If you notice swirls or scratches in your car’s paint, your local car wash could be the culprit. Here’s what you need to know about car washes.
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- Automatic car wash brushes collect dirt and pebbles that can damage your car.
- Hand car washing protects your car’s paint and value over time.
- Car washing is not a panacea. Here are the best ones depending on your car plans.
Sometimes, the quickest and easiest way to freshen up your ride is to go to your local car wash. In addition to a clean interior, there is nothing better than overcoming the difficulties of physical labor. The question is, are automatic car washes more harmful to your car than helpful?
According to Bloomberg, automatic car washes are a “more than $14 billion industry” in the United States. With over 60,000 car washes in the country (according to Bloomberg), drivers have easy access to car washes. Unfortunately, automatic car washes can cost a lot of money if you decide to sell or trade in your car.
Here’s what you need to know:
Will automatic car washes damage my car?
So, is going to an automatic car wash bad for your car?
The short answer is yes, according to Scotty Kilmer, a 57-year-old auto mechanic and popular automotive YouTuber. British Car Magazine echoed this sentiment, stating that car washes are the “leading cause of paint damage”.
A giant brush that literally scrubs dirt off your car may be fun to look at, but it’s not very forgiving on paint and finishes. You may have seen videos from automotive experts and influencers detailing the dangers of automatic car washes, such as the one below.
Capital One claims that automatic car washes cause abrasive dirt to build up on the brushes over time, which “increases the risk of scratches and swirls in paint and plastics.” Some of our readers may be familiar with this very swirl on the roof, hood, or trunk of a car.
Scratches and swirls in the paint aren’t the end of the world, but they can cause further depreciation if you’re trying to maximize the value of your car. Cars that are kept in good condition can be traded in or sold for thousands of dollars. Appearance has a big impact on the appraisal of a used car.
What is a hand car wash?
There are two main types of car washes in the United States: automatic car washes and manual car washes.
The aptly named hand wash car wash relies solely on human labor for the entire car wash process. This is the best option to protect your car’s paint and finish.
While automatic car washes are usually more common, some people believe they are the best option due to the speed and mechanical components involved in the process.
If you have a choice, hand washing your car will help prevent major paint damage to your car’s exterior over time. Additionally, it’s a solid alternative for those who want to avoid the manual process itself.
Does the type of car wash really make a difference?
While hand car washes are certainly a better option for people who want to properly maintain their cars, they aren’t suitable for everyone. This is a better option only if you plan on keeping your car’s original paint and finish. Even if you don’t plan on selling or trading in your car and don’t mind minor scratches, an automatic car wash is more than enough to get the job done.
Plus, if your car already has more swirls than an ice cream cone, protecting the exterior may feel like a losing battle.
If you want a more personal touch, follow these tips to wash your car at a self-service car wash to protect the exterior and save money.
