There’s something so satisfying about a freshly washed car that sparkles and shines. But did you know that a car wash can actually damage your car’s finish? Before you get too worried, it helps to know that most modern cars have a finish that’s extremely durable and can last under a variety of conditions for several years. And, not all car washes are created equal – some are more likely to damage a car’s finish than others. Here’s what you need to know to select the right washes for your vehicle.
If you’re going to a commercial car wash, there are generally two types – the more “old school” kind with roller brushes, and newer ones with cloth scrubbers. Which one can do more damage? The answer might surprise you.
While car washes with roller brushes may look more abrasive, they are actually less likely to damage your car because they hold on to less debris. On the other hand, cloth scrubbers can hold onto dirt or even small bits of gravel, which can scratch a car’s finish. Either way, if you’re in line behind an extremely dirty car, it might be worth coming back another time, just in case that dirt ends up scratching your car.
With this in mind, you may think a third option – “touchless” car washes – are safer. These car washes use high-pressure water and cleaning solution to clean a car without touching it. However, keep in mind that while these car washes don’t touch your car, they likely make up for it with more abrasive cleaners. A little bit of scrubbing is also necessary to remove most types of grime – just choose your carwash carefully based on how dirty your car is.
While at a car wash, you can also skip most of the extras. Waxes might give your car a nice look for a few days, but can quickly wear off and isn’t always worth the expense. You should also get the undercarriage washed a few times per year, especially if you live in a cold or coastal climate where road salt may increase the risk of rust.
The safest option for washing a car is handwashing. This way, there’s much more control over what comes into contact with your car’s finish. Even here, be careful to use different sponges for the auto body versus the wheels; an abrasive sponge will likely leave scratches on the paint but would be beneficial for cleaning grime off of your tires.
When washing your car, you’ll want to use mild cleaners and rinse frequently and thoroughly. Don’t set towels or sponges down on pavement or gravel while washing to avoid picking up dirt and debris.
If your car is scratched in a carwash or the finish is otherwise damaged, Carwise.com can help you search forrepaintingor repair through a local auto body shop. Find body shops near you that specialize in exactly what you’re looking for, or even that specialize in your car’s specific make and model. Carwise’s shop search tool provides details on more than 20,000 auto body shops nationwide, including hours and location, certifications, real reviews from recent customers, and before and after photos. Get started today: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.
