Hand washing vs. automatic car wash: which is better for your car's paintwork?

Hand washing vs. automatic car wash: which is better for your car's paintwork?

Glossy, well-maintained paintwork is not only a question of appearance, but also of retaining value. Especially in Switzerland, where vehicles are often exposed to harsh weather such as snow, road salt or intense sunshine, washing your car the right way plays a decisive role. Many drivers therefore ask themselves: hand washing or automatic car wash? Which is better for the paintwork? As a car dealership with our own detailing centre, we would like to give an honest and practical overview.

The automatic car wash:

For many people the automatic car wash is the classic option: drive in, wait, drive out, done. Fast, convenient and easy to fit into everyday life. A quick trip through the car wash after work and the car is clean again.

The automatic car wash offers a number of advantages. For example, it saves time and is therefore ideal for everyday use. It can also be used without any problems in winter. The processes are standardised and always stay the same. However, the automatic car wash does not only have advantages. Some of the disadvantages for your car are: micro-scratches caused by the brushes, sensitive areas are not treated specifically, and the cleaning agents are often chemical and aggressive. Over time this attacks the clear coat and any protective layers. On dark or sensitive paintwork in particular, frequent use of automatic car washes often leads to fine scratches that noticeably reduce the gloss.

Hand washing:

Hand washing is considered a paint-friendly way of cleaning a car, provided it is carried out correctly. For your car, hand washing offers nothing but advantages: the car is treated as gently as possible, it is cleaned thoroughly and in the right places, you can work on specific areas individually, and it is a perfect basis for protection. It is ideal, for example, ahead of wax, a paint sealant or a ceramic coating. The negative aspect of hand washing relates only to the time involved and to the know-how required.

With hand washing everything is done by hand and, depending on the size of the car, it takes a fair amount of time. You should therefore plan more time for washing your car. It is also, of course, not as convenient as an automatic car wash, because you have to do the work yourself.

Our conclusion:

When it comes to paint protection, gloss and retaining value, hand washing is clearly ahead in our view. That said, the automatic car wash can certainly be a solution for in between, or when things have to be quick. In the long run, however, the paintwork suffers visibly. Particularly with new vehicles, leased or sale vehicles or high-value dark paintwork, we recommend a regular professional hand wash combined with a paint sealant. That way the car stays protected and keeps its shine for a long time.

Would you like to do something good for your vehicle? At our detailing centre in Kriens we offer professional hand washing, paint correction, high-quality interior cleaning and care as well as many other services. Come and visit us to give your car back the shine it deserves.