Hand Car Wash vs. Touchless Car Wash

Whether you drive a brand-new Acura MDX or you’ve been keeping your used TXS Wagon in great condition for years, caring for your car between regular service visits is your best tool to reduce service costs in the long run. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your car helps you identify any maintenance issues early. As an added bonus, your car will look it’s very best after cleaning.

Many drivers wonder whether a touchless car wash is worth it and if a hand-wash car wash is worth the time. Read our guide below to compare the pros and cons of a DIY hand car wash vs. touchless car wash at your local North Las Vegas dealership, and then reach out to our service team for more home auto maintenance tips!

Hand-Wash Car Wash: Pros and Cons

If it’s been a while since your last car wash or there’s debris stuck to your vehicle’s exterior, you’ll benefit from a thorough hand-wash car wash. You may need to set aside an entire morning or afternoon, but there’s no better way to deal with stubborn dirt that a touchless car wash would miss. Keep the following pros and cons in mind as you decide between a hand car wash vs. touchless car wash:

Hand-Wash Car Wash Advantages

• Thorough Results – A touchless car wash will save time, but there’s nothing like hands-on care when it comes to detail work. Cleaning your car by hand gives you access to the undercarriage and other hard-to-reach areas.
• DIY Affordability – Although professional hand detailing is available, you can perform many of the same cleaning tasks at home if you have the right products. Our service center team can help you find the right cleaning solutions and supplies for your Acura vehicle’s interior and upholstery.

Hand-Wash Car Wash: Disadvantages

• Upfront Cost of Materials – Keep in mind that while a hand-wash car wash may cost less if you have the necessary materials on hand, that may not be the case if this is your first time washing your car at home. Some cleaning tasks can be accomplished with common household items, but many require special solutions to prevent damage to your vehicle’s body paint or upholstery. Contact our service center to learn more or order supplies online.
• Potential Paint Damage — One of the most common hand-wash car wash errors is not rinsing the car thoroughly before cleaning. Debris that remains on your car when you begin cleaning may grind into the paint and scratch the paint surface when you scrub.

Touchless Car Wash: Pros and Cons

If you’ve got the time, nothing beats hands-on care for your Acura vehicle. Still, sometimes circumstances call for a quick clean-up. That’s when you may appreciate the advantages of a touchless car wash:

Hands-Free Car Wash: Advantages

• Less Time and Effort – Not only does a touchless car wash require very little effort besides driving your car to the mechanic, but the entire cleaning process is finished in about ten minutes.
• Lower Risk of Paint Damage – Hands-free car washes are designed to be gentle on your car’s paint.
• Typically Lower Cost – Unless you regularly perform hand car washes at home or have supplies available, a touchless car wash may be more affordable.

Hands-Free Car Wash: Disadvantages

• Less Thorough Results – A hands-free car wash is ideal if you’re in a hurry, but you may not be satisfied with the results if you look closely. Plus, touchless systems aren’t great at removing stuck-on debris.
• Potential for Water Spots – Even if your car air dries after a touchless cleaning, you may still find water spots on the paint surface. Only a thorough hand-drying can prevent them entirely.

Rely on Findlay Acura for Expert Car Care Tips

Questions about the hand-wash car wash process? The Findlay Acura team is here to help you take great care of your Acura vehicle at home. Our expert technicians are happy to share tips about cleaning your upholstery, windshield interior, floor mats, and more. Reach out to explore our special services and service discounts for Mesquite and North Las Vegas drivers!