How many times have you pulled out of the car wash only to have the clouds open up and release rain right on top of your nice, clean car? When it's raining outside, it's common practice for most people not to wash their vehicles for exactly this reason. While it may seem like Mother Nature's tears will help keep your car clean, it's quite the opposite. In fact, you should wash your car more often in the rainy season. The dirt, dust, and contaminated water that splashes up when it rains leave an acidic residue all over your car that can cause big problems for your paint job and metallic trim over time. The longer you let your car sit without washing it after a rainfall, the harder it is to remove acidic water spots. Over time, the spots may even become etched into the paint job, and the only way to remove the etchings is to get a professional polish, which can cost big bucks. There are few things more frustrating than trying to keep your Toyota clean in a rainy area, but it's important to always wash your car no matter the weather.

Weekly Shampoo

For the best results, wash your car every seven to 10 days. Be sure to use a soft cloth and a car shampoo containing special lubricants that help protect your paint job from scratches that happen when you scrub the car. Pay careful attention to places where dirt and grime collect. Always take the time to properly wash your wheels. Hand washing is always the best choice for your vehicle since many car washes use powerful shampoos that can strip the wax and sealants off your car. However, an automatic wash is better than no wash at all.

Quick Rinse

Washing your car with shampoo too often comes with its own set of problems. If you've recently given your car a thorough wash, stick to a quick rinse after a rainfall. As soon as the rain stops, simply spray your car with a high-pressure jet hose or a garden hose to wash away any pollutants that have gathered on the exterior. As long as you rinse your vehicle while it's still wet from the rain, the contaminants should easily wash away.

Wax Protection

A great way to add a little extra protection between your car and the harmful effects of rainfall is with a coat of wax. The wax acts as a buffer between the pollutants and your paint job, helping to keep them from coming in contact with one another. Be sure to invest in a good quality wax to get the best results, and apply it about four times per year. Add an extra layer of wax to places that are particularly exposed, such as the hood and roof. While most people wait for a sunny day to pull out the soap and sponges to wash their cars, rain can cause a great deal of damage to your car down the road. These are just a few of the ways to keep your Toyota clean in a rainy area.