Are Express Car Washes Bad For Your Car?

Red vehicle cleaning with pressure foam gun at an express car wash

Should you spend the cash on professional car detailing, wash your vehicle yourself, or use an express car wash? If you’re leaning toward using an express car wash, read this article from CarCareReview first to learn the best way to safely clean your vehicle.

Can An Express Car Wash Damage Your Car’s Engine?

Express car washes are designed to quickly and efficiently clean the exterior of your vehicle. While it is possible for a car wash to cause damage to your engine, this is highly unlikely. Most express car washes use high-pressure water and detergents that are specifically formulated to be safe for use on cars. Additionally, the engine is typically located under the hood of the car, which is not an area that is directly exposed to the cleaning process. That being said, it is important to be cautious when using any car wash, and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and care to ensure the longevity of your vehicle’s engine. According to CarCareReview, it’s advisable not to leave the engine running when using an automatic car wash. This is because cold water hitting a hot engine and its active electrical components can cause serious damage, such as block or radiator cracking.

How Water May Damage Your Engine

Car washes can potentially harm car engines because several engine components can be sensitive to water exposure, leading to them becoming inoperative. Although modern vehicles have better-insulated engine parts, they are not entirely waterproof and can still be vulnerable to water damage.

You should never add water to a hot engine. It can cause significant damage to metal parts such as the cylinder head. This reaction causes tension within the metals and could cause them to warp, crack or break. The cylinder head serves as the engine’s protective shield. It keeps all the internal components and fluids in place. If the cylinder head is damaged, it can result in various problems, including engine oil leakage, coolant leakage, and misfiring. Oil leakage can affect engine lubrication and cause more damage. A decrease in coolant level can also affect the engine’s temperature and lead to overheating. Ultimately, a damaged cylinder head can cause severe engine problems.

How To Keep Your Vehicle Clean at Home

For car owners who want to keep their cars clean but also avoid potential damage from automatic car washes, washing the car at home is a great solution. If you choose this route, use high-quality cleaning and detailing products. You should also use a clean, soft cloth to avoid any damage to your paint job. You should also consider applying a ceramic coating. It can help keep the car clean for a longer period of time by encapsulating and rinsing off dirt when it rains.

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Benefits of Professional Detailing Service

If time isn’t on your side you can also schedule a professional detailing service.  A professional detailing service will provide a deep clean that is difficult to achieve through regular at-home cleaning. Detailers use specialized tools, equipment, and products to clean and restore every nook and cranny of the car, from the exterior to the interior. Secondly, detailing services can enhance the appearance of your car. Professional detailers will polish your vehicle’s exterior and add protectives. On the inside, they’ll clean, condition, and deodorize your interior. Instead of spending hours cleaning the car yourself, schedule a detailing appointment with Amigo Chevrolet.

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