When a car is kept clean, it looks better and retains its value longer. Many drivers are hesitant to bring their car to an automated car wash for fear of damaging the vehicle. There is a possibility of an automated car wash damaging your car under certain circumstances, but by keeping the following tips in mind, you can avoid unsightly breakage, scratches or other damage.
Pre-Wash Assessment
The first step in avoiding damage at an automated car wash is checking your car before it is cleaned. Look for loose accessories like rain guards and antennas. You should also be aware of any scratches or other marks on the car’s finish. By completing a pre-wash assessment of your car, you will be certain whether or not the car wash damaged it or the potential issues were already there.
Brushless or Touchless
Only take your car to automated car washes that are brushless or touchless. Older car washes utilized rough brushes that can severely damage modern car finishes and clear coats; even older paint finishes can be scratched by the older brushes. Brushless and touchless car washes are equipped with either softer fabric cleaning tools or high-powered water sprays that clean efficiently without damage.
Clean Wipe Rag
A small detail of a professional car wash that is often overlooked by drivers is the optional wipe-down before you drive away. The intention is to dry any remaining water and wipe away any streaks. However, heavily trafficked car washes can be too busy to allow attendants the time to grab clean wipe rags for every car. Dirty rags can leave scratches in your car’s finish, so if you’re concerned about the looks of the rag, opt out of the wipe-down and air dry instead.
Avoid Extra Services
A lot of the extra services offered by car washes aren't necessary and open the door to potential damage. Accidents happen, and the easiest way to avoid damaging your car is to not take any unnecessary risks. Not only will skipping the additional services save you money, but it also removes the possibility of anything going wrong and causing accidental damage to your car.
Automated car washes are generally safer than washing your car on your own, as the system is designed to use the proper washing technique. By paying attention to the kind of car wash you use and the level of service provided there, you can avoid car wash damage.
*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
