asimovdroid

avoiding the potential damage of whatever kicks up from the road (salt/rust damage, bird poop, insects, etc.) is worth the occasional wash and wax.

i'd bet the net water cost of replacing a coat of paint or repairing rusted out parts is more than washing it a couple times a year. paint requires a lot of water to make and install and steel uses a ton of water in it's manufacturing process as well. some cars get so rusted they are just scrapped and replacing an entire car is much much worse.

not to mention the potential cost.

so not to discourage your efforts of water savings, but i think the lifecycle cost is what we all need to look at, not just the immediate usage.

Just curious, do not have a car? or choose not to wash it?

true. those by the ocean (LA/San Diego/Bay Area) will have some mild/moderate salt exposure. Nothing like the east coast or some cold states that salt roads all winter though...

all i was saying is a couple times a year as a maintenance measure is necessary to ensure longevity. best way to save water in terms of your car is to keep it as long as possible. takes a lot of water to make a new car...