Are car washes safe?

As an automotive care specialist with years of experience in the industry, I can tell you that the safety of car washes has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. The answer to whether car washes are safe is not a simple yes or no, as it largely depends on the type of car wash and the specific practices they employ.

Firstly, let's discuss the types of car washes. There are three primary types: automatic, self-service, and touchless. Each has its own set of pros and cons when it comes to safety.

Automatic Car Washes: These are the most common type, where the car is driven into a bay and a series of brushes and spray nozzles do the cleaning. Some older car washes still use abrasive brushes, which can indeed leave small scratches in a car's finish. However, many modern car washes have switched to soft cloth materials for their brushes, which are gentler on the paint. The key to safety here is the maintenance and quality of these brushes. Well-maintained, high-quality cloth brushes are generally safe for your car's paint.

Self-Service Car Washes: These allow you to clean your car yourself using a variety of tools and cleaning solutions. The safety here is largely in your hands. Using the correct products and techniques can keep your car's finish safe. The downside is that if you're not careful, you could potentially damage your car's paint or trim.

Touchless Car Washes: These are becoming increasingly popular and are generally considered safer for your car's finish. As you mentioned, they use only high-pressure water jets and detergents to clean the car without physically touching it. This eliminates the risk of scratches from brushes or other physical contact. However, the effectiveness of a touchless car wash can be dependent on the pressure and the quality of the detergents used.

Now, let's address some common concerns:


1. Paint Damage: The biggest concern with car washes is potential paint damage. Abrasives can scratch, and even soft brushes can cause swirl marks if not used correctly. Touchless car washes mitigate this risk, but it's essential to ensure that the detergents used are safe for your car's paint.


2. Undercarriage Cleaning: Some car washes offer undercarriage cleaning, which can be beneficial but also risky. High-pressure water can dislodge debris that might cause damage if not properly drained or if it gets lodged in sensitive areas.


3. Sealant and Wax: If your car is coated with a protective sealant or wax, these can provide an additional layer of protection against potential damage from car washes. However, it's still important to ensure that the car wash practices are safe to maintain the integrity of this protective layer.


4. Regular Maintenance: Car washes should be regularly maintained to ensure that brushes are in good condition and that the cleaning solutions are effective and safe. This is particularly important for automatic car washes.


5. Environmental Impact: While not directly related to safety, the environmental impact of a car wash is also a consideration. Touchless car washes, for example, can be more water-efficient and thus more environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, car washes can be safe for your car's finish and overall health when they employ proper practices and equipment. It's important to choose a reputable car wash that uses safe materials and maintains its equipment regularly. Touchless car washes are generally considered safer due to the lack of physical contact with the car, but even here, the quality of the detergents and the pressure of the water jets are crucial factors. Always do your research and, if possible, observe the car wash in action before entrusting your vehicle to it.

Some older car washes still use abrasive brushes (instead of cloth), which can leave small scratches in a car's finish. ... Another safe(r) bet is the touchless car wash, using only high-pressure water jets and detergents to clean the car -C without physically touching the car.Apr 10, 2018