What’s the best way to wash my car?

While singing the banger Car Wash (Christina’s version) always gets me in a good mood, the reality of actually washing my car never quite hits the same mark.

This means (wherever possible) forcing my kids to wash my car for minimal pocket money or on occasion, taking my car to a car wash where a bit more coin achieves a far superior result.

But when it comes to which wash option – automatic, laser, or hand washing – well, there are pros and cons of each, from how they work and how long they take, to the results they achieve.

I spoke to the experts – Rory Hilton, Managing Director of Car Wash Sales Advisory and Robert Sacco, Managing Director, of Waves Carwash – for their opinions on which car wash will get the best bang for your buck.

Auto or soft cloth auto car wash

“Auto soft cloth car washes can be divided into two categories,” Sacco tells us, “the in-bay automatic rollover machines found in service stations and standalone carwash sites.”

“There are also emerging tunnel washes, conveyorised operations designed for volume and speed with the capacity to wash multiple cars simultaneously,” he adds.

Key to all the auto car wash types is the reliance on agitation, chemicals, and water to do the washing.

Laser

Laser touch-free automatic washes are typically installed in standalone and service station facilities.

“These washes rely on the use of more chemicals and the application of high-volume, high-pressure nozzles to remove road grime,” says Sacco.

Handwash

Hand washing is the typical old-fashioned method using a bucket with chemical products, a sponge, or mitts with a hose to wash cars.

“Handwashing is labour intensive and not automated in comparison to the other two technologies,” says Sacco.

Unless of course, you’re using a pressure washer with a foaming gun.

The two-bucket method – one bucket for clean soapy water and one for rinsing your dirty sponge – also works well.

Auto car wash

Cleanliness and high-quality finish from an automated machine.

“This technology has improved over the years and is widely used by car manufacturers and dealerships. The fast and deep cleaning process, in combination with high pressure, ensures cars are washed consistently and systematically. The addition of different programs, including underbody washes, pre-soaks, and enhanced gloss protectants such as ceramic and graphene finishes, provide for gleaming results.”

Efficiency and sustainability: “Soft cloth car washes are very efficient as they use the lowest amount of chemicals and water in conjunction with water recycling systems, they are the most sustainable technology in the market and by far globally would wash more cars than any other equipment,” explains Sacco.

Speed: They are fast - typically only taking 2-4 minutes.

Price: Hilton says that the addition of memberships among auto car wash businesses can provide good value for money.

Laser wash

One of the greatest benefits of laser car washes is that they are touchless which reduces the potential for any car damage, says Hilton.

They are also a relatively quick wash (approximately 5-6 minutes) and can wash more varieties of cars because of the accessories available to use.

This feature also makes them ideal for irregularly shaped vehicles or cars – did someone say kei car?

Hand washing

The greatest benefit of hand washing is when it is done correctly, it is a very thorough process in cleaning cars, says Sacco.

“While it’s time-consuming and offers self-satisfaction to the car enthusiast,” he adds.

Auto car wash

There can be limitations as the equipment can’t reach every crevice in some cars and where there are lots of attached aftermarket accessories.

“Also, there is a misconception that the washing material can damage paintwork,” says Sacco.

Laser

While popular, laser car washes, or what Hilton refers to as a ‘maintenance wash,’ don’t do as good of a job as other wash types.

Sacco agrees, saying that, “Heavily soiled cars will not be cleaned. It will struggle in providing a high-quality finish given there is no physical contact.”

Additionally, the strong reliance on chemical coverage uses far more water and is limited in its use of water recycling and it’s slower than soft cloth tunnel options.

Hand wash

Probably the biggest negative of hand washing is the time it takes (ranging between 20-60 minutes).

Other negatives include a reliance on labour and more attention and care needed by the operator.

Additionally, Sacco also says another con is that soaps can dry on paintwork and glass leaving stains.

“The process is intensive and if sponges or mitts are not thoroughly rinsed, dirt can be trapped causing swirl marks and micro scratches.”

While there is no definitive answer, depending on your needs, budget and time constraints, there should be an option for working at the carwash (or paying someone to) that suits you.

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