If you love keeping your car’s exterior as pristine as possible, routine washing is essential. Car washes can remove the dust, dirt, and grime picked up on the road and leave your vehicle looking shiny and new. However, not all car washing methods are created equal. Explore the most common dangers of automatic car washes so you can make the safest, most effective cleaning decision for your vehicle.
Scratched Paint
When you drive your car through an automatic car wash, you run the risk of damaging the paint or scratching the finish. Although most establishments use high-quality brushes, dirt and debris can still accumulate on the equipment over time.
The grit and unpleasant residue from the brushes can glide against your car’s finish and cause paint scratching or transfer. And during the winter, when the roads are often sprinkled with salt to combat any ice, there’s a higher possibility of automatic car wash damage due to salt accumulation.
Broken Windshield Wipers
Another common danger of automatic car washes is broken or bent windshield wipers. When you drive through the car wash, it’s quite a jarring experience for your vehicle. Those powerful brushes and forceful water jets can potentially wreak havoc.
Windshield wipers can easily break or become dislodged when you utilize an automatic car wash, so proceed with caution. And if you have rain-sensing wipers that automatically turn on when precipitation occurs, it’s important to take extra care. Be sure your wipers are turned off before you enter the car wash to avoid unwanted damage.
Damaged Wheels
Wheel damage is another danger to look out for if you frequent automatic car washes. Since your wheels meet a motorized track, there’s always the possibility of dents or scratches to the finish. Plus, you can misalign your wheels if you don’t drive onto the track properly; the conveyor is constantly moving, so it’s important to center your vehicle as best you can to avoid wheel damage.
If you have lower-profile tires or your vehicle is wider than the average car, you’re more likely to experience difficulties with an automatic track. Always confirm the car wash is designed to handle the unique features and capabilities of your vehicle before entering.
To avoid any potential headaches that come with using an automatic car wash, turn to the professionals at Owner’s Pride for all your auto detailing needs. We provide a variety of hand wash options so you won’t have to worry about vehicle damage. Our full-service car wash in Omaha will make your car sparkle and shine—contact us today to learn more!