Scotty ! I have a 2019 Toyota Camry SE and I am very satisfied with the car as it has been excellent in every way possible… EXCEPT my only regret is getting a black one. It has a ceramic coat so water spots are not an issue but that doesn’t solve the issue of dust showing on the black paint very easily. I have been washing it every 2-3 days ever since I got it because it gets dirty so fast. Is that too much ? And is washing it too often bad for the paint and my ceramic coat ? How often should I wash it ?
Learn the art of waxing your car, and do it once a season, or at least twice a year, and maintain it. I use Mother's Liquid Wax. Water will bead up, dust will fly off as you drive, and it will stop dirt and bird droppings from damaging the paint easily. Car wax is also a UV blocker, so it will keep your paint from fading for longer, and it will keep the paint suple, which will keep it from coming off the car when it's old. Water can't get off a wax job quickly enough if you do it right. I used to wax my old 2013 Fusion. I came out to my car around 10 minutes after a thunderstorm once, and there was pretty much no water anywhere on the car because of the wax. If you want to go overboard and keep the wheels looking sharp, too, wax them if they're painted. Puddle water and brake dust will come right off.
Do not buy another black car. I think we all have made that mistake once.
I'm laughing from the seat of my white vehicle.
My parents owned 2 black cars. They washed it whenever the dirt or dust got excessive- every other week.
I wouldn't wash the car every 2-3 days because it's not good for the paint.
Me too. I hose off my white truck once every two years or so.
Every 2-3 days is excessive for a daily driver. you're fighting a loosing battle.
My rule of thumb is at least 5 dead bugs the size of a dime or better on the windshield. The big ones get smeared by the wiper blades and can make it hard to see.
I agree with Justin. Waxing is important.
As far as washing, there are 2 big pitfalls:
- If your sponge or towel has dirt embedded, you’ll abrade the paint. Might not be major, but will definitely leave swirl marks.
- Dish soap can often strip the wax. Car wash soap is usually a little overpriced but is better for the wax.
Otherwise, no, washing won’t harm the paint.
One suggestion. I use Mothers Instant Detailer with a microfiber towel or duster to do minor cleanings between washing. Unless the car is really dirty, that’s usually adequate (and only takes about 2 minutes).
