Automatic car washes are a convenient, hassle-free and time-saving way to clean your vehicle.\u00a0 But it may be doing more harm than good.<\/p>\n
1.)\u00a0 Spinning brushes WILL scratch your paint.\u00a0 Many automatic washes have spinning bristle type brushes designed to loosen and remove dirt and debris.\u00a0 Although effective, this process will often leave behind \u201cswirl\u201d marks or fine scratches caused by the dirt particles being slid off of the paint at high speed.\u00a0 These particles can also remain on the bristles and continue to swirl your paint with each rotation.\u00a0 Consider \u201ctouchless\u201d automatic car wash options, where the high pressure jets move around your vehicle without touching your paint.\u00a0 Or for best results, nothing replaces a hand wash with and quality wash mitt.<\/p>\n
2.) Harsh chemicals can cause damage.\u00a0 Many chemicals used in car washes are formulated to dissolve contaminates such as bird and bug stuff, brake dust and common road grime.\u00a0 These same chemicals can also remove wax and cause premature fading of more fragile plastics and vinyl.\u00a0 Even touchless washes can harm your vehicle in this way.\u00a0 Consider choosing the basic wash options where most likely only a common soap will be used.\u00a0 Your car and your wallet will be a little happier.<\/p>\n
3.)\u00a0 Moving apparatus is designed for MOST vehicles.\u00a0 The machines, brushes, spray arms, etc used in most washes now are have safety mechanisms to prevent them from getting TOO close to your vehicle, but they can still damage your vehicle\u2019s exterior.\u00a0 Windshield wipers (especially the rear wipers on many SUVs, antennas, rear view mirrors and emblems are particularly vulnerable to being \u201ccaught\u2019 by the machine and potentially damaged.\u00a0 In addition often the machines to do quite reach all areas of your vehicle, particularly pick-ups and SUVS, leaving you with a partially washed vehicle.<\/p>\n
4.) Drying options.\u00a0 The air dryer will usually not remove all water which can cause water spots that may later have to be removed by polishing.\u00a0 And always avoid the option to have your vehicle dried by hand.\u00a0 While this might seem like a great alternative to water spots, drips and runs that the air dryer doesn\u2019t get.\u00a0 The towels often used will further \u201cswirl\u201d your paint through improper techniques and too much pressure applied in a very speedy fashion.<\/p>\n
5.) Wheel alignment rails.\u00a0 Many drive-through type washes still have a rail system the catches your tires and pulls your vehicle through the wash.\u00a0 Many of these rail systems can damage your wheels on the inside and outside.\u00a0 And you may inadvertently have the wheel not completely straight.\u00a0 Wheel damage can be a costly repair and damage done on the inside may go unnoticed causing a lack of integrity in the wheel and\/or possible air loss.<\/p>\n
You vehicle\u2019s paint can be easily damaged through improper care and maintenance.\u00a0 Detail Pro Shop specializes in paint protection with a variety of options to meet almost any budget.\u00a0 And we can help with products and services to help you maintain your vehicle for the long term.\u00a0 Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced team members.<\/p>\n<\/div>