There is no single right answer to how often a car should be detailed, because it depends on where you park, how you drive and how much the car matters to you. What we can do is give you a sensible rhythm, and explain what Cape Town does to a car so you can adjust it.
What Cape Town does to your car
- Strong sun. Summer UV dries out and fades plastics, rubber trim and dashboards, and clouds headlights.
- Wind-blown dust and sand. The south-easter carries grit onto paint, and that grit scratches when the car is wiped or washed carelessly.
- Coastal air. Cars parked near the sea sit in salty air all day, which is harder on metal and trim.
- Winter rain on a dirty car. Rain on top of dust leaves dirty streaks and spots, and it does not clean the car.
A simple schedule
- Every two to four weeks: a wash. A snowfall wash keeps the dirt from building into a film. Wash sooner if the car is parked outside near the coast or after a dusty week.
- Every few months: a full valet. A full valet detail resets the inside and out, the wheels and tyres, and the dressing.
- When the interior looks tired: an upholstery and carpet wash. Stains and smells in seats and carpets do not go away by themselves. The upholstery and carpet deep wash is the answer.
- When the paint looks dull: a machine polish. If the car looks flat and swirled even when clean, a machine polish restores the gloss. You should not need this often if you wash gently.
- When headlights cloud: a restoration. Do it as soon as you notice yellowing. See our guide on why headlights turn yellow.
These are guidelines, not rules. A car that sits in a garage and does a few kilometres a week needs less than a daily driver parked on the street.
How where you park changes the schedule
- Garage or covered parking: less dust, sun and bird mess, so you can stretch the gaps between washes.
- Street or open parking: more exposure to dust and sun, so wash a little more often.
- Near the sea: salty air settles on the car, so do not leave dirt sitting on it for long.
- Under trees: sap and bird droppings should come off quickly, because they can mark paint if they bake on in the sun.
The interior needs a rhythm too
Vacuum the carpets and seats regularly, take rubbish out every week and clean spills as soon as they happen. A stain dealt with the same day is a quick job. One that has been in the fabric for six months is a job for an extraction clean.
Before summer and before you sell
Two moments are worth marking in the diary. Before summer, when sun and dust are at their harshest, it helps to start with a clean, healthy surface. And before you sell, a full valet, clear headlights and a tidy engine bay all help the car show at its best, because buyers notice condition.
Signs it is time
- Dirt that does not come off with a normal wash
- Dull paint or fine circular scratches in the sun
- Stains or smells in the seats or carpets
- Yellow or hazy headlights
- A dusty, oily engine bay when you open the bonnet
Details that are easy to forget
The engine bay is the part of the car that most owners never clean. If you are selling the car or want it to look looked after, it is worth including.
