The answer really depends on the type of automatic car wash you’re taking it through, but the short answer to this very common question is: YES! Absolutely do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash because it is very bad for your vehicle’s paint finish. It’s an excellent way to scratch your car!
I remember my high school days when I had a 1985 Dodge Omni, which was my first car. It was maroon in color, and I absolutely loved it. I used to take it to the local car wash almost every other day. The car wash had a spray wand and a brush that dispensed foamy soap. I remember vigorously scrubbing the car but never checking the brush head for small rocks, sand grains, or any other abrasive material. Looking back, I’m sure that the brush head probably had a lot of particles that caused scratches on the car. However, I was always in a rush and just wanted to get the car “clean” quickly.
Not so fast….
Let’s talk about some of the different kinds of car washes.
First, there’s the tunnel car was with spinning “brushes.” These are referred as “scratch-o-matics!” These are very abrasive, and the dirt, grime, and abrasive debris from all of the other vehicles that have gone through the “swirl-o-matic” are now being applied to your car at a high trate of speed. “Scratch, ding, Ouch!” Avoid these at all costs and only go through unless someone has a gun to your head!
Next, we have the “gentle” or “soft cloth” car washes. These car washes use soft cloth that hangs vertically from the machine and gently agitates the car’s paint surface. They are less abrasive than the spinning brush tunnel washes, but they still accumulate abrasive debris from other vehicles, such as grease, dirt, sand, and rocks, which makes the “soft” cloth not so soft. The small amount of water sprayed between washes isn’t enough to thoroughly clean the cloth after each use. It’s best to avoid these types of washes as well.
Finally, there are the ‘touchless’ or ‘laser wash’ places. These locations do not get vehicles as clean, but they are a lot safer than the other types of washes. I would rather have a partially dirty car than a clean one with swirls and scratches that you get with the other types of washes. The biggest drawback to these, however, is that they use pretty harsh chemicals to do the ‘cleaning,’ so I wouldn’t recommend using them on a regular basis. At one time, we did some advertising at the local car wash, and the owner of the wash place told me about a time when their ‘rinse’ cycle didn’t work, and the ‘acid’ that they use for soap dried on the paint and ruined it, costing the car wash business a few thousand dollars to make it up to the customer.”
If you’re considering a hand wash, it’s important to be aware that some places may offer a quick, abrasive wash similar to what an automatic car wash provides, especially if they operate on a volume-based assembly line system. To ensure a scratch-free wash, it’s best to find a professional detailer who is knowledgeable about the 2-bucket method of car washing.
It’s important to learn the latest washing and drying techniques to keep your car’s paint looking great if you have a place to do your own washing. I recommend buying a couple of buckets, some microfiber towels, and a reputable car wash soap from your local Wal-Mart. Spending a fun Saturday morning with the kids washing the car can be a great family activity. Improper washing and drying can cause swirls and scratches in the paint, so it’s crucial to do it right. If you notice swirl marks in your car’s paint when it’s in direct sunlight, those are scratches caused by improper washing or buffing. The only way to fix that is by having the vehicle polished by a professional car detailer.
Applying a professional ceramic coating afterward is also a great way to protect your car from elements such as dirt, road grime, salt, chemical etching, acid rain, water spots, and you’ll never have to wax it again! We offer this service, so be sure to ask about it to learn more about ceramic coating for your vehicle.
Thank You for reading,
Clint Allerton – Auto Detail Doctor Columbus, Ohio
