Car Cleaning Facts What You Need to Know

Here at Special Interest Automobiles Cambridge, we love a freshly detailed vehicle; and we love fascinating facts! Here are some car cleaning facts you would like to know.

Stuffy and Stale Air in The Car

Not much beats the bliss of that new-car smell. A mixture of various materials used in the car’s interior, such as the seats, carpeting, and plastics, the scent is evocative of the excitement and joy of owning a brand-new vehicle.

NOTE: You can bring your car anytime to our auto detailing shop in Cambridge if you need professional car cleaning services.

In contrast, 27% of motorists complain about their cars smelling bad. The stink arises from food crumbs, spilled drinks, pet odours, mould, mud, and malfunctioning air conditioning units.

Because the sense of smell bypasses the logical part of the brain, odours affect drivers’ behaviour:

  • Fast-food, fresh bread or pastry scents will likely increase the potential for road rage as motorists rush to satiate their cravings.
  • Chamomile, jasmine, and lavender lead to drowsiness.
  • Even an odourless environment isn’t helpful as it causes irritability.
  • Opt for scents of peppermint, cinnamon, lemon, and coffee.

Fun fact: 51% of people have ended a first date early because of a filthy car!

Health Benefits of a Clean Car

Impurities get trapped in your vehicle’s carpets and fabric. But once the fibres get saturated, you and your passengers are exposed to a range of unsanitary substances such as allergens, bacteria, dust mites, fungus, pet dander, pollens, pollutants, and more.

Germs abound in the steering wheel, gear shift, and door handles. Frequent trips to auto salons will make sure you drive in a hygienic environment.

A clean car contributes to a more relaxing and stress-free driving experience. This is especially beneficial if you spend much time in their car as a commuter or long-distance driver.

Fun fact: Your driver’s seat is a hotspot for bacteria, with 650 types being identified on swabs taken from the driver’s seat of 5 used cars.

The university microbiology research also tracked down more bacterial growth in car interiors. Specifically, samples taken from swabbing the identified almost. To avoid this problem, please take a look at our helpful tips on how to sanitize your car seats.

The Effects of a Clean Car on Fuel Consumption

Did you know that regular car washes can contribute to a more fuel-efficient vehicle, helping you save money on gas and reducing your carbon footprint?

Seriously! The theory was even proven to be correct on Myth Busters. Using the premise that the smoother the car’s paint surface, the more aerodynamic it will be, Adam and Jamie tested vehicles of various levels of dirtiness.

It turns out that any grime buildup on the vehicle’s exterior creates drag. This slows down the car, resulting in more fuel being used to maintain speed. Their experiment showed a 2 miles per gallon (0.85 km/l) difference in fuel consumption.

In other words, for every 1,600 km you drive, you will use 158 litres of gas if your vehicle is dirty and only 143 litres if it is clean. At the current average price of gasoline in Ontario at $1.78, that’s a difference of $26.70 per 1,600 you travel.

Fun fact: The auto industry also recommends regular car care to improve fuel economy by

  • Decluttering the trunk, back seat, and other areas of your car to keep it as light as possible.
  • Cleaning the engine of substances that accumulate in it over time so that it can operate efficiently.
  • Removing dirt and debris on tires that affect their traction.

Protection of Your Car’s Exterior

Regular car washing removes dirt, salt, and other contaminants that, when left on a vehicle for an extended period, corrode the paint, damage the clear coat, and cause rust. Moreover, these particles act like sandpaper and scratch the paint when you hand wash your car. A brushless car wash uses high-pressure water jets and cleaning agents to clean the vehicle without brushes or sponges.

Not only does this protect your car’s exterior, preserving its appearance and value, but it uses less water and is thus more environmentally friendly.

Proper application of a paint protection film absorbs impacts and protects the paint from scratches, chips, and scuffs, preserving your vehicle’s appearance and value.

At Special Interest Automobiles, our professional car wash detailers use only the highest quality car wash shampoos and washing equipment. We know a thing or two about car cleaning! Contact Special Interest Automobiles in Cambridge today and choose from various reasonably priced car cleaning and detailing packages.