Episode #8: The Dirty Truth About Automatic Car Washes

Emily - Beyond The Gloss
Aug 13
2 min read

They’re quick. They’re convenient. They promise a spotless finish in minutes. But here’s the reality: automatic car washes can do more harm than good - and yes, even the ones that call themselves contactless.

The Big Problem: Contact Isn’t Always Visible

When most people think “automatic car wash damage,” they picture the giant spinning brushes. And yes

, those can scratch your paint - but contactless isn’t always as safe as it sounds.

Many so-called “touch-free” washes use:

High-pressure water so strong it can force dirt across your paint like sandpaper
Harsh chemicals to compensate for the lack of brushes - often stripping wax and protective coatings
Shared rinse water that may contain grit and minerals

In short: no brushes doesn’t mean no damage.

The Science of Swirls

Your car’s paint is made up of layers, and the clear coat is your first line of defence. When grit gets rubbed or blasted across the surface, it leaves micro-scratches. Individually, they’re hard to see to the naked eye. But under sunlight? They show up as those ugly spider-web looking swirl marks.

Hidden Trouble Spots

Automatic car washes rarely clean:

Door shuts
Behind fuel caps
Inside wheel arches
Around badges and trims

That dirt stays behind - and over time, it can cause staining, corrosion, and rust.

Why Proper Detailing Wins

At RS Valeting, we:

Use pH-neutral shampoos that protect your wax or ceramic coating
Wash with clean microfibres and separate buckets for wheels and bodywork
Dry with plush towels to avoid water spots
Pay attention to every detail - even the bits you don’t see every day

The Verdict

Automatic car washes might save you 10 minutes, but they could cost you hundreds in paint correction later. If you want your car to stay looking its best, the safest wash is a proper hand detail with the right tools, products & techniques.