What to Consider When Choosing a Car Wash

Make sure you protect your investment by cleaning your car on a regular basis. Going to a commercial car wash could reduce time, effort, and even wear and tear on them.

Modern cars require regular care to ensure they look at their best. Regular cleaning, polishing, and waxing will keep your vehicle in good condition but improves the value of your car when you finally sell it. How often you wash it will depend on where the car is parked, the amount and where you travel, and the weather conditions. In general, you should clean your car every 2 to 3 weeks, cleanse the interior once a month, and apply wax every three months.

Pro Car Wash versus DIY Car Wash

A lot of people opt to use a professional or commercial car wash to cut down on energy and time. Many people do not have the space to wash their vehicles. The DIY method certainly helps save money and also allows for the greatest attention to detail, if that's your style.

However, DIY may damage your car's surface if not careful. This is especially important when selecting products and cleaning supplies. Doing car washes yourself can result in water waste and release potentially harmful substances into the surrounding. If you're really looking to tackle it on your own, self-service car wash facilities offer an acceptable compromise that is safe for the environment as well as your pocketbook.

A professional car wash adheres to environmental laws and recycles the grey water that is used for the washing. A reliable operator employs the right cleaning products that are applied in the proper sequence. Perhaps most important, a reputable car wash employs the right products to clean your vehicle while avoiding hard fibers and dirt build-up that could dull and scratch the paint.

Types of Car Washes

Commercial car washes are made up of at least one of the following:

• Self-serve kiosks are accessible by coin or credit card. This gives DIYers the chance to select and carry out desired cleaning choices.

• Automated wash without touch. The driver is inside the vehicle as the blowers and jets apply cleansers, scrub surfaces, and then blow dries. They eliminate friction caused by brushes; however, they increase the effectiveness of the chemicals.

• Soft-touch washing is automated. The driver remains inside the vehicle as cloth brushes distribute milder cleaners.

• Hand wash and manual. Drivers relax in a waiting area while employees clean each surface of the vehicle.

• Hybrid/semi-automated wash. The driver will exit the car, which is routed through a washing sequence. The car is then cleaned with attention to detail by hand and/or by hand drying.

The Best Car Wash

As per the trade publication, an expert hand wash provides the highest quality of cleaning, per se. The best wash for you will depend on the goals you have set. If you want to reduce environmental impact, soft-touch could be your preferred option. If you are looking to minimize wear on your car's finish, a touchless could be the right choice for you. If you'd like the car to look like new and want detailing alternatives, consider the option of a hand wash.

Is tipping necessary?

Is tipping a requirement? Many would argue that it is contingent on the quality of the service. Others argue that a lack of tipping takes away workers' base salary. Both are true, but only a little.