Most people see their car as their travel buddy, a labor of love, and an investment that has paid off. This means that maintaining its health, regardless of cost, should be a top priority and that’s how you maintain your loved car in perfect condition. Each car washing method has a fair number of users. Since both automatic and DIY car washing have their advantages and disadvantages, the debate over which method is best has intensified. In this blog, we get into the nitty-gritty of automatic v/s DIY car washes.
Automatic Car Wash
Practically every industry is moving toward the employment of automation. Automatic car washes have advantages and disadvantages, but many people prefer them for a variety of reasons. Let’s check out the pros and cons of an automatic car wash.
Pros
Gentle on the car’s exterior: One of the most prized components of a car is its paintwork, and the owner should take great care to preserve it. Body paint gets ruined by scratches caused by harsh brushes. On the other hand, the gentleness and effectiveness of the automatic car wash procedure are gentle. It leaves your car’s exterior with very minimal to no damage.
Automation: As there is no chance of omitting any of the steps’ input into the machine’s memory, its output is faultless. Washing your car by your own at home depletes one’s energy, and humans aren’t faultless. People who are overworked are more prone to make mistakes and leave behind dirt and dust on a vehicle’s body. With no room for fatigue, the automatic car wash claims to be capable of cleaning even the most difficult-to-reach parts of the vehicle.
Cost-effective and saves time: Modern carwash processes used by automated carwashes save time and water. You can save money because of the minimal water usage and the short time it takes to clean the vehicle. An automatic carwash may take as little as five to ten minutes. And is an option most professionals would take.
Customized: With automated washing equipment, carwashes can be tailored to their customers’ specific demands. Automated processes allow them to perform a variety of coat maintenance procedures in a short period of time.
Cons
Water spots: In certain automated car washing, the air dry or final hand cloth dry may not be completely successful, especially if outdated equipment is employed. This might leave wet streaks on the car’s body.
DIY Car Wash
Debating automatic v/s DIY car washes, let’s now get into the other one, DIY. Despite the perception that DIY car washing is time-consuming, its advantages make it a viable option for the foreseeable future. DIY car washing has several advantages and disadvantages that need to be addressed before going for it. Let’s check those and get to know how its important.
Pros
Customized: With automated washing equipment, carwashes can be specially set up to their customers’ specific demands. That means it’s entirely customizable. Automated processes allow them to perform a variety of coat maintenance procedures in a short period of time and also in an advanced way that reduces the risk of mistakes.
Improved accessibility: Some portions of the car’s body that machines can’t reach can still be cleaned by hand.
Cons
Abrasion: As a result of the paint being so fragile, the most common concern with DIY car washing is the risk of scratching or damaging the paint. Rags and sponges get densely packed with hard items due to the gradual accumulation of microscopic dirt particles. If you use a sponge or cloth that has built up these thick spots while scrubbing over painted surfaces, you may end up with a few scratches.
Shoddy finish: Even while it is feasible to find the dirt and attempt to remove it, the muscles of the body may not always be strong enough to deal with the sticky nature of filth. Soap residue left on car coatings may also diminish the appearance of automobiles.
Time-consuming: To wash one’s hands, one must exert a lot of effort. They are more prone to fail if the muscles are fatigued. To top it all off, hand washing an automobile is time-consuming, and at times may need hours of labor.
Water wastage: Many automatic carwashes have an advantage over manual cleaning in terms of water use.
Automatic V/S DIY Car Wash
In order to get the most out of your car, you have to decide what you’re willing to give up in order to get the most out of it. When it comes to most things, it all comes down to your level of wisdom.
Quality
Automatic car wash is the clear winner in terms of quality. The chances of error are very less when it comes to automatic car washes compared to DIY. They employ high-pressure hoses, foam cannons, microfiber towels, vehicle shampoos and conditioners, clay bars, and polishers and waxes to clean your car. And when issues like winter salt accumulation cannot be avoided, they provide the solutions and make most of the issues fine.
Because salt not only causes corrosion but also damages a car’s undercarriage, it is a detriment to one’s vehicle. Bugs, birds, and brake dust are some of the most typical issues that necessitate precise cleaning techniques. In addition to yielding subpar results, utilizing household cleaning supplies such as a water hose, sponge, and dishwashing soap can severely harm a car’s paint.
When using low-quality sponges and brushes instead of high-quality items, scratch marks may occur. In addition, prolonged exposure to direct sunshine may cause a car’s finish to become rough or even burned in some cases. Professional carwashes give their consumers convenience in addition to their obviously high-quality service.
Cost
Typical auto owners who want to save a few dollars. They choose to clean their vehicles themselves rather than pay a professional to do it. Do-it-yourself car washing at home is almost free, which’ll help you save a serious amount of money. There are car care facilities that provide affordable car wash services. It’s better to look out for discounts and promotions. We recommend you download Way App if you are looking for the best affordable car wash in your neighborhood.
Final Verdict
When it comes to Automatic v/s DIY car washes, an automatic car wash is the best and most convenient option. However, some automobile models, such as high-end luxury vehicles, are best cleaned by hand in order to maintain their sparkling appearance. An automated car wash is clearly superior to a DIY car wash when the advantages and disadvantages of each are weighed against one another.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
