Damage caused by a car wash is usually due to user error. Certain soaps remove the protective layers of paint. The paint is then exposed to the elements and begins to deteriorate and discolor. The metal underneath or the plastic underneath the paint may start to weaken over time and may even rust.
However, even contactless car washes can damage the vehicle's clear coat and paint layer. These non-contact washes don't just use aggressive acids to clean. Over time, overly acidic cleaners can damage the protective layers of your car. How is the damage happening so quickly that you may wonder? The answer is simple.
The brushes used in automatic washes are usually not properly maintained and therefore produce deep micro-scratches on the surface of the car, also called swirl marks. Swirl marks may appear after just one visit, but over time, after several washes, damage builds up and eventually the paint becomes opaque and scratches are extremely visible. Once drivers learn about the potential disadvantages of automatic car washes, they debate whether the speed and convenience of a car wash are worth taking the risks. But if you're feeling a little helpless with the allure of taking your car to the launderette, I've compiled some useful facts about this method that will surely motivate you to opt for a safer handwashing routine.
Some car washes may require customers to sign a legal notice that exempts car wash owners from any liability for damage. Probably the most enjoyable part of going to a car wash is when you apply colorful soaps to the car. While small dents, scratches, or damage caused by a car wash may be easy to ignore, it's not smart to postpone repairs. In addition, most factory-applied modern car finishes include a top coating that is highly durable and should last at least 10 years.
But they have the potential to retain the abrasives of all the cars that have preceded yours, rather than brushes. However, if you carefully examine your car wash options, you can determine if a particular car wash is right for you. Car washes with cloth brushes are a better option, but if the car wash brushes are dirty, they can also scratch the finish. So, use your best judgment when deciding which car wash is best for your car and how many scratches you're willing to risk.
When it comes to evaluating whether to use a car wash or a car wash at home, it's helpful to analyze the science. Not all automatic car washes work the same way, and some pose a greater risk to the vehicle's finish than others. The experts at Paul Campanella use special tools and commercial cleaning products that are not commonly used in routine car cleaning. As a result, many people rely on the local launderette to keep their car clean and sometimes drive their car or truck to the car wash weekly.
Whether you wash your car once a day or once a month, remember these tips to help you reduce the damage caused by a car wash. The “traditional old-style car wash with swivel bristle brushes” is widely defamed in favor of other newer car wash technologies that are described as softer on the car's finish.
