Tips for Using Automatic Car Washes: What You Need to Know

An automatic car wash is convenient and affordable. That doesn’t necessarily mean using one is a good idea. Can an automatic car wash damage your car? Absolutely. An automatic touchless car wash is generally the best and safest way to clean your vehicle unless you want to wash it by hand. You will pay more and wait longer for your car to appear clean and tidy with handwashing by a professional detailer, but the proof is in the results.

What to Know Before Using an Automatic Car Wash

Before using an automatic car wash, check out how the system operates. There are two primary types of automatic car washes. The brush system can cause damage to your car, while an automatic touchless car wash, usually laser-based, should clean your vehicle without potential harm.

If an automated car wash causes damage, your comprehensive or collision insurance coverage may cover it. However, whether automatic car wash damage is covered depends on your policy and the circumstances.

Always remember to check your car carefully before and after the automatic car wash. If you notice any post-wash damage, it's crucial to inform the manager immediately. The automatic car wash might be liable for damage if it fails to follow standards or improperly maintains its equipment. However, the driver is typically responsible if the damage occurred because they didn’t follow the car wash's instructions.

Car Paint Scratches and Damage

Can an automatic car wash damage paint? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. This happens most often with a brush car wash system. The brushes are abrasive, but minor damage to the car’s paint isn’t always apparent after the car wash. Over time, minor damage can cause paint chipping, corrosion, and a significant repair bill.

While brushes do a better job of cleaning overall, touchless car washes are unlikely to scratch or otherwise damage your car’s exterior.

Alignment Issues

Using an automatic car wash involves driving your vehicle onto a conveyor belt before the process. Misaligning your car when driving it onto the conveyor belt can cause issues with your tires or steering. Keep in mind that the automated car wash’s conveyor belts could be out of alignment, which only increases the potential for wheel or tire calibration problems.

Broken or Damaged Rearview Mirrors

You should fold your side mirrors before entering the automatic car wash. If you forget to do so, your rearview mirrors could be broken or damaged.

Bent or Broken Windshield Wipers

If not turned off during an automatic car wash, windshield wipers may suffer the same fate as rearview mirrors. While most motorists don’t wash their cars when it rains, there’s always the possibility of forgetting to turn them off in light rain and ending up with broken or bent windshield wipers.

Damage to Rims and Wheels

The brushes used in an automatic car wash could be strong enough to take off wheel covers and scratch or damage rims and wheels, but much depends on the rim design and type. Rims made of aluminum are softer and more vulnerable to damage.

Windshield Damage or Cracks

The good news is that an automatic car wash is unlikely to damage your windshield — unless a small crack or damage is already present. If you didn’t notice that small crack, putting your car through an automated car wash increases the chance that you’ll certainly notice it once the car wash ends.

Interior Car Cleaning

An automatic car wash seldom provides thorough, deep interior cleaning. For that reason, head to a professional detailer if the inside of your vehicle needs a good cleaning.

More Damage Than Good?

For most motorists, you may want to think twice before going through an automatic car wash, even if covered by an insurance policy. An automated car wash does not clean nearly as effectively as a handwash. Besides paint damage, there’s always the chance of the harsh brushes causing dents and dings that you may not notice right away. If you don’t spot the damage immediately, returning to the automatic car wash a few days later to speak to the manager does little good. That time lapse means the manager will almost certainly deny any automatic car wash damage claims.