Are Drive-Through Car Washes Safe For your Paint Job?

hen you’re little, playing in water can be fun and washing a car can be a real treat. However, when you’re older, taking your car to a professional car wash can be even more fun. It’s easy, inexpensive and saves you a lot of time. However, many people wonder if professional car washes are safe for your automobile’s paint job. After all, cars cost a lot of money and no one wants to harm their automobile’s paint finish. Well, the good news is that they are. In fact, drive through car washes might even be safer than hand washing.

According to a recent study conducted by the University of Texas, “a single home hand-wash can leave scratches in your finish as deep as 1/10 of the paints total thickness. Also, the average garden hose cannot supply enough water and water pressure with the detergent action to avoid damaging a vehicle's finish.” Another benefit is that professional car washes are gentler to auto finishes than the hose-and-bucket method, and the cleaning solutions that professional car washes use are specially formulated to clean and protect car finishes. In fact, many of the sponges that car owners use when washing their cars at home can actually scratch the car's surface. Therefore, recent research suggests, “Automobile owners should avoid washing their vehicles at home. This is because “only a professional car wash can provide the proper amounts of water and water pressure needed along with the appropriate soaps and waxes to safely and effectively clean your vehicle.”

By getting your car washed by a professional drive through car wash, you will be doing your car a big favor. Not only will you protect the surface from acid rain, falling leaves, dead bugs, tar, and other airborne debris that will erode your auto finish, but also such treatments can also further protect your car against rust and corrosion from the inside out. Plus, regular and professional washing and waxing will help maintain your car's overall appearance and help retain the value of your car.

In conclusion, drive-through car washes are definitely safe for your paint job and should be utilized as much as you possibly can. Because the price of a carwash (usually $10.00 or less) is a small price to pay for piece of mind and an unscratched paint finish.

Also see:

Your Car's Exterior

A Bucket, Soapy Water & Elbow Grease-Cleaning The Exterior -great how-to tips for getting rid of the grime on your auto.

Choosing a “Plastic Surgeon” for your Car -had an accident and need a body shop? Learn the questions to ask.

Goodyear Introduces Run-Flat Tires -wouldn't it be great to have a flat and safely drive on it another 50 miles?

How to Repair a Damaged Finish on Wheels -wheels looking less than you'd like? Learn how to cheaply repair them.

This webpage is brought to you for general information purposes only and there are no warranties as to accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information posted on this or any linked website.

Home