What are the pros and cons of using a car wash?

Let's talk about automation. It's everywhere these days, but is it always a good thing? Take car washing, for example. While it's super convenient to let machines do the work, it can actually cause some serious damage to your ride. Crazy, right?

Automatic car washes have been around forever, especially in North America where they're super popular. But are they really the best way to keep your car clean? Should you stick with hand washing at home or splurge on a professional detailer? Well, we're gonna dive into all that in this article, and in some more articles coming up. But first, let's get the facts straight about automatic car washes.

So, what exactly is an automatic car wash? Well, here's the deal: Not all automatic car washes are the same. In fact, there are different types, each with its own way of getting your car clean.

Touchless Car Wash:

This type is super user-friendly and less likely to mess up your ride. You drive into a wash bay, and the system does its thing without actually touching your car. Some even have gear systems to move your car through the wash, including cleaning the undercarriage.

Friction-Based Car Wash:

Then there's the friction-based one, often found at gas stations. It uses spinning machines with tough cloth-like material to scrub your car. But beware, this method can sometimes leave marks on your paint.

Hybrid Car Wash:

Some places use a mix of both touchless and friction methods. They usually have different soaps depending on which part of the wash you're in. For example, the touchless part might use stronger soap to blast away dirt, while the friction part uses gentler stuff.

Now, when you hear about a tunnel car wash, it's basically the kind you see at gas stations. You drive into a tunnel, and your car gets washed as it moves along on a conveyor system. Pretty cool, right?

Alright, let's talk about the three types of tunnel car washes you might come across. First up, we've got the express tunnel. This one does it all – washing and drying your car in one go. 

Next, there's the flex serve tunnel. This guy only takes care of the outside of your car, usually using touchless methods. 

And lastly, we've got the full-service tunnel. This one goes all out, even adding a protective wax or sealant at the end if you want.

Pros and Cons

Now, onto the pros and cons of hitting up an automatic car wash. We're not saying you should or shouldn't use them, but it's good to know what you're getting into.

Pros:

1. Better cleaning than before. Thanks to new tech, automatic car washes nowadays do a pretty darn good job of getting your car sparkling clean.

2. Less risk of paint damage. Those touchless systems are way gentler on your paint job compared to the old-school friction-based ones. So, if you can't hand wash your car, this is a safer bet.

Alright, let's talk about the downsides of hitting up an automatic car wash.

Cons:

1. Risk of damage. Automatic car washes aren't always gentle. Sometimes they can mess up your car, like ripping off antennas or side mirrors. Yikes!

2. Strong chemicals. Some car washes use super tough soap that can strip off wax and even damage your paint over time. Plus, those harsh chemicals can leave ugly spots on your car.

3. Water spots. Even with fancy dryers, water spots can be a pain. The water they use isn't filtered, so it can leave behind mineral deposits that are tough to get rid of.

Something To Keep in Mind

Now, if you've got a paint protection film or ceramic coating on your car and can't hand wash it, a touchless car wash is your best bet.

But if you're gonna use one of those high-pressure washers, here are a few tips:

- Bring your own stuff. Grab a bucket, some car shampoo, a wash mitt, and a drying towel. Don't rely on the car wash's gear.

- Skip the brush. Using their brush can scratch your paint. Stick to the high-pressure water instead.

- Dry it off ASAP. Use a microfiber towel to dry your car while you're still at the wash. It'll help avoid water spots.

And hey, if you want to keep your car looking fresh and protected, think about getting a Ceramic Pro 9H nano ceramic coating or Kavaca paint protection film. They're like armor for your car's paint, headlights, and even wheels. Interested?  Just click the button below for a free quote or call at (253) 229-9000. Easy peasy!