Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Automated car washes can be a great way to quickly get your vehicle looking good, but they may not be as effective as traditional methods such as hand washing and waxing. Automated car washes typically use powerful brushes and high-pressure water jets that can cause scratches on your paint job if you don’t pay attention. In addition, many automated car washes also use harsh chemicals that can strip away any protective coating on your vehicle’s surface.
Why Automatic Car Washes Are Bad?
Automatic car washes often lack the attention to detail of a hand wash. Automated brushes can miss dirt and debris in hard-to-reach areas, such as behind-wheel wells, beneath bumpers, and around door handles. This means your vehicle may not be as clean as it could be after an automated car wash.
Pros Of Automated Car Washes:
Convenience:
An automated car wash requires minimal effort to get your vehicle cleaned, requiring no more than a few minutes in most cases. This makes it great for busy people who don’t have time to carry out manual washing. Additionally, an automated car wash can be used anytime and in all weather conditions, meaning you won’t have to wait for the right conditions before you can clean your vehicle.
Inexpensive:
Automated washes are relatively inexpensive compared to other methods, such as professional detailing services or DIY kits. However, this does not mean they are low-quality since some systems use top-notch materials such as microfiber cloths and soft sponges, ensuring an effective cleaning job without damaging the paintwork on your vehicle’s exterior surfaces.
Cons Of Automated Car Washes:
Cause Damage To Paint:
Automated car washes can cause damage to your vehicle. This is because the brushes and other cleaning tools used in automated car washes are often too abrasive and can scratch the paint or even chip it off. Additionally, they may contain harsh chemicals that can strip away the protective wax coating of your vehicle, leaving it more exposed to all sorts of weather conditions.
Damage Vehicle Finish:
Many automatic car washes use cheap, low-grade soap that can damage your vehicle’s finish. The mechanical pressure of the brushes and harsh chemicals found in these soaps are often too abrasive for paint finishes on vehicles, leading to scratches or dulling of the vehicle’s finish over time.
Less Eco-Friendly:
Most automated washes are not eco-friendly and do not use natural soaps and biodegradable materials. They can pollute nearby bodies of water if wastewater is not properly disposed of during operation.
What Type Of Car Wash Is Best?
Hand Wash:
A hand wash is best for those seeking a more thorough cleaning. Hand washes take longer than automated ones but will ensure your vehicle gets all the dirt and build-up cleaned off its exterior correctly. It also allows you to pay special attention to areas that an automated machine might miss, such as door jams and wheel wells, which are often difficult to reach with a machine.
Touchless Wash:
Touchless washing uses pressurized water jets similar to automated machines but without brushes, so it’s gentler on paintwork than other methods. This benefits those with older cars or cars with delicate paint jobs. It avoids any risk of scratches from brushing against the car’s surface while still providing an effective cleanse without needing human labor, like in hand washing services.
Will Automatic Car Wash Damage Paint?
It depends on the quality of the automated car wash and how it is used. Choosing an automated car wash with soft cloths or foam rollers instead of stiff bristles should be safe for your vehicle’s paint job. It is also essential to avoid automated car washes with scorching water temperatures, which could damage your vehicle’s paint job over time if used regularly.
What Is The Safest Way To Wash Your Car?
Hand washing is typically a safer option for washing your car. Hand washing can help preserve any protective layers you have applied to your vehicle,s such as wax or sealant. When handwashing, it is essential to use two buckets: one for wash water and one for rinse water, so dirt does not get re-deposited onto the car’s surface during rinsing, in addition to using a clean sponge or mitt, so dirt isn’t transferred onto other areas of the vehicle while scrubbing away build-up.
Not only is handwashing generally safer than automatic car washes, it also allows you to do a more thorough job of cleaning around sensitive areas like door jambs, headlights, grills, and other hard-to-reach places where dirt accumulates over time.
How Often To Use An Automatic Car Wash?
You should limit your use of an automatic car wash to no more than once every two weeks. This frequency will help ensure that the soap and water do not cause any damage or build-up on the exterior of your vehicle. Additionally, if you have to use the car wash frequently due to inclement weather or other factors, opt for a touchless car wash instead of a brush system, as these are gentler on paint and surfaces.
Conclusion:
Automated car washes can be bad for your car if you don’t take the necessary precautions. It is essential to check the facility’s machines and tools before use and ensure they are in good condition. Additionally, it is essential to understand the risks associated with using an automated car wash and take proactive steps to mitigate them. Always use a reliable service provider and be aware of any additional services the facility may offer, such as waxing or detailing. Automated car washes can provide a convenient and quick solution when cleaning your vehicle, but it is essential not to overlook safety concerns.
