Are Automatic Carwashes Safe?

If you’re short on time, your local drive-thru carwash might seem like a fast and easy way to clean up your vehicle. What many drivers don’t realize is that the abrasive brushes, harsh chemicals, and incomplete rinsing that come with automatic carwashes can do more harm than good. 

At ATD Detailing, we’ve seen too many trips through the carwash (even the “touchless” kind) end in damaged paint and compromised protective coatings. Here’s why the convenience just isn’t worth the risk.

Dirty Carwash Brushes

The spinning brushes and hanging cloth strips in soft-touch carwashes don’t get cleaned thoroughly between uses. If you’re aware of the importance of the two-bucket system for handwashing, the problem is clear: grit, dirt, and road debris from every vehicle that has gone ahead of you will be dragged across your paint as you pass through. 

To make matters worse, it’s impossible to know how well the bay has been maintained. When brushes and agitators start to break down, exposed metal components can leave your car with deep scratches and dents — and you with little recourse for the damage. 

Harsh Automotive Cleaning Chemicals

To clean as many cars as quickly as possible, automatic carwashes use strong chemicals designed to strip away grime fast. Unfortunately, those same cleaners can also break down wax, sealants, and paint protection, leaving your vehicle vulnerable to oxidation and UV damage. 

Professionally installed paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coatings come with specific aftercare instructions to ensure their longevity.  If your vehicle comes into contact with chemicals outside of the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can drastically shorten the lifespan of your protection or even void your warranty. 

Reclaimed Water

The water used in automatic carwashes is often reclaimed and may not be properly filtered. This means that you could wash your car only to rinse it with sediment-heavy or contaminated water that leaves residue behind.

Automatic washes rarely dry your car thoroughly, and if mineral-rich water is left behind, the result is unsightly water spots. Over time, these deposits can etch into the clear coat, causing permanent damage that can only be removed through professional paint correction.

Why “Touchless” Doesn’t Mean “Risk Free”

Touchless carwashes might sound like a safer alternative since you don’t have to worry about brushes and agitators making contact with your paint. However, to make up for the lack of friction, touchless bays rely on very high water pressure and acidic or alkaline chemicals. 

These cleaning products carry the same risks as those used in standard automatic carwashes and can cause streaking, clouding, and degradation with repeated use. 

Avoid the Carwash and Protect Your Paint

The way you clean and care for your vehicle makes a dramatic difference in the lifespan of your paint protection, the health of your paint, and ultimately, your overall resale value. 

Skip the automatic carwash and avoid the unnecessary risk. 

Use Proper Washing Techniques

For home washing, choose microfiber cloths, use only manufacturer-approved cleaning products, and always keep your wash and rinse water separate. 

If you haven’t already done so, investing in ceramic coating is a great way to protect your paint and keep the washing process gentle by preventing dirt and grime from adhering to your car’s surface. 

Maintain Your Ceramic Coating with Annual Inspections

Keep your paint protection going strong with annual maintenance visits. While automatic carwashes compromise your ceramic coating, ATD’s detailing experts are here to extend its life by removing built-up contaminants and boosting its hydrophobic properties. 

Trust Professional Detailing

If you’re short on time or just want a deeper clean, professional automotive detailing is a great way to get your vehicle looking its best. Periodic detailing is important for the areas of your car that are often overlooked during regular washes, and it can help arrest damage before it becomes an unsightly problem. 

Good maintenance practices can’t compete with automatic carwashes when it comes to speed, but their results speak for themselves over time.