Should You Wash Your Car After a Collision Repair?
You just picked up your vehicle, and it looks brand new. The paint is shiny, everything is back together, and you can’t wait to show it off. Then the question hits…
Can I wash it? …. The short answer is yes, but not right away.
Fresh Paint Needs Time to Cure
Even though your vehicle leaves the shop looking finished, automotive paint continues to cure after the repair. While modern paint systems are much more advanced than they used to be, they still need time to fully harden. During this curing process, it’s important to avoid anything that could damage or interfere with the finish. Your repair may look complete, but the paint is still doing its job beneath the surface.
To help answer some of the most common questions we hear after a collision repair, we asked our Automotive Refinish Technician, Jason, to share his recommendations for caring for newly painted body panels.
Q: How long should someone wait before washing their vehicle?
A: The best thing you can do is give your vehicle about 30 days before washing it. Fresh paint needs a little extra time to fully cure, and that first month is the most important. Waiting just a few weeks helps protect the finish and keeps it looking its best for years to come.
Q: Is an automatic car wash okay?
A: One of the biggest mistakes I see is people taking their freshly repaired vehicle through a traditional automatic car wash too soon. Those big spinning brushes can be tough on new paint, especially during the first month. If your car needs a wash, I recommend using a touchless car wash instead. It will get your vehicle clean without those brushes making contact with the newly painted areas. Not sure where to find a touchless car wash? We’ve put together a list of a few popular options near several of our Car Center locations below.
Q: Can I wax my car after body work?
A: Even though the paint looks finished when you pick it up, it’s still curing. Giving it 90 days before applying wax products allows the paint to fully harden the way it’s designed to. If you’re ever unsure, just give us a call, we’re happy to recommend the best timeline for your specific repair.
Taking care of your vehicle after a collision repair doesn’t have to be complicated. A little patience during those first few weeks can make a big difference in protecting your new finish. By following these simple recommendations, you’ll help ensure your vehicle continues to look as good as the day you picked it up.
Recommended Touchless Car Washes Near Our Car Center Locations
To help protect your newly repaired vehicle, here are a few popular touchless car wash options near our Car Center locations.
Greenville
- Mitten Car Wash – 12324 14 Mile Rd NE, Greenville
- Belding 24-7 Express Carwash – 1239 W State St, Belding (great option if you’re traveling east of Greenville)
Kentwood
- Johnny’s Markets Touchless Car Wash – 3960 28th St SE
- Citgo Car Wash – 6045 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Grand Rapids
- Knapp CarLovers Carwash – 1225 Knapp St NE
- Mitten Wash – 775 7 Mile Rd NW
- Alpine Mobil Touchless Car Wash – 1764 Alpine Ave NW
Big Rapids
- Currie’s Brite & Shiny Carwash – 625 S 3rd Ave
Holland
- Splash Car Wash LLC – 2635 120th Ave
- Washers Car Wash – 3298 144th Ave
Cedar Springs
- Cedar Springs CarLovers Carwash – 399 S Main St
Burton Heights
- Parkway Express Quick Lube & Car Wash – 2255 Gezon Pkwy SW, Wyoming
- Marathon Touchless Car Wash – 3980 44th St SW, Grandville
