Hand Washing vs. Automatic Car Wash: Is One Better?

Is hand washing better than taking your car through an automatic wash? Hand washing your vehicle can be more beneficial as you can take your time to get the spots the auto wash missed. It’s definitely cheaper, but more time-consuming. Unless you make time to really clean your car well and have the space to do it, hand washing isn’t practical for most — we’re looking at you apartment dwellers.

Is one method really better? We at Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram have come up with a pros and cons list for both so you can decide.

HAND WASH

Pro

If you know what you’re doing, a hand wash can yield better results than an automatic wash. You’re able to get into the spots that a spray of soap and water at the auto wash can’t reach or can’t reach well.

Con

It’s easy to scratch the paint if you’re not careful. Always going for a hand wash over an automatic wash could result in small scratches, or a sandpapery look, over time if you use a rag and/or sponge.

Water spotting is another con when it comes to hand washing and then hand drying. Even when using a microfiber cloth, there’s no substitute to the blowers available at most automatic washes.

AUTOMATIC WASH

Pro

Time and ease of use. Pull up, pay the fee and let the jets do all the work while you listen to music and play Candy Crush or check Instagram. You’re in and out in about five minutes or less.

Extras. Upgrade for a few more bucks and you can get your undercarriage wash, spot-free rinse and more.

Con

The money. Hand washing costs little to nothing, but automatic washes can cost anywhere from $5 to $30, depending on what extras you tack on. That’s a decent chunk of change if you’re washing your car every few weeks.

OUR SUGGESTION

Now that we’ve pointed out the pros and cons of each, we suggest a hybrid method of washing your car. When you have a little more time, wash out the nooks, crannies and hard-to-get-to areas of your car and then take it to an automatic car wash.

Want more tips on how you can take care of your car like a pro? Give our service department a call at (501) 374-4848 or fill out our contact form. We’re always glad to help here at Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram here in Little Rock, AR!

Image: carbuyer.co.uk