Car washing methods all have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages; automatic car washes offer quicker results if that is what you prefer.
But for an in-depth clean, manual washing may be your best bet.
Cost
Handwashes may cost as much or more than automatic car washes depending on your chosen service level and level of quality of care you require, since hand washing requires dedicating both your time and money in addition to purchasing high-grade cleaning products and soap. Automated car washes tend to cost less as they are an efficient means of vehicle cleansing.
An eco-friendly approach should always be adopted when cleaning vehicles manually, while modern automatic car wash systems utilize standardised water usage with advanced water recycling technologies which drastically decrease water usage while using low flow nozzles and pumps to maximize cleaning effectiveness while optimizing water consumption.
Manual car washing can also damage its paint job with too much scrubbing, while modern auto wash methods provide outstanding results without leaving behind scratches or other forms of damage to its finish. Sponges and brushes become filthy in no time at all – collecting tiny particles of dirt, paint chippings, debris from previous cleaning sessions that leave permanent scratches or even sandpaper-like effects in its wake. By contrast, manual methods of car wash damage its body paint significantly more quickly.
Convenience
An automatic car wash offers you maximum convenience. Not only can it get your vehicle clean quickly and efficiently in minutes, but its water efficiency makes it a top pick too – many recycle and purify used water through advanced filtration systems to significantly lower usage levels and overall water consumption.
Washing your car manually takes much more time and muscle power, possibly leading to fatigue and potential damage if done incorrectly. Furthermore, manual car washes may require special tools and cleaners which are more costly than their automated counterparts.
Though hand washing does have its disadvantages, some car enthusiasts enjoy hand washing for its emotional satisfaction and connection to their vehicles. They find comfort in meditative process of cleansing their cars while creating a bond with them. Furthermore, using natural soaps and cleaners may be better for both their vehicle and environment.
At its core, choosing an auto car wash depends on personal preference and an intelligent balancing of cost, convenience and conscience. While an automated car wash may work for most vehicles, luxury models require expert handwashing to preserve their pristine look and extend lifespan. Piazza Subaru wants you to know that when visiting an automatic car wash during COVID-19 pandemic period you are supporting local small businesses while helping your community flourish!
Environment
Manual car washes tend to take more time and be less efficient than automated ones; however, they provide more comprehensive cleaning of hard-to-reach places on your vehicle and may even be more eco-friendly.
An automatic car wash may have the reputation of harming the environment due to all its machines, but modern versions are very eco-friendly and employ technologies which have come a long way toward not negatively affecting our planet.
Some automatic car washes even go as far as recycling the water they use for car washing – sometimes up to 90%! Reclaiming and treating used water before reuse helps significantly lower overall water consumption while protecting the environment. This reduces wasteful consumption.
Though modern automatic car washes have come a long way in terms of technology, there remain some safety issues attached to them. Brushes and jets within these automatic washes may cause scratches or damages to your paint job and components if not properly protected; for this reason it is essential to read your owner manual regarding correct washing and protection methods as well as turning off all safety systems so they do not activate and trigger beeps or flashing lights during a car wash session.
Safety
No matter if you choose an automatic or manual car wash, it’s vital to follow basic safety guidelines. Some equipment can cause irreparable damage to your car when used incorrectly, including high-pressure water jets and harsh chemicals. One effective way of protecting against damage is applying ceramic coating or paint sealant prior to going through automated wash processes.
However, many automatic washes use hard brushes which can damage the body paint of your vehicle if you own a wide or extended vehicle, such as a truck or SUV. As an alternative, soft brush cleaning methods offer more gentle care while providing a thorough clean.
Most automatic car washes are designed to reduce water usage, making them more eco-friendly than hand washing. Furthermore, many of these washes use eco-friendly soaps and cleaning products which help minimize environmental pollution.
However, when using a conveyor tunnel car wash it’s crucial not to brake during the wash – this could result in serious damage to your car’s body, wheels and engine. Furthermore, keeping both hands on the wheel at all times and remaining in control of your vehicle at all times are key if your car has an auto start/stop feature, which should be disabled before entering a car wash.