What to Look For in a Car Wash
A car wash is a type of facility where cars are washed to remove dirt, grime, and other environmental contaminants. They also clean the interior and apply a coat of wax to protect the paint.
The industry of car washing is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, primarily because of increasing demand for new vehicles and an expanding economy. As a result, the total number of car washes in the United States increased by nearly 10% in 2017.
There are many different types of car wash establishments, from basic and full-service to self-service and automated. Each method offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
When shopping for a car wash, the most important thing to consider is quality of the products and services offered. Ask questions about the type of cleaning process and the materials used in the equipment. The car wash should not use abrasive sponges that can cause damage to your car’s finish.
The best hand-washing methods remove dirt from the surface of your car by scrubbing it with a soft sponge and water, rather than using a brush to scratch and remove debris. However, some companies use scrubbing brushes that are not properly maintained and can leave scratches on the vehicle’s finish.
Using a car wash with high-quality soaps can help you avoid swirls and other damage to your vehicle’s finish. This is because dedicated carwash soaps can remove contaminants from your paint without stripping away existing wax or polish.
Some of these products also contain additives that can add an extra layer of protection to your paint, like UV inhibitors and silicone. These aren’t substitutes for a thorough wax job, but they can be an effective tool to keep your car looking its best.
There are many types of rinseless and waterless wash products on the market, including pre-soaks and spray-on washes. Some detailers prefer the “Garry Dean Method” where you soak a panel with a pre-soak, then spray it with a rinseless wash product and then use a wringed-out microfiber towel to clean it. You then repeat the process on another panel until all the areas have been wiped down and dried.
These rinseless washes can be very effective if they are performed by an experienced and knowledgeable professional. Some auto-parts stores sell rinseless wash products and they are usually less expensive than traditional washes.
Rinseless washes are especially effective on hard-to-reach areas of the car, like underneath or in the wheel wells. These spots are hit with more dirt and grime than other parts of the car, so they require extra attention to get clean.
The best carwashes employ trained professionals, who use quality car wash supplies and a thorough eye to remove every last bit of grime. They also follow best practices in rinsing their sponges and microfiber towels after each use, which helps to eliminate the potential for latent abrasives to stick to your vehicle’s finish.
If you’re looking for a car wash that is affordable and uses top-quality supplies, look for a place that advertises its prices to be no higher than ten to fifteen dollars per vehicle. If a company is offering a car wash for fewer than that, they may be cutting corners to stay competitive.