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With the UK experiencing a spell of pleasant weather, many drivers are eager to give their vehicles a wash and are searching online for the best time for car cleaning. Experts are now offering guidance on the ideal time to wash your car during warmer periods and issuing warnings about washing during peak sunshine hours.
The Perils of Washing Your Car in Direct Sunlight
Car care professionals advise against cleaning your car during the hottest part of the day—generally between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to meteorological data—as this can be detrimental to your car’s finish.
Experts at BigWantsYourCar.com are cautioning that washing your vehicle when the sun’s rays are most intense can damage the paint. They suggest opting for the cooler times of early morning or late afternoon to ensure your vehicle is cleaned effectively without risking harm.
“Cleaning your car at the wrong time can result in streaks, water spots, and even damage to the paintwork,” a BigWantsYourCar.com representative cautioned. “In strong sunlight, water and car wash solutions evaporate too quickly, often before you can properly rinse them off—potentially leaving unsightly marks on the car’s surface.”
Why Midday Car Washes Are a Bad Idea
The hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. see elevated UV levels and surface temperatures, making this the least suitable window to wash your car. The intense warmth accelerates water evaporation, reduces the effectiveness of cleaning agents, and may even cause dirt to bake onto the exterior.
“While it might seem convenient to wash your car when the sun is out,” the spokesperson added, “the intense heat actually works against you. Car cleaning products can dry too rapidly, resulting in smears, while rapid evaporation makes it more challenging to thoroughly rinse away grime.”
The Best Time to Wash Your Car
Motorists are now encouraged to select cooler periods for their car washes—preferably before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.—to circumvent the harsh midday sun and achieve a more effective clean.
Washing Your Car After Sunset: Another Cautionary Tale
However, specialists also discourage washing vehicles after sunset, mentioning visibility constraints and moisture-related concerns.
The specialists advise: “Avoid washing after dark. You can’t properly see debris, and thoroughly drying the vehicle becomes more difficult.”
They also point out that leftover moisture overnight can “foster corrosion or draw insects, which frequently attach to damp surfaces.”
Optimal Conditions for Summer Car Cleaning
For those looking to refresh their vehicles this summer, professionals advise avoiding direct sunlight, even outside the hottest hours. Shaded areas or locations with partial covering, such as beneath trees or awnings, are ideal for comprehensive car care.
- Time of Day: Before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
- Location: Shaded areas away from direct sunlight.
“Whenever possible, wash your car in the shade,” the spokesperson suggests. “Sunlight hastens drying, hindering the cleaning process. Whether using shampoo, polish, or wax, you require sufficient time to treat the surface before it dries. This is achievable only if the surface remains cool.”
Ideal locales are indoor environments with good ventilation and lighting, but for most people, a shaded driveway or garden spot will be adequate.
Planning Your Car Wash
With high temperatures anticipated in the coming weeks, experts are encouraging drivers to strategically schedule their car washes to avoid unnecessary exertion—and to safeguard their car’s paint from avoidable damage.