How Often Should I Visit a Car Wash in Calgary, Alberta?
How Often Should I Visit a Car Wash in Calgary, Alberta?
Posted on July 31, 2025
If you’ve lived in Calgary long enough, you are very aware of the unpredictable weather. Snow one day, sunshine the next, and a surprise windstorm just to spice things up. And of course, all the dust, gravel, and road salt that come with it. So it’s no wonder one of the most common questions we hear at Metro Ford is how often should I wash my car in Calgary?
The answer depends on numerous factors, things like Calgary’s weather, how much you drive, and the condition of your car. Let’s break it down further.
1. Summer
Weekly Wash
Calgary summers aren’t very rainy, but we do get dust storms, swarms of bugs, and prairie pollen. All that stuff gets stuck to your front bumper and windshield, especially after a long road trip. Not to mention the repulsive bird droppings if you’ve parked under a tree.
Whether it’s a long drive, a daily commute, or just parking outdoors, a weekly wash is your safest bet in this kind of weather. Your car looks sharp, and you also prevent build-up that can stain or damage your paint over time.
The more often you clean, the better, especially since things like bug guts and bird droppings can be acidic and leave permanent marks if left too long.
Looking for a way to stay ahead of the grime? Check out our free car wash Calgary offers that make regular cleaning easy and affordable.
2. Winter
Every 10-15 Days
Let’s agree—Washing a car in -20°C is no fun. But do you know that the chemicals and road salt which are used to de-icing are harmful for your car’s paint and undercarriage.
Since many people skip exterior car wash during the winter, those salty chemicals gradually start to damage the paint, leading to rust around the wheel wells and underbody. If you drive daily in snowy months, a bi-weekly wash is necessary to maintain your car’s paint and bodywork.
You can go for a touchless or soft-cloth car wash with an undercarriage rinse. Some even offer heated bays so your doors won’t freeze shut after.
3. Spring
Weekly Wash
By April or May, our cars have been through a lot—salt, snow, mud, and everything in between. After all the melting snow, mud, and leftover salt, spring is the perfect time to give your car a thorough cleaning. It’s like hitting the reset button after a long, brutal Calgary winter.
Since the weather’s no longer a hurdle, you should wash your car at least once a week, at least through the transition period. It’s also a great time to book a full detailing, both interior and exterior, to start the season fresh.
4. Fall
Every 2-3 weeks
While autumn finally brings relief from extreme weather, falling leaves, tree sap, and unpredictable conditions can still mess up your vehicle.
It’s a good idea to wash your car every 2–3 weeks to prevent sticky sap or debris from settling on your windshield or paint. Plus, this is the perfect time to prepare your car for winter—a proper wash, wax, and underbody treatment can go a long way in protecting it before the snow hits.
Keep an eye out for seasonal car washing deals to save while getting your vehicle winter-ready.
5. Parked In Garage?
Once A Month
If your car usually stays in the garage, a monthly car wash would suffice in most cases, since dust still settles on the windshield and body. However, be careful—dust particles can be abrasive if you try wiping them off dry. Instead, rinse your car properly or use a high-quality microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the paint.
6. Post Road Trips or Offroading
Immediate Wash
Took a long trip? Alberta's backroads are beautiful, but they’re also packed with mud, grit, and chemicals, which tends to cling to your paint and underbody.
One off-road day can leave your car dirtier than a week of city driving. To keep your car in top shape, rinse it immediately after you come back.
It’s Not About Just Looks
All of us would agree on one thing—driving a shiny car just feels better. But keeping your car clean also helps you spot small issues early—like paint chips, cracks, rust spots, or tire wear. The result? You save money and your car stays sharp as ever.
And if you’re leasing or planning to sell later, maintaining a clean car helps preserve resale value.
Summary: When to Clean Your Car in Calgary
Here is an easy breakdown:
| Summer | Every 10–14 days |
| Winter | Weekly |
| Spring | Weekly (especially highway trips) |
| Fall | Every 2 weeks |
| Parked in Garage | Monthly |
| Post Offroading | As soon as possible |
Final Word
At Metro Ford, we consider your vehicle more than just a transportation—it’s personal, and part of your everyday life. Whether you cruise the Calgary streets, road-tripping to the Rockies, or just commuting daily, a clean car always drives better, feels better, lasts longer, and looks sharp doing it.
If you are planning to give your car a proper refresh, our drive-through Calgary carwash can help you with waxing, detailing, and other professional cleaning services.
Let us help your car shine, because it deserves it. And so do you.