Should I Go To a Car Wash Before or After Repairs To My Car?
Your trusty car is in need of some repairs and embarrassingly dirty. But before you take it in, you need to know if it’s okay to get a car wash, first.
The quick answer is: it depends. More specifically, it depends on the kind of repairs you get.
The General Repair Procedure
Generally, a mechanic wants the car to be clean before it is brought in for repairs, in order to increase efficiency. If the vehicle is brought in dirty, they have a car cleaning process to clean the entire vehicle or do spot cleaning for the areas that will need work. Oftentimes, a mechanic will charge to have the cleaning done after the fact, billing a higher rate than you would have paid if you got a basic express car wash beforehand.
But won’t my car need a wash afterward?
Some people are convinced that a car needs cleaning after it has been fixed. When the mechanic is done working on the car, it’s possible that oil could have splattered around your car parts, or even on the exterior of the vehicle.
Although this does happen sometimes, it is typically pretty rare that a car comes back dirtier from the shop when it came in. This is because mechanics understand the risks that come with leaving oil or other chemicals on the surface of car parts, and they clean up after themselves. Although a mechanic could technically leave a mess on the inside or outside of your car, it is not likely to happen.
What the experts say
Experts typically suggest that your car should be washed at least 60 days after it has been repaired, depending on the type of repairs being done. This is to make sure that the wash does not meddle with any parts that require drying. Because of how long it is recommended to wait after getting repairs, a car wash is better done before you take it in.
Wash your car beforehand–your mechanic will thank you
Your car will be much better received at the shop if it is thoroughly washed before you take it in for repairs. A great express car wash can bring back the shine of your vehicle, give it a very glossy finish, and also show courtesy to your mechanic. Your mechanic will be able to start work on your car quicker, and you will avoid any last-minute fees. If you need to take your car in for repairs, take your car to get washed first.
