Let’s face it – with the multitude of car wash options at your disposal, making the right choice for your car can be a bit of a doozy! Can’t decide between touchless, brushless, automated, or self-service car washes? Worry no more – we’re answering all your queries on the various types of car washes, along with a detailed list of car wash pros and cons for each! Read on to know more.
1. Hand Washes:
Most auto detailers agree that the best way to get your car squeaky clean is by giving it a professional hand wash. Although there are a few different ways to do a hand wash, the bottom line is that the vehicle will need to undergo hands–on treatment. These include conventional two-bucket processes to the use of high-tech, pressurized foam cannons. Most detailers start with a pre-wash, which covers the vehicle with snow foam that is rinsed off the car. The vehicle is then brushed down with a film of soapy suds, which is applied using specialized soft wash mitts. The foam helps break down dirt and grime, while the wash mitts help break them loose from the car’s surface. The car is then rinsed off and carefully dried by hand. Hand washing is one of the most efficient methods of car cleaning out there, but be aware that it’s also one of the costlier options in the market.
Pros:
- Provides deep cleaning of your car’s surface
- Minimal scratches left behind
Cons:
- Time–consuming process
- Costlier than automated car wash procedures
- Harder to do in cold weather conditions Uses up a lot of water
2. Waterless Washes:
A waterless wash process uses only a spray-bottle cleaning product, which is applied and then removed using multiple microfiber towels. The car’s surface is simply sprayed down with the waterless wash cleaning product, which is wiped off with a microfiber towel or cloth. Keep in mind that the waterless wash products, despite their claim to lubricate your vehicle’s surface adequately, also leave your car’s surface prone to scratches. This type of car wash procedure is, therefore, often a DIY and last-resort option to go for, especially while out on the road or when there’s not enough access to water, and enough space for a hand wash.
Pros:
- Less time consuming than other car wash methods
- No water usage involved
- Minimal equipment required
- Limited space required for cleaning
Cons:
- Leaves your car prone to scratches
- Difficult to remove heavy dirt, mud, and grime
3. RinselessWashes:
This method is a hybrid of the hand and waterless wash processes. It involves diluting your rinseless wash product in a bucket of water, which arrests suds from being produced – eliminating the need for a rinse afterward. Simply wipe down the cleaned area, and you’re good to go. A popular method chosen by car detailers is the ‘Garry Dean Process,’ which requires the soaking of multiple microfiber towels in a water-filled bucket. One of these microfiber towels is wrung out and set aside for drying the car off, while the soaked ones are used for cleaning the vehicle’s surface. Ideal for those that have limited access to water, this method is favored over the waterless wash procedure as it leaves behind fewer scratches.
Pros:
- Faster than the hand wash process
- Minimal water usage involved
- Reduced chances of scratches
Cons:
- Needs more equipment that waterless washes
- Cannot remove heavy dirt or mud
4. Automatic Washes:
Often called tunnel washes, this wash type involves driving your vehicle into a mechanical structure which features a conveyor belt that moves your car through a series of blowers and brushes. This automated car wash procedure is one of the most popular options available, and its ease of use is highly attractive to customers across the board. This no hassles method of having your car washed is light on your wallet and what’s more, takes hardly any time at all. Picture driving into one of the automatic car washes in a grimy car and voila, within minutes, you’re left with a speaking clean exterior. Needless to say, automatic car washes are inexpensive and consume very little of your time, which is why it’s one of the most convenient and affordable car wash options out there.
Pros:
- Cheap and inexpensive procedure
- Consumes the least amount of time
Cons:
- Leaves car prone to heavy scratches
- Abrasive chemicals used can damage the car’s surface
An offshoot of the automated car wash, the brushless wash procedure swaps out the hard and tough bristles in the wash bay for soft strips of cloth that claim to be less abrasive on your car’s surface. This couldn’t be further from the truth, however. Most customers aren’t aware that brushless washes can be as damaging to their vehicle’s surface as an automated wash process. The dirt left behind on the strips of cloth used for the cleaning method tends to mar the surface of your vehicle over time. What’s more, the brushless process also uses harsh chemicals that can ruin your car’s finish and sheen.
Pros:
- Cheap and inexpensive procedure
- Less amount of time involved
- Not as abrasive as a brush automated wash
Cons:
- Leaves car prone to heavy scratches
- Abrasive chemicals used may damage the car’s surface
- Unlikely to remove heavy dirt and grime
6. Touchless Washes:
Touchless car washes offer cleaning services for your car that eliminate the use of any brushes, bristles, and hand wash procedures. The entire wash process is instead conducted using chemical cleaners, high–pressure water washers, and pressurized air. Customers should note that touchless washes are entirely different from brushless ones and are often confused for one another. Make sure you ask ahead to find out the exact procedures that will be employed on your vehicle before committing. It also helps to do a little research and ask what kind of chemicals are being used at the service station, to ensure these don’t harm your car’s surface and finish.
Pros:
- Less expensive procedure than a hand wash
- Quick process
- Minimal likelihood of scratches
Cons:
- More expensive than automatic and brushless washes
- Abrasive chemicals used to damage the car’s surface
- Unlikely to remove heavy dirt and grime
Renee is your go-to travel guru! With 15 years of wanderlust-fueled writing, she’s your go-to guide for all things travel and driving-related. When she’s not behind the wheel or jet-setting across the country, you’ll find her binge-watching movies/series or listening to true crime podcasts.