For the last few years, I’ve had the luxury of time to hand wash my car. But when my life was more hectic, I relied heavily on touchless car washes, which are fast and affordable.
“You get a clean car inside and out that is not too expensive, and you do not have to get wet and dirty doing it,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, a master certified technician with JustAnswer. “But, I personally like to hand wash my car, more so for the reason of being able to look it over well for signs of things needing attention now or later.”
On the downside, touchless car washes use harsh chemicals and usually don’t get things as squeaky clean as other methods. So, when you’re in need of a car wash, here’s how to choose if and when a touchless car wash is the right choice for your vehicle.
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What Is a Touchless Car Wash?
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A touchless car wash is an automated washing system for the exterior of your car. It uses high-pressure water jets and specialized concentrated detergents to clean the vehicle, so brushes or sponges do not need to come into direct contact with it.
“This method ensures that the exterior of the car is cleaned thoroughly without risking any scratches or damage to the paint,” says Richard Flores, owner at On the Run Detailing.
How Does a Touchless Car Wash Work?
When the car enters the car wash, it’s sprayed with a pre-soak detergent solution, which loosens dirt and grime. To make up for the lack of direct brush or sponge contact, touchless car washes amp up the potency of those cleaning chemicals.
Next, high-pressure water jets remove debris. After a rinse, powerful blowers dry the vehicle, often along with a drying agent that prevents water spots. Alternatively, after a touchless car wash, a car can be air or hand dried (don’t forget to tip the workers if it’s done by hand). Usually, the entire process takes less than ten minutes. Many also offer complimentary vacuums.
How Much Does a Touchless Car Wash Cost?
Prices for touchless car washes typically vary from $10 to 40, depending on the size of the vehicle and if you choose upgraded treatments, such as liquid wax, tire foam and undercarriage cleaning. Many companies also offer subscriptions or discounts when you buy multiple washes in advance.
“If your car’s appearance is not the highest priority, or the car is not the best-looking one on the road, then stick to the basic package,” says Pyle. “The wax used is not all that great, so there is no need to pay top dollar. For example, platinum ceramic on a car that does not shine like a new penny after a car wash.”
Touchless Car Wash Benefits
- Reduced risk of paint scratches;
- Inexpensive;
- Convenient;
- Faster than a DIY or commercial hand-wash;
- Good option for maintenance washes between thorough scrub-downs;
- Reduced potential damage to loose body parts, antennas and other protruding parts.
“Take the kids; they will get a kick out of the water shooting at the windows,” says Pyle. “Also, in the winter, I like these touchless car washes to get the salt off. The high-pressure water spraying from all different angles will get it out of the hidden areas much better than a hose at home.”
Touchless Car Wash Drawbacks
- Does not clean as well as hand washes or automated washes that use brushes;
- Blowers perform limited drying, which is especially problematic in freezing temperatures;
- Aggressive cleaning chemicals wear down your car’s finish and can harm the environment;
- Incomplete drying can create spotting on your finish;
- Often, they cannot fit oversized vehicles, like high-top vans, dually trucks and those with racks.
“When considering a touchless car wash, weigh the cost against the level of cleanliness desired,” says Isaac Lee, COO of Soapy Joe’s. “Convenience is great, but for heavily soiled vehicles, a touchless car wash may not be enough to remove all the dirt and grime.”
Touchless Car Wash Tips
To get the best results, hand wash heavy debris before entering the wash, says Flores. And if it’s at a gas station, see if buying a tank of gas will get you a discount. Then:
- Lower your exterior-mounted antenna and remove any loose or hanging items.
- Close doors and windows tightly since high-pressure water can get into small openings.
- Drive slowly past the blowers to maximize drying.
- Afterward, wipe excess water from the door edges with a clean cloth.
- Also, dry other wet areas to prevent water spots.
- Consider using a wax or sealant after the wash for added protection.
“Do not go in expecting a showroom finish because it will not happen,” says Pyle. “Also, follow the signs and do exactly as they state, or you will end up rubbing your tires and rims on the guards, or you will miss parts of the washing process.”
Says Lee, “Car washing isn’t one size fits all. Be sure to select a wash package/service that suits your car’s needs and budget.”
Touchless Car Wash Alternatives
If you want a deeper clean but still a quick experience, consider an automatic car wash with brushes or an express wash, both of which use less harsh chemicals.
“Many express washes offer complimentary vacuum stations, making it easy to clean the interior of your car at no extra cost,” says Lee. “Many also offer complimentary air fresheners and free use of microfiber towels, glass cleaner and crevice tools.”
Other options are a self-service car wash or a hand wash at home, or if you have more time and money, a hand wash from a professional detailing service. If you choose to do it yourself, be sure to use a mild cleaner that is safe for the environment and sewer systems. Keep in mind that if you have an oversize vehicle, a hand wash might be your only option.
“Every method of car washing has its pros and cons,” says Jonny Lam of Bay Area Car Wash. “It’s a triangle effect between chemical strength, friction and time. It all comes down to your budget, time and cleaning needs.”
Whichever method you choose, the key to a long-lasting vehicle finish is washing it regularly, says Lam. “There’s going to be a lot of people telling you this way, or that way is better,” he says. “I personally don’t care how you do it, just do it. It’s consistent cleaning and waxing that will aid in the longevity. Keep it clean, keep it waxed, and move on with life. It’s just a car, use it!”
FAQ
Are touchless car washes safe?
Yes, touchless car washes are safe for most vehicles, but check your owner’s manual, as some manufacturers recommend against them due to harsh chemicals, which can damage certain finishes over time. Also, Pyle says that cars that have been modified with lowering kits and different tires and rims should avoid them.
“If your car has a custom paint job or decals, it’s also a good idea to check with the wash operator to ensure that the detergents won’t damage it,” says Tomer Ruderman, founder and owner at Car Keys Ottawa.
What companies offer touchless car washes?
Many local independent companies and national chains offer touchless car washes, including Shell gas stations, Mister Car Wash and Zips Car Wash. “Most choose to name the car wash something local, so customers feel like they are using a local company, but in fact it is a chain company with car washes in many towns,” says Pyle.
About the Experts
- Isaac Lee is COO of Soapy Joe’s, where he leads the company’s operations and eco-friendly equipment and technology initiatives. In 2023 he was named San Diego Business Journal’s Top 50 Veteran Business Leaders of Influence.
- Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He specializes in gas and diesel engines, transmissions, steering, suspension, brakes and electrical diagnostics. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer.com since 2006.
- Richard Flores is owner and ceramic coating tech at On the Run Detailing in Bakersfield, California. He has seven years of experience in car detailing, maintenance and modern washing techniques.
- Jonny Lam is a second-generation family car wash operator at Bay Area Car Wash in San Francisco.
- Tomer Ruderman is founder and owner at Car Keys Ottawa, where he works with various vehicles, auto repair shops, garages, and organizations on projects large and small.
