Is it Safe to Take Your Vehicle Through an Automatic Car Wash?

car wash

You care about your car, and you want it to look its best at all times. Taking it through the car wash is just one of the ways you ensure that. But is the automatic car wash doing more harm than good? Can it damage your car’s paint job? Is every type of car wash the same?

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the safety of the automatic car wash, and how to make the best choice for your vehicle. 

Let’s dive in.

The Different Types of Car Washes: Selecting the Right Option

There are plenty of ways to keep your car shiny and looking new. Whether your car needs a deep clean or just a quick rinse, here are a few options to consider:

1. Hand Washing 

Best for: a deep clean

If you want a gentle finish that keeps your car shiny and new-looking, a hand wash is an excellent choice. 

When you take your car to the dealership and have it hand-washed by professionals, they use top-quality cleaning products and scrub every inch. 

Even if you don’t have that kind of time to DIY it, hand-washing still allows you to examine your car closely and remove dirt and water spots that automated car washes may miss.

To protect your car’s finish, use a soft brush on the vehicle’s painted surfaces. Be sure to rinse and clean your sponges and dry your car using a soft, clean microfiber towel.

2. Automated Car Washes

Best for: A quick wash

Automated car washes offer a drive-through experience. Simply pull into the enclosed bay and the machine will pull your car along on a conveyor belt. As it does, machines spray car wash soap, water, and wax on your car’s finishes. 

Automatic washes are a fast, economical choice to help your car stay clean.

3. Touchless Car Washes

Best for: Protecting your car’s finish

Touchless car washes are a type of automated wash that are both cloth- and brush-free. This means they’re less likely to scratch your vehicle. 

These car washes also use less water, so they’re slightly more eco-friendly than other options. Since they don’t use brushes, though, touchless car washes may be less effective than other options, leaving spots of dirt and grime on the surface of your vehicle. 

What About Interior Vehicle Maintenance?

The inside of your car is as important as the outside. Great interior care is important for both the look and the lifespan of your vehicle. 

While a clean car feels nice to drive, maintaining your car’s interior may help it last longer. Plus, maintaining the inside of your vehicle will help you stay in-warranty

We recommend using products like Armor All to protect leather seats and prevent sun damage on the dashboard. 

DeBroux Helps Your car Keep Running Strong

The car wash is just one way to care for your vehicle. If you’re looking for a reliable source for auto repair and vehicle maintenance, DeBroux Automotive is here for you. 

With a long history of serving Florida vehicles and their drivers, our techs will help you maintain the inside and outside of your vehicle. 

Contact us today to learn more.