Will a car wash hurt your car's finish?

Sadly, the answer is potentially yes. While some types of car washes are worse than others, any time you wash your car—even if you are carefully hand washing it—you are essentially applying an abrasive and/or harsh chemicals to the paint finish and the risk of swirls and scratches in the finish is always there.

Do car washes really damage your car?

In fact, automatic car washes and cleaning bays are one of the most common culprits of minor damage on a car or truck's clear coat or paintwork. While many automatic car washes are clean and safe, even minor issues at these kinds of facilities can result in scratches and abrasions in your vehicle's finishes.

Do automatic car washes really damage paint?

'Automatic car washes, as much as they are convenient, are abrading your paintwork because the brushes used aren't properly maintained,' Damon says. 'These machines are essentially like slapping your car with a dirty mop, causing hundreds of deep micro scratches called swirl marks.

How can I wash my car without damaging the paint?

Don't use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, or glass cleaner on the paint. These aren't formulated for use on a car's paint and may strip off the protective wax. Do use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint.

What are the disadvantages of a car wash?

Sometimes older and worn-out equipment in automatic car washing leaves watermarks on the vehicle's body upon air drying. This can make your vehicle look dirty even after you've just given it a thorough clean. The water spots could remain on your car for years.

Will a Car Wash Hurt Your Car's Finish?

How often should you not wash your car?

As a general rule of thumb, you should wash your vehicle every two weeks. That is if you're not driving down dirt roads daily or in an area where salt is used on the highways. This is under normal wear and tear circumstances.

Why you shouldn't wash your car everyday?

Washing a car every day might not be bad for the vehicle, but it could increase the chances of scratching the paint or causing another issue. Plus, washing a car every day might mean that the owner washes their car before it rains or snows. Paying for a daily car wash also could become extremely expensive.

What is the best type of car wash to use?

Method #1: Handwash

Ask any detailing expert and they'll tell you the safest way to wash your car is a handwash.

What's the best thing to wash your car with?

What can I use instead of car wash?

Mild laundry detergent can get rid of almost any dirt or grime on your vehicle (as it should, considering it's the stuff we rely on to clean our clothes). As with regular dish soap, you'll need to dilute the formula down significantly before applying it to your vehicle.

Is hand car wash better than machine?

As long as you know what you're doing, hand washes typically do a much better job of cleaning the vehicle. If you're willing to spend the proper time, you'll likely be able to remove more dirt and grime compared to an automatic wash.

How often should I wash my car?

According to Ganther, if the weather's not too harsh where you live, washing your vehicle every two weeks is a good rule of thumb. However, if you apply a coat of wax at the end of each cleaning session, you may be able to wash it less often.

What is the safest automatic car wash?

Touchless car wash

With a “touchless” automatic wash, no brushes or bristles are used to clean your car. Pressurized air and high-pressure water are used instead of harsh chemicals to clean the cars. It seems to be a game-changer for auto washes in general.

Should I avoid automatic car washes?

Most automatic car washes are bad for your paint. The brushes are violent and full of contaminants which can cause damage. Touch-free car washes are much safer in terms of scratches, but can still wreak havoc on your wax, sealant, or ceramic coating. A traditional hand wash is always safer.

Should you rinse car before washing?

First, remove as much mud and dirt from your car's exterior with a water hose or high-pressure car-wash hose. This will make sure that the dirt on your car's surface isn't ground into the paint job, creating scratches and swirls. After you've rinsed off the car, it's time to prep your cleaning buckets.

What is the cheapest way to wash your car?

An at-home car wash is by far the most affordable option on the list. That being said, some people don't have the space or means to wash their cars at home. If that's the case for you, any of the above options will suffice. However, if you do have the space, then you'll need a few basic tools to get you going.

Is it OK to wash your car once a week?

While washing your car improperly can damage it, washing it as often as you'd like won't hurt your vehicle, even if you do it every week. Keep in mind, however, that if you wax your car you may need to reapply that wax after each wash depending on how well it holds up.

Why is it better to hand wash your car?

A hand car wash offers a thorough cleaning that automatic washes just can't deliver. Additionally, getting your car washed by hand helps protect your paint, increasing its longevity and integrity over time. Often times, spots of dirt or debris are missed in the washing process and then sealed over with wax or polish.

Can I wash my car with just water?

Water alone can wash your car and remove dirt and light debris from its surface. However, studies have shown that soaps and detergents are better at cleaning cars than just water.

Is it OK to wash car once a month?

If your car spends most of its time sitting in a garage with only a handful of trips a week, it's safe to wash your car once a month. However, if you're driving your car to work every day along with side errands, your car will need more frequent washes.

Should I wax my car after every wash?

Standard Carnauba based waxes only last on average 1-2 months so it is recommended to use a more durable ceramic or polymer based car wax. Do you have to wax your car every time you wash it? No, not if you use the correct car soaps and cleaners.

What happens if you wash your car too much?

Signs of Over Washing

Washing too much can also result in a dull, faded sheen to your car's finish. While your car's paint is designed to hold up under normal weather circumstances, repeated and constant cleaning, such as regular hand washes, can cause your car's finish to wear down quicker.

Is touchless or brush car wash better?

Even with the softest microfiber wash mitt and car wash soap with high lubricity, you'd probably be surprised to know that a touchless wash is the better option. Any amount of friction and physical contact will wear away ceramic coatings or wax protection over time.

What time is best to wash a car?

Time of Day – Avoid the Sun and Conserve Water

If possible, we recommend washing your car early in the morning, before 10 AM, or in the afternoons after 4 PM. Alternatively, you could wash your vehicle in your garage, carport, or another shaded area.

Should I wash my car in the rain?

Over time, these products require repeated applications so they're actually most effective as soon as they're applied. Getting a car wash in the rain is therefore the most effective time to clean your vehicle and prepare it for the conditions it will immediately encounter.