car%20Two%20Weeks%20After%20You%20Bought%20It,-Newer%20vehicles%20have&text=Additionally%2C%20washing%20a%20car%20after,to%20clean%20a%20new%20car.

Jan-Lucas Ganssauge
Jan-Lucas Ganssauge