We agree that an automatic car wash near you is the perfect option if you’re looking for a hassle-free car cleaning experience. At the same time, you should also be wary of the negative impacts of a poorly executed automatic car wash. In this post, we’re listing the top five tips you can follow to avoid damage when you visit an automatic car wash to get your car cleaned. Keep reading to know more.
Automatic Car Washes – The Best Car Wash Option!
Automatic car washes are fast, affordable, and clean your car efficiently. What’s more, it is also an eco-friendly option. Some car owners prefer the hand car wash method to clean their car, and that’s perfectly fine if you already have all the accessories to wash your car on hand and, more importantly, know what you’re doing. According to car wash experts, improper hand car wash techniques are the primary reason for scratches and swirl marks on a car’s exterior.
Automatic Car Washes – Tips and Tricks to Avoid Damage
Choose an automatic car wash with the latest tech
Some automatic car washes still use abrasive brushes to clean your car. The worn-in brushes used in these car washes are more likely to cause scratches on your vehicle’s finish. Visit an automatic car wash that uses microfiber towels and foam brushes for cleaning — they can clean the dirt off your car’s exterior efficiently with little to no scratches on your vehicle.
If you’re looking for a top-rated automatic car wash, a simple search for “automatic car wash near me” on your phone can help you locate one. Make sure to look for online reviews of the place and customer testimonials. You can also try websites and apps like Way.com to find a top-rated automatic car wash near you.
Visit a touchless car wash
A touchless car wash is another safe option to prevent scratches on your car’s exterior. In a touchless car wash, no equipment or abrasive brushes come in direct contact with the car; the possibility of paint damage is minimal to none.
Retractable antennas are retractable for a reason
This might sound like the most obvious thing to do, but trust us, many car owners fail to do this — that’s why we have this on the list! Ensure that you lower the retractable antennas before entering a car wash facility to avoid having them bent or, worse, ripped off entirely.
Remember to fold in your side mirrors
Before entering the car wash bay, remember to fold in your side mirrors. If your side mirrors are loose, have them repaired before going through an automatic car wash to prevent them from being dislodged or damaged.
Keep an eye on the drying process
There are two methods followed by automatic car washes when it comes to drying the excess water. Some automatic car washes use a strong jet of hot air for the drying process. On the other hand, some car washes use towels to clean down your vehicle. In most cases, car wash staff use clean towels to dry your car. However, if you notice the towel is dirty, it’s safe to drive back without using the towel drying method. Dirt on the towel can be deposited back onto the car.
Check your car before leaving
To be on the safe side, check your vehicle thoroughly after being washed (both the interior and exterior). Look for scratches or marks that weren’t there before. If you notice something, discuss it immediately with the car wash manager.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
