The Truth About Automatic Car Washes….

Automatic car washes have become very popular over the years. They offer convenience and if you look around they are popping up on almost every corner around town. The founders of these franchises also hire big marketing companies that really know how to attract customers. They are now throwing key words such as “ceramic coating wash” “graphene infused soap” etc.….. Most people see that and say “its only $30, what do I have to lose”.

I’m here to educate on the downfalls of using one of these drive through car wash services:

Potential for Paint Damage:

• The brushes and bristles in some automatic car washes can cause micro-scratches and swirl marks on the vehicle's paint. Over time, this can lead to noticeable damage and dulling of the car's finish.

1. Ineffectiveness on Heavily Soiled Areas:

   • Automatic car washes may not thoroughly clean areas with heavy dirt, mud, or tar. These machines are designed for quick, general cleaning and may miss spots that require more detailed attention.

2. Chemical Residue:

   • The detergents and chemicals used in automatic car washes can leave residues on the car's surface, which may not be fully rinsed off. This can lead to streaks and spots, and in some cases, may harm the car's paint over time.

3. Damage to Accessories:

   • Certain car accessories, like antennas, spoilers, or roof racks, can be damaged or broken by the machinery in automatic car washes. Some car washes might not be able to accommodate larger or uniquely shaped vehicles properly.

4. Environmental Concerns:

   • Automatic car washes often use a significant amount of water and may not have efficient water recycling systems in place. Additionally, the runoff water containing chemicals and dirt can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed.

5. Expense:

   • Regular use of automatic car washes can be expensive compared to hand washing, especially if additional services like waxing or undercarriage cleaning are included.

6. Inconsistent Cleaning Quality:

   • The quality of cleaning in automatic car washes can be inconsistent. Some areas of the car might be cleaned well, while others might be missed or inadequately cleaned.

7. Risk of Mechanical Failure:

   • Mechanical issues in the car wash equipment can lead to incomplete cleaning or even damage to the vehicle. If the machinery malfunctions, it could cause scratches, dents, or other forms of damage.

8. Potential for Water Spots:

   • If the car is not dried properly after washing, water spots can form on the paint and glass surfaces. This is more likely in automatic car washes that do not have an effective drying process.

9. Limited Customization:

   • Automatic car washes offer limited options for customization compared to hand washing, where specific products and techniques can be used to address the unique needs of a vehicle's finish.

Taking your car through one of these car washes may seem like a good choice in the short term, but you will end up paying more to have it restored down the line. At luxe 23 detailing llc, we see vehicles like this all the time. You can pick out which vehicles have been through an automatic wash and which have been properly maintained by the owner or another detail company. If your vehicle has ever been damaged by taking it to a car wash, give us a call and we would be glad to help in getting it back to a manageable condition.