A trip through the car wash is supposed to make your vehicle cleaner—not leave it covered in scratches, damaged trim, or water spots. Yet one seemingly harmless choice can make a big difference: using the wrong type of car wash for your vehicle.
Automatic washes are convenient, but not every system is equally gentle. Some use rotating brushes or cloth strips that physically contact the paint, while touchless washes rely on chemicals and high-pressure water. Even pressure washing at home can cause damage if it's done incorrectly.