Touchless Car Wash: Is This Best Way to Clean Your Car?

When it comes to keeping your SUV clean and shiny, you might wonder if a touchless car wash is a better option than a regular car wash. While both methods have their pros and cons, it’s essential to understand how they differ and how they might affect your vehicle’s paint and finish.

In this article, we will compare touchless and regular car washes to help you make an informed decision.

Touchless Car Wash

A touchless car wash uses high-pressure water jets and detergents to clean your car without any physical contact. This method has several advantages:

Pros of using Touchless Car Washers

1. No physical contact: Since there are no brushes or cloth strips touching your car, the risk of scratching or damaging the paint is minimized.
2. Gentle on paint: Touchless car washes are especially suitable for newer SUV models with delicate paint jobs or clear coats.
3. Less water usage: Some touchless car washes use less water than traditional car washes, making them a more eco-friendly option.

Cons of using Touchless Car Washers

However, touchless car washes have some drawbacks:

1. Less thorough cleaning: Since there’s no physical contact, some dirt and grime might not be removed entirely, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
2. Higher cost: Touchless car washes can be more expensive than regular car washes due to the specialized equipment and chemicals used.

Regular Car Wash (touch based)

A regular car wash, also known as a friction or soft-touch car wash, uses brushes or cloth strips to physically clean your vehicle. The benefits of regular car washes include:

Pros of using regular Car Washers

1. Thorough cleaning: The physical contact between the brushes or cloth strips and your car’s surface ensures that dirt and grime are effectively removed.
2. Lower cost: Regular car washes are generally more affordable than touchless car washes.

Cons of using regular Car Washers

1. Risk of scratches: The brushes or cloth strips can cause micro-scratches on your car’s paint, especially if they’re not well-maintained or if dirt gets trapped in the material.
2. Potential damage: Some car washes use harsh chemicals that could damage your car’s paint, trim, or rubber seals.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between a touchless car wash and a regular car wash ultimately depends on your preferences and your vehicle’s specific needs. If you’re concerned about protecting your car’s paint and finish, a touchless car wash might be the better option. However, if you want a more thorough cleaning at a lower cost, a regular car wash could be more suitable.

In any case, it’s essential to choose a reputable car wash facility with well-maintained equipment and trained staff. Regularly washing and maintaining your SUV can help preserve its value and keep it looking great for years to come.

For more information on SUV maintenance and care, check out our SUV blog for expert advice and the latest news on your favorite SUV models.

Main image courtesy: Robowash