While different things will factor into how often you wash your car, one rule of thumb is to do so every two weeks or twice a month. Depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and the types of roads you drive on, twice a month might not be enough to keep your car clean.
Around Seven in 10 Wash Their Cars Once or Twice a Month
One source online says nearly seven in 10 U.S. car owners get their vehicles washed once or twice monthly — and that around 38 gallons of water are used every time a car is washed.
But whatever you do — avoid automatic car washes. They’re convenient, yes. However, consider these 15 reasons to give them a wide berth and get your vehicle cleaned elsewhere.
Risk of Leaving Lighter Than You Went In
Automatic car washes use brushes that spin to help clean vehicles. But with the fierce agitation of these brushes, something’s got to give. Unfortunately, some car owners leave lighter — and not just in the pocket — than they arrived. That can happen if the brushes — spinning with forceful intensity — assault your car and break off trim pieces, roof racks, or other things.
Risk of Scratched Paint
Another reason to be wary of automatic car washes is the risk of scratched paint. Depending on the abrasive materials used to scrub your car, the paint might get roughed up. Modern automatic car washes are better in that regard. But there are still a lot of older automatic car washes with ancient equipment that will be hard on your car’s exterior.
Risk of Incomplete Service
If you want the works, a professional detailer can clean the interior, exterior paint, tires, rims, door jams, and all other components. But automatic car washes won’t offer that level of detailing. It might give you results that leave you less than thrilled.
Risk of Improper Drying
Another risk of taking your car to an automatic car wash is improper drying. If the drying is incomplete, your vehicle may leave the facility with aesthetically unappealing water spots. That may not bother you, but it’ll drive some motorists bonkers.
Risk of Destroying Wax Coating
Some people think a brushless automatic car wash is better than one that uses brushes. And in some ways, it is. But brushless automatic car washes hurling water like a cannonball out of a cannon at your car. Unfortunately, that can strip away wax or sealants you need to maintain your vehicle’s finish. You’ll have to get it waxed all over again — costing you more time and money.
Risk of Harsh Chemicals
While not all automatic car washes use harsh chemicals, some do. Unless you know for certain, it’s best to assume that the one you patronize uses cheap cleaning agents. Harsh chemicals can damage your car’s clear coat, wax, plastic trim, and other things. If you insist on going to an automatic car wash, visit an establishment that uses non-toxic or harsh cleaning chemicals.
Risk of Poor Environmental Measures
One reason to wash your vehicle independently is to ensure it’s done in an environmentally responsible way. You can’t guarantee that an automatic car wash is going by the book. It might cut corners and improperly dispose of wastewater. That can negatively impact the environment.
Risk of an Incomplete Job
Another reason to stay away from automatic car washes is that there’s always the risk of missed areas — and it almost always happens. An automated system makes it easy to get a decent wash, sure. But one of the downsides is the possibility of missed spots. After the washing and drying stages, you might still see caked-on dirt on the bumper, wheel wells, and other areas.
Risk of Hard Brushes
Older automatic car washes may use brushes as gentle as a bull in a china shop. But if the brushes are too sturdy or rigid, they can do a number on your vehicle’s exterior.
Risk of Smudges
No one wants to pay for a car wash and exit with a vehicle that has smears and smudges. Yet that’s what can happen if you visit an automatic car wash. You could see signs of smudges and smears on the panels, glass, and elsewhere. It might leave you wondering why you even bothered going to the automatic car wash instead of doing it yourself.
Risk of Missing the Undercarriage
Remember that not all automatic car washes give the undercarriage a good scrub and wash. Some might do a good job, but it’s not a given. And failing to get that area of the vehicle taken care of will cause problems down the road.
Risk of Poor Customer Service
What happens if you go to an automatic car wash and aren’t happy with the results? The owner might not be receptive to your complaints — if there’s even an owner on site. You might have a case of buyer’s remorse without the opportunity to talk to someone face-to-face.
Risk of Choosing the Wrong One
Some automatic car washes are better than others. But choosing one can be like rolling dice and hoping for the best. Do you want to gamble with your time and money? Considering the potential downsides, you’ll want to check online reviews or ask people you know for recommendations if you wish to get your vehicle cleaned at an automatic car wash.
Risk of Paying More Than It’s Worth
Time is money. If your time is too valuable to spend in the driveway washing your vehicle, having someone else do the job might make sense. But you’ll be happier with the results if you hire a professional detailer who’ll thoroughly clean it by hand.
Risk of Equipment Malfunction
Automatic car washes can experience equipment failure — machines can break down, after all. You don’t want your vehicle to be damaged if that happens. If one of those brushes decides to teach your car a lesson, you could go home with a busted antenna and manhandled mirrors.
Avoid Automatic Car Washes (If You Love Your Vehicle)
For these reasons, you should think twice before taking your vehicle to an automatic car wash. But if, despite these warnings, you decide to throw caution to the wind, take the time to research options in the area that might not do a number on your car.
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