In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all looking to find ways to make our lives more convenient. So when you’ve got a dirty car on your hands, what’s easier than taking it to the car wash? While you may come out with a glossy, shiny-looking car, unfortunately, beneath the surface lies some disappointing truths. While an automatic car wash might save you time and effort, its long-term impact on your vehicle might make you want to reconsider. Below, this article will uncover three major reasons why you should consider avoiding the car wash and seek out new alternatives for maintaining your car’s cleanliness.

1. Potential for Physical Damage

The main concern about automatic car washes is their likelihood of inflicting damage on your vehicle. That’s right, many car washes use abrasive brushes and heavy-duty machinery that can unintentionally scratch your car’s paintwork or even cause minor dents and damage to the trim. While this might seem like minor damage at first, with repeated exposure, it will accumulate and affect both the car’s appearance and potentially decrease its resale value. Because car washes have a “one size fits all” type of automated system, it fails to account for the unique specifications and delicate components that different car models have. This certainly poses even further risks that could damage your car.

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2. Ineffective Deep Cleaning

While running through a car wash can make your vehicle appear to be spotless, this process often fails to provide a thorough, deep clean. If you’re spending money on it, wouldn’t you want the best for your car? Automated car washes are designed for speed and mass usage, not quality or care. They tend to overlook the nooks and crannies and all the spots that harbor the most stubborn dirt and grime. Your car’s undercarriage, wheel wells, or even certain spots on the paintwork might not receive the attention they really need, leaving your vehicle less clean than you’d like. If you don’t take any extra care to clean these missed areas, the accumulation of dirt and grime can lead to unfortunate corrosion and damage, completely undermining the very purpose of regular car washing.

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3. Potential Impact on Car’s Longevity

If you frequently take your car through an automatic car wash, it’s important for you to know that it can have a significant impact on your car’s longevity. High-pressure water jets and heavy machinery, while efficient, can put a lot of stress on your car’s surface. This can lead to premature wear of the paint and protective coatings. Additionally, the harsh chemicals that are used in many car washes can cause unwanted discolouration, dullness, and in the worst cases, corrosion over time. Combined with the mechanical stress your car receives from the cleaning process, all these factors contribute towards degrading the vehicle’s exterior, reducing its lifespan and overall aesthetic appeal. 

Photo by Zulfahmi Khani on Unsplash

As you can see, while the convenience and speed of automatic car washes are undeniably efficient and appealing, it’s worth considering the potential risks they can pose to your car. A more gentle approach to car care like hand washing, might take more time and effort, but can definitely protect your car better in the long run. While the choice is ultimately up to you, just make sure you take the time to consider all the pros and cons of car washes.