Are you a beginner when it comes to getting your vehicle cleaned at an automatic car wash? Perhaps you’re not familiar with what to do or how to work these automated car wash systems. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! From how the entire process takes place to frequently asked questions on automated car washes, we’ve listed it all here.
How to Go Through a Car Wash
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Locate an automated car wash near you
Automated car washes are increasingly featured nowadays at gas stations, so make sure to check your local fuel vendor. In many cases, several gas stations offer reduced prices on car washes if you’re filling up on gasoline at their establishment.
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Drive on up to the payment station
Much like an order window at a drive-thru restaurant, many automatic car washes have an auto wash station where customers can pick the sort of wash they want and pay for it. Most automated car washes offer three to four packages to their customers with prices that range to include services like basic washes to added services like spray-on waxes.
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Park in the designated car wash zone
Watch for markers or signs that show where to park your car before the wash begins. While car washes may differ by location, most need you to drive your vehicle forward until it lines up with the guided track. Some car washes may have extra lights and arrows to help you park correctly in the designated space. If you have a car with an automatic transmission, make sure it is in park. If you are using a manual car, put it in neutral. Take your foot off the brake and ensure the parking brake is off. Please lock the doors and roll up the windows, especially if you are traveling with kids.
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Sit back and relax
Now, you can relax while the car is gently pushed along the monorail system. You may feel some movement as the brushes clean the car’s exterior. Once the wash and dry processes are finished, a light signal will alert you when it is safe to exit the garage area. When you leave the car wash tunnel, be careful and watch for other cars that might be pulling out from the other wash bays.
Common Queries on Automated Car Washes
Do I need to wash my car that often?
We certainly wouldn’t advise waiting on a vehicle to become utterly filthy until you decide to have it washed. Washing your car is best considered a routine/good habit to have rather than a thing that becomes a chore. Harsh environments where salt or mud end up scuffing the exterior and underside of your vehicle, and having your car waxed or cleaned relatively regularly helps to keep your car looking good.
Automated car washes – are they safe for my vehicle?
The primary purpose of washing your car is to remove soil, garbage, and other chemicals that can damage your engine. If not treated, such pollutants can cause corrosion and damage to your paint. Therefore, it’s only logical that these must be removed to ensure adequate protection of your vehicle’s finish. Mud and car washes can collect moisture over time. This causes corrosion while bird droppings, insect splatter, and acidic rain eat into your paint job. So yes, we’d definitely say that automated car washes are a safe bet to keep your car clean on a regular basis.
Should I choose a touchless wash or a soft-cloth wash?
Some people claim that an automated car wash could affect your car’s paint. Is that necessarily true? Not really! Soft cloths used in car washes are gentler on painted surfaces. However, if the brushes in an automated car wash are clean and in good condition, they can provide similar results.
On the Way app, you can easily find professional and top-rated car wash services at great prices. What’s more, the whole family can get in on the sudsy action thanks to Way’s Carwash Voucher and Family Car Wash Pass that can be used on multiple (that’s right, multiple) vehicles!
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.
