We don't have a car wash law, so the act of washing your car in your driveway isn't illegal. But it's illegal to let vehicle wash water into a storm drain. Despite the restrictions, you can wash your car with other methods that require much less water. What does the law say about using mains water supplies to wash vehicles during restrictions and how to keep your car clean.
However, if you need to use your car, for example, because you are a key worker or you need to buy essential food, you need to make sure that the windshield is clear so that you can see properly. Using your car for non-essential travel is prohibited and many car-related services have been closed, including car washes. Pollution Prevention Guide 13 (PPG1) provides companies with information on how to comply with the law and prevent pollution when washing and cleaning vehicles. So, if you have to use your car for essential trips to the store or to get to work, you can and should make sure that all glass areas and lights are clear.
The car battery was dead — I spoke to Liam on the phone, who was very helpful in guiding me through booking a recovery operator, who arrived very soon and fixed it. As the name suggests, hose bans restrict how households can use outdoor water supplies, and under a hose ban, you can't use a hose to wash your car, caravan, or trailer. That has made many drivers wonder if they can still wash their car during lockdown, either to keep it in good condition or just to keep busy. However, there's no need to pamper your car with a full wash, waxing and detailing during the current weather.
If you need to use your car, especially if you're a key worker who depends on it to get to work, you also need to make sure the car stays germ-free by cleaning all common touchpoints inside and out. There are dozens on the market that claim to break down and remove dirt with a quick spray and wipe clean, eliminating the need to pre-wet or rinse your car. Advice on preventing pollution and complying with environmental legislation when washing and cleaning vehicles. Washing a car with a hose consumes a huge amount of water, between 400 and 480 liters, according to uSwitch, so it is included in the ban.
With the UK locked down and non-essential travel banned, you've likely used your car much less than normal. Commercial car washes are also excluded from restrictions, meaning you can still pay someone else to do the hard work for you.
