Rethinking the costs of automated car washes

As car prices surge for both new and used models, individuals are reevaluating their maintenance choices. A startling report from the Carwash Association indicates that 4.4 million cars are damaged by automated car washes every year. Let's delve deeper into why consumers are shifting away from quick car wash options in favor of specialized detailing services.

Most people turn to online searches like "car washes near me" for a swift and budget-friendly car cleaning solution. Typically, they end up at an automated car wash, spending anywhere from $5 to $40. Afterward, many still find themselves doing the inside cleaning. Repeated monthly, these costs add up and can lead to potential car value depreciation.

The brief moment of satisfaction as colorful foam, flashing LED lights, and robust brushes promise a dirt-free and protected car might be misleading. In reality, automated washes often leave behind dirt patches untouched by brushes. Many have experienced damages – from uncleaned door jams, wiper blades being torn off, to scratches from dirty brushes. Despite these issues, the allure of a momentarily gleaming car keeps customers coming back.

But why this repetitive cycle? Have you ever pondered the actual cost of this frequent cleaning, both monetarily and in terms of wear on your car? On average, car washes service 400 vehicles a day - that's nearly one car every two minutes. Imagine the contamination transferred from those brushes to your car. These brushes act like sandpaper, and the aggressive acid-based cleaning chemicals can erode your car's protective layers. Many don't even consider if the chemicals used are of the right concentration or if harmful abrasives are involved.

Yet, many individuals annually spend around $500, unknowingly allowing their vehicles to be degraded by businesses more focused on profits than quality. This not only leads to hefty repair bills but also reduces the car's overall value.