There’s no shortage of automatic car washes around if you need your vehicle cleaned. The concept is simple: automated machinery and equipment wash and dry your car without help from anyone. Some washes take just a few minutes, others longer if you request add-on services. You’ll also find that some car wash services are more eco-friendly than others.

If you’re interested in the latest water-saving car wash technology, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide:

Types of Automatic Car Washes

Not only are there thousands of automatic car washes but there are also different types. Speed and convenience are a large part of the appeal. Also, you can clean your car regardless of wet and wild weather conditions, which is useful when washing car in winter. Here are the main types, each with pros and cons:

Drive Through Automatic Car Wash

Automatic car washes include the popular drive through car wash, which uses cloths, brushes or touchless techniques to clean vehicles. You select and pay for your wash package. Then, drive into the wash tunnel, pull to a stop, and wait for the wash cycle and drying process to start and finish.

Pros: Super quick way to wash your car at a convenient location, such as a gas station or supermarket.

Cons: Depending on the drive-through type, you risk paintwork damage from heavy-duty abrasive brushes or dirty cloths.

Soft Cloth Wash

If you don’t want automated brushes anywhere near your car, you can visit a soft cloth car wash. As your vehicle moves through the wash tunnel, it passes by rows of soft cloth strips soaked in soapy water or detergent. These cloth strips rub away dirt and grime on your car.

Pros: Cloth strips made of soft, synthetic material are gentle on your vehicle’s paint while still ensuring a reasonably good clean.

Cons: If the car wash owner doesn’t regularly clean and maintain the cloths, trapped dirt from previous washes can mark or scratch your paintwork. Also, this method can’t guarantee that cloths effectively clean hard-to-reach places.

Flex Car Wash

If you want more from your automatic car wash than an exterior clean, search for a flex car wash near you. The “flex” refers to the flexibility of choice when it comes to the level of cleaning or services you need. For example, after you’ve selected your automatic wash with water jets, brushes, or cloths, you can request add-ons, such as interior cleaning or protective wax treatment.

Pros: You have more choices. For example, you can pay for additional services that best suit your budget and the level of car cleaning you need. This way, you can enjoy the swiftness of automatic wash equipment combined with attention to detail from hands-on cleaning.

Cons: Depending on the service provider, add-ons might be limited. Also, you may have to wait for additional services, such as interior cleaning, until an auto detailer is free.

Full-Service

Like a flex car wash, a full service car wash can incorporate automatic car washing with manual cleaning. The difference is your car receives comprehensive cleaning with a full-service package – ideal for special occasions or when your vehicle needs extra care and attention.

Pros: It is convenient and saves you a lot of time compared to a do it yourself car wash. Also, regular high-level waxing, polishing, and detailing can enhance your car’s appearance and help protect its resale value.

Cons: During peak hours on busier days, you’ll have longer wait times if there’s a line of cars waiting to be cleaned. Also, it can work out costly depending on where you go and who does the auto detailing.

24 Hour Car Wash

If you can’t find time to get your car cleaned during the day, a 24 hour car wash is an option. These car washes are open around the clock. You’ll find them in various locations, such as cities, gas stations, and service centers along the highway.

Pros: Drive into the bay wash and let the automated equipment clean your vehicle at a time that suits you, night or day. Again, like other automated car washes, it is a quick and convenient way to clean your car without spending much.

Cons: If there are any issues or you need help with the payment system or equipment, there might not be staff around at off-peak hours. Moreover, you might not easily find this type of car wash unless you’re in an urban area.

Brushless

A brushless car wash cleans your vehicle without using the large, auto-rotating brushes. Furthermore, different brands operate in this sector. For example, an Aquajet car wash is a type of brushless car wash. It works by using high-pressure water jets and specialty soaps to get your car clean.

Pros: It is convenient, inexpensive and good at lifting light dirt and grime. Equally important, the “brushless” method is gentler on paintwork, reducing the risk of swirl marks or scratches.

Cons: Jets of water and car shampoo are not always enough to remove stubborn dirt and contaminants. Moreover, this option might not be the most environmentally friendly due to the higher water consumption and powerful cleaning solutions.

Laser Car Wash

A laser car wash is another type of touchless design, meaning no brushes or soft cloths are used in the cleaning process. Instead, this car wash uses high-pressure water and car cleaning solutions to lift dirt and grime from your car exterior.

Pros: You don’t need to worry about scratches or swirl marks from automated brushes touching your vehicle.

Cons: This car wash lacks the same level of attention to detail as a hand car wash. As a result, the water jets might miss some parts of the car exterior or struggle to remove ingrained dirt.

Self Service

Then there is the self service car wash. It operates differently from the others because you need to manually wash your vehicle using the equipment the car wash owner provides. However, it does include some automated equipment, such as the pressure washer and foam brushes.

Pros: You don’t need to invest in hand car wash equipment; use the tools the car wash provides. Furthermore, you can wash your vehicle exactly how you like, focusing on the dirtier areas while taking care not to damage the paintwork. Another good point is that DIY car washing might become a hobby you enjoy.

Cons: Cleaning your car exterior and interior is time-consuming, even when you’re using automated tools. Also, it takes a bit of physical effort – not as relaxing as parked in a wash bay while the car wash and/or the attendants do the work.

Are Automatic Car Washes Bad for Your Car?

If you love to look after your vehicle, it’s only natural to ask are car washes bad for your car? You don’t want to be stuck with a costly repair for paintwork or parts should things go wrong. You’re right to be cautious, but automatic car washes are relatively safe to use.

However, there are also times when the system won’t work as efficiently as it should. For instance, most drive-through car washes use hundreds of gallons of water daily to clean cars. What happens to all the dirty rinse water? The facility may have its own filtration and recycling equipment on site. Once the water is stripped of harmful chemicals, it becomes available for use during the next wash cycle.

Unfortunately, water filtration systems can’t eliminate all the chemicals in the wastewater. Therefore, if the car wash is not properly maintained, a buildup of chemicals stay in the system. This means when the machine rinses your car with unclean water, the paint job can turn dull as it reacts to the chemicals already present in the water. That’s why we recommend applying paint sealant more often if you’re a fan of the conventional drive-through car wash.

If you plan to visit an automatic car wash, you have options. Assessing the pros and cons of each one helps you pick the best and safest one. Here are some points to remember:

• Before using the car wash, research the facility to ensure it has a good reputation for quality and safety. Read reviews from other customers to check if the car wash uses gentle cleaning methods and high-quality equipment.
• Opt for a touchless one that uses high-pressure water jets and cleaning solutions instead of physical brushes whenever possible. Touchless car washes are less likely to scratch or damage your paintwork.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaning products or services that could damage your car’s paint or finish.
• After exiting the car wash, take a few moments to inspect your vehicle for any signs of damage or missed spots. Check for scratches or dents and address any concerns with the car wash staff before you drive away.

Conclusion

There are different types of automatic car washes, ranging from the traditional drive-through to the brushless car wash. Yes, there are risks to your paintwork, but technology is improving, and touchless options are becoming more sophisticated and effective. However, bear in mind that many use a lot of water and chemical cleaners that may have environmental impacts. So, look out for ones leaning toward eco-friendly cleaning solutions and water recycling systems.

Explore other options if you’re nervous about taking your car to an automatic car wash because of concerns over water usage, paintwork damage or the lack of personal touch. For example, our trained team uses gentle steam-cleaning techniques to hand wash your vehicle, ensuring attention to detail. Interior detailing and additional services are available, too.

If you’re interested in the latest water-saving car wash technology, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide: