When your car needs a wash, you have several options to choose between. So, how can you decide? To help you pick, let’s go over the differences between three common car wash types: automatic, touchless, and hand.
Should you get an automatic, touchless or hand car wash?
Automatic car wash
The most common type of car wash is a standard automatic one. These services use water, soap, and various mechanized brushes and jets to remove dirt and grime from your vehicle. An automatic car wash can include soft touch/soft cloth washes, which use softer brushes to clean your car more gently. Most automatic washes will cost $10 to $30.
Although friction-based washes provide a thorough cleaning, some drivers deem them excessively harsh, potentially damaging the vehicle’s paint. To avoid this risk, touchless car washes could be a better option.
Touchless car wash
A touchless car wash is a type of automatic car wash that uses a combination of chemicals and high-pressure water to clean your vehicle without any physical contact. Unlike other car washes, a touchless car wash doesn’t use solid elements, earning it the alternative names of brushless or no-friction car wash.
Touchless car washes are typically faster than other automatic washes and use less water. The price for a touchless car wash is similar to other automatic washes: $10 to $30.
While touchless washes are generally gentler on cars compared to friction-based washes that can wear down the paint, the stronger chemicals can be abrasive on sealants like ceramic coatings and wax. These chemicals can also have harsh effects on the environment.
A touchless car wash is ideal for general maintenance. If your car has accumulated significant dirt and grime, however, you may be better off heading to an automatic car wash.
Hand car wash
A hand car wash can be done by a professional garage, or you can choose to DIY it on your own driveway (check local by-laws) or at a self-serve car wash. This method lets you get a super detailed clean, focusing on spots that need more attention.
Hand car washes are often recommended if your vehicle has delicate surfaces, vintage paint, or a custom finish. A hand car wash service is more expensive than automatic ones. This will likely cost you $30 to $50, and potentially more depending on what you want and how dirty your vehicle is.
Of course, DIYing your hand car wash can save you money if you do it regularly. (Buying all the supplies for one wash can cost more than having someone do it for you.) For this, you’ll need items like car wash soap and a microfibre cloth. You can find car wash kits that come with everything you need to get a clean finish. If you want to level up your car washing skills, a pressure washer could be a worthwhile investment, but for a super gentle wash, a hose is all you need.
Catch up on some detailing after your car wash with a detailing kit. Remember to seal in all your work with an air freshener.
Picking your wash
No car wash method is guaranteed to never harm your vehicle. For example, something as simple as unfiltered water can create scratches on your vehicle. Check out online reviews, refer to your owner’s manual, and ask fellow drivers what car wash style they prefer to inform your decision.
For any questions on choosing a car wash method or more tips on how to wash your own car, visit a NAPA Auto Parts store to speak with an expert.
Author: 
No comments 
