Drive-through Car Wash: A Complete Guide

Cleaning a muddy car is quite challenging. If your vehicle is dirty from the weekend’s activities, a drive-through car wash is your best bet. Your ride gets washed, rinsed, and dried within a few minutes, allowing you to stay on schedule. However, the strategies, equipment, and degrees of cleaning differ between service providers so do your research first. If you are looking for eco-friendly options, there are car wash services for that as well.

Whatever you choose, the result will be a clean car, free of dirt and stains. Now, depending on what you need, you can opt for different services. There may be add-ons that can make a good-looking vehicle flawless. If you’ve never used a drive-thru car wash before, don’t worry. This blog covers the topic in detail for your benefit. We’ve included a few tips that will make the process easier to navigate. Let’s dive right in.

Different Types of Drive-through Car Wash

There are various types of drive-through car wash available. The difference lies in how the washing is done and the layout design. Here is a list of automatic car wash methods you’ll find in such facilities:

  • Touchless

    A touchless, or brushless, carwash does not use any conventional tools like brushes or rollers. Rather, high-pressure water jets, detergents, and foam cleaners are used to dislodge dirt.

  • Friction

    These car wash drive-throughs use a soft cloth or brush. They remove dirt and grime from the wheels, outer surface, etc., through friction. Contact with the various surfaces pries the debris loose and gets rid of them.

  • Tunnel

    The process begins by driving onto a conveyor belt, which then takes your vehicle into the wash tunnel. The exterior car washing takes place as you are pulled through the passage. A combination of high-pressure water jets, striped fabric, or brushes wash your vehicle thoroughly; after which you’re taken to the rinsing and drying area.

  • In-bay

    Here, you park in a cleaning bay, while the cleaning equipment goes around the vehicle, cleaning it. All this is done automatically or by a team of cleaners. There’s also the option of self-service where you manually perform an exterior car wash. All the tools, like brushes, rollers, and soap dispensers are provided. This gives you more freedom over which areas to clean.

In a full-service clean, the drive-through amenities automatically perform an exterior car wash. Once it’s done, you exit and move towards the service staff. They will complete the package with interior as well as engine detailing if the options are available.

Do’s and Don’ts While Choosing a Drive-through Car Wash Service

There are a few things to consider while selecting the right automatic car wash to clean your ride. The wrong choice could leave you unsatisfied with the results, or worse, damage to the vehicle. Here are some points to remember:

  • Check for Effective Water Treatment System

    It is important to choose a drive-in car wash that complies with environmental rules and regulations. This includes adopting water preservation methods and filtration systems to avoid water pollution.

  • Avoid Friction Car Wash

    Nobody wants scratches or swirl marks on their vehicles. So, avoid friction washes like brushes to clean your car. Instead, choose a touchless wash service.

  • Choose a Reputed Service

    It is a good idea to choose reputed service providers since they are rated well by users. You can check online reviews or ask for suggestions. Word-of-mouth reputation is proof that a company has a history of delivering outstanding services.

  • Prioritise Safety

    Commitment to safety shows that a wash is trustworthy. The measures to prevent accidents should include the following:

    • Proper Signage
    • Clear Entry
    • Exit Points
    • Working Safety Sensors

    Drive-through washes that are not well-maintained can damage the vehicle. Old or outdated brushes, rollers, or scrubbers in car washes pose a huge risk.

  • Wide Range of Services

    Always decide beforehand what services you require. That way, you can confirm if the wash provides them. It’s recommended to visit washes that offer more than an exterior car wash. Additional services, including deep interior detailing, deliver an overall better look.

How Do You Drive Through a Car Wash?

Driving through a car wash isn’t complicated as long as you are aware of the steps and procedures. However, if you haven’t used one before, the steps shared below will make it a cakewalk. The instructions provided onsite may vary depending on the bay or wash tunnel.

Here is a general overview of what to do when driving to a car wash:

  • Select the service you want, including basic cleaning or premium care.

  • Pay the staff or use a self-service payment station.

  • Ensure all the windows and doors of your car are closed properly.

  • Head towards the drive-in car wash entry and follow the instructions on the display screen.

  • Drive your vehicle onto the platform and stop at the marked area.

  • Further instructions will follow and may include:

    • Turning the Engine Off
    • Setting Parking Brake
    • Putting the Car in Neutral

  • Now, wait for the wash to begin. It will get loud, so prepare yourself for some noise.

  • Once everything is done, you’ll be informed. Exit the drive-through with a freshly washed and shiny vehicle.