Touchless Car Washes vs. Traditional Wash Methods
No-touch car washes use less water but may be less effective. Touchless washes cause more wear on sealants or ceramic coatings than pH balanced washes. The cloth strips in a brushless wash are gentle, reducing paint damage. Touchless washes replace friction with high pressure and harsh detergents to break down grime, potentially scratching paint or damaging clear coat. Touchless washes have zero contact with the car.
Does Touchless Car Wash Damage Paint?
Touchless car washes can damage paint due to high-pressure water and harsh detergents. The pressure can cause paint scuffing and swirl marks, wearing away protection over time. Despite being generally safer than other automated car washes, touchless washes are not completely risk-free.
Preventing Paint Damage
Hand washing is the safest option to prevent scratches and clear coat damage. Touchless washes, while gentle on paintwork, use high-pressure water that can still cause damage. Proper techniques and equipment can help minimize potential paint damage. Automatic car washes can scratch paint, especially for larger vehicles closer to equipment, and should be used cautiously to maintain a car’s value.