As temperatures rise in West Plains, MO, so does the need for regular car care. Summer is tough on your vehicle’s exterior—sun exposure, bug splatter, road grime, and tree sap can all wear down your paint, trim, and finish. So, just how often should you wash your car in the summer?

At Premier Autos Detailing, we recommend washing your vehicle every 7 to 10 days during the summer months. Here’s why that frequency matters, and what else you should know to keep your car protected all season long.

Why Summer Demands Frequent Car Washing

☀️ 1. UV Damage Is Real

The summer sun can cause oxidation and clear coat failure if your car is left unprotected. Frequent washing removes contaminants that accelerate sun damage and gives you a clean surface for wax or ceramic coating protection.

🐞 2. Bugs, Tar & Road Grime

Insects and tar are your car’s biggest enemies in summer. Bug guts are acidic and can etch into your paint if left too long. A weekly wash ensures these are removed before they cause lasting harm.

🌲 3. Tree Sap & Bird Droppings

Parking under trees may offer shade, but tree sap and bird droppings are corrosive. Washing your car at least once a week helps eliminate these threats before they become permanent blemishes.

🧽 4. Protect Your Investment

Whether you drive a family SUV or a luxury sports car, regular washing helps retain your car’s value. Paint correction and detailing are far more expensive than preventative maintenance like routine washes.

Recommended Summer Car Wash Frequency

• City Driving: Every 7–10 days
  Urban drivers deal with construction dust, heat, and pollutants. Keep a regular wash schedule to prevent buildup.

• Highway/Rural Driving: Every 5–7 days
  If you’re driving through rural Missouri or going on summer road trips, you’ll collect more bugs and grime—wash more often.

• Parked Outdoors Daily: Every 5–7 days
  Constant exposure to sun, pollen, bird droppings, and sap means you need more frequent cleaning.

• Garage-Kept Cars: Every 10–14 days
  If your vehicle stays mostly inside and is driven lightly, you can stretch the time slightly—but don’t neglect it.

Best Practices for Summer Car Washing

1. Use the Two-Bucket Method
   This prevents scratching by keeping dirt away from your clean water.

2. Avoid Washing in Direct Sunlight
   Heat causes water to dry quickly, leaving spots. Choose early mornings or evenings.

3. Apply a Protective Layer After Washing
   We recommend waxing every 4-6 weeks or applying ceramic coating for longer-term UV protection.

4. Don’t Forget the Undercarriage
   Summer dirt and gravel can accumulate underneath. A full wash includes the undercarriage rinse.

Benefits of Mobile Car Wash in West Plains, MO

At Premier Autos Detailing, we bring our full-service wash and detailing right to your driveway. Summer schedules are busy—let us handle the maintenance while you enjoy the sun.

Our services include:

• Full hand washes

• Bug and tar removal

• Paint protection with wax or ceramic coating

• Interior cleaning and vacuuming

• Engine bay detailing

If you’re unsure which service is right for you, check out our guide:
👉 Top 5 Detailing Services to Get Before Summer

Should You Wash More After a Road Trip?

Absolutely. Long-distance driving means more bugs, road salt (if in mountainous areas), and highway grime. Schedule a post-trip detail to protect your paint and clean the cabin air of allergens and dust.

Book your summer detail today in West Plains, MO with Premier Autos Detailing and keep your ride looking its best all season long.

👉 Request a Mobile Detail Appointment

Final Thoughts

So, how often should you wash your car in the summer?
Every 7–10 days—more often if you’re driving long distances, parking outside, or exposed to bugs and sun. Regular washing not only protects your paint but preserves the look, value, and comfort of your car.

Looking for mobile detailing in West Plains, MO?
Let Premier Autos Detailing handle it while you enjoy your summer.