Credit: Luka Aman / Getty ImagesKey TakeawaysWash your car every two weeks, but consider weekly washes in spring, summer, or winter if it's exposed to pollen, sap, or road salt.In fall, keep wet leaves off your vehicle and stick to biweekly washes to protect the paint.Use wax or sealant regularly and store your car under cover or in a garage to extend the time between cleanings.If you're a commuter, your car faces a daily gauntlet of road tar, dust, and salt. And don't forget the bugs that constantly spatter the windshield and panels. Even if your car spends a lot of time sitting in the driveway, grime will build up from tree sap and pollen. All of these can damage your paint job if you don't wash your car regularly.If you don't care much about the aesthetics of a shiny car, you might be wondering how often you really need to wash your vehicle. Here's what to know.How Often Should You Wash A Car Or Truck?The general guidance is that you should wash your car, van, or truck every two weeks to protect the paint's finish. But this can vary from season to season:Spring And SummerPollen can cake onto your car and become more difficult to remove over time. Tree sap and bird droppings are acidic and will damage paint. If you notice these problems, consider washing weekly. And if your car is exposed to intense heat and sun, you'll need to wax more frequently (at least every three months) to protect the finish. You can also order a protective sealant or wax at the car wash, though sealants tend not to last very long.FallDon't let wet leaves accumulate on your car in autumn or they may ruin your paint job. Brush off leaves when you see them and wash your car at least every two weeks.WinterSalt can corrode and rust metal on a car. If your car is spattered with salt regularly, take it to the car wash at least once a week. At the end of the season, an undercarriage wash will help prevent rusting under your car.AdvertisementAdvertisementYour car may be exposed to salt year-round if you live on the coast. Consider washing your car weekly if you notice salt caking on the finish.How To Keep Your Car Clean LongerStore your car in the garage or under a cover to keep it out of the elements. You may only need to wash it monthly, or even less often if you rarely drive it.Hand waxing a car can also help keep dirt and grime from sticking on the paint, allowing you to wash a little less frequently.Read the original article on Southern Living