Vancouver rain feels like a free car wash due to how heavy the rain is, but it's actually doing the opposite. Here's what's really happening to your paint — and the simple fix.
Rain helps remove some of the loose top layer of dust on your car, but it doesn't wash off any dirt, grime or build-up that has accumulated over time. Most of the time, the rain makes the condition of your car worse compared to how it looked before it rained.
What rain actually leaves behind
Rain generally comes from the sky clean; however, it collects a lot of microscopic debris in our atmosphere (dust, pollen, etc.) and continues to add these particles to your paint as it falls on your car. When the rain evaporates off your car, the collected dirt, debris, and contaminants are left behind on your paint. This results in blemishes or "clouds" on your car's surface, even if it was previously cleaned.
The Vancouver-specific problem
There are many contaminants that can cause problems for your vehicle in and around Metro Vancouver, including ocean salt (on vehicles), brake dust and road grime (from heavy traffic), and tree sap, pollen, and organic matter (if you park near trees). All of these factors can significantly contribute to many of the challenges of owning a vehicle in Metro Vancouver.
What to do instead
You do not have to wash your vehicle every week to protect it from contaminants or to address any of the challenges mentioned above. Most Vancouver drivers will find that a thorough hand wash every three to four weeks will help remove most contaminants before they have the opportunity to do any long-term damage. Regular washing will help keep your car's paint intact and looking good, and will help prevent small problems from developing into much larger and expensive ones. Keeping your vehicle clean is made easy by having our mobile detailing service come to your home or work so that you don't have to give up any of your weekend time to clean your vehicle.