The car wash industry has brought forth many innovations in the course of time to make car washes safer for vehicles and the environment. But not all car wash vendors have embraced these developments, and still use practices that are very harmful. Here is a list of practices that will help you recognize and weed out such businesses.

Car Wash Vendors to Avoid

Stay away from car washes that:

1. Use Detergents, Generic Soaps and Shampoos

Washing vehicles with these types of products can cause irreversible damages in the long run. Car wash vendors who skimp on purchasing quality auto detailing products cannot be trusted to take care of your car. Generic, chemically-laden products can make car paint look dull and lifeless and accelerate processes such as oxidation. Car wash vendors might argue that the strength of these products is great for degreasing. Actually, there are better and safer methods that can cut through stubborn dirt and grime, such as steam cleaning  .

2. Don’t Hand Wash your Car or Use a Touchless Wash System

Hand washing is the safest washing method for your vehicle. Not only does it protect the vehicle from paint damage, but also allows the detailer to pay close attention to nooks and crannies that are often neglected. Hand washing with the two bucket method is also better for water conservation. A 5-minute wash at an automatic car wash does not constitute as proper washing, especially if it uses nylon brushes. Even “soft cloth” automatic systems are abrasive. The touchless car wash system is not as desirable as a hand wash either, but admittedly, it is the lesser of the two evils. But don’t frequent such car washes. If you don’t have the facilities to hand wash a car, let a professional do it for you.

3. Don’t Use Proper Car Wash Tools

Some car wash vendors are inclined to use paper towels, diapers, and regular towels to dry a car instead of auto detailing towels made of microfiber or chamois. These practices are some of the main causes of swirl marks. Others use cheaper alternatives for wash mitts specifically created for auto detailing.  This can also damage the paint in the process. Another instance of using the wrong tools is when scrubbing wheels and tires. Wheels have to be especially scrubbed using a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the metal. Same goes for interior car washing where specific tools and products are required. Stay away from car wash vendors who think more about saving money than delivering great detailing results.

4. Try to Overcharge You

This may not directly affect your car or the environment, but we believe it is an important factor when choosing a car wash. Dishonest car wash vendors will always try to overcharge customers, especially seniors, whom they believe can be easily manipulated. The worst part of going to such a vendor is that they overcharge for a sub par service. Don’t be afraid to ask the necessary questions to determine whether a service is truly worth the value, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a service that is not.

Ideally, a car wash vendor who implements these toxic practices would not stay in business for long, but there are always customers who are more interested in convenience than ensuring the safety of their vehicle. So even though these types of car washes might not be “extinct” for years to come, it is your responsibility to be educated about them and avoid them at all cost.

Schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts to steam clean your car. It is a method that has proven to be safe for the vehicle and the environment.

Enjoyed this post? Sign up for our newsletter to receive more valuable tips, ideas, coupons, and extras!