Do automatic car washes at gas stations damage car paint?
3 Answers
Automatic car washes at gas stations do not damage car paint. The brushes are typically made of polyethylene material, which does not accumulate much dust and has a smooth surface, causing minimal impact. Here is some additional information: Wax-preserving car wash soap: Some car wash shops use detergents or laundry powder to clean cars, which easily removes dirt and stains but also erodes the car's paint surface. Over time, the car's finish may become dull or even crack and peel. Therefore, when washing your car yourself, always use wax-preserving car wash soap, as wax-removing products are only necessary for new car paint preparation. Wash your car once a week: In daily car usage, there are two common scenarios—some owners wash their cars frequently due to their cleanliness habits, while others may go months without washing their car. Both practices are actually inadvisable.
As an automotive blogger, I want to tell you that whether gas station automatic car washes damage car paint is quite complicated. The materials they use are crucial—those large rotating brushes with bristles are particularly prone to trapping small stones and sand particles, which can severely scratch the clear coat when spinning at high speeds. I've tested equipment at different gas stations, and cloth strip-style car washes are relatively gentler, but the chemical cleaners can still corrode the factory-applied wax. Another major issue is uncontrolled water pressure in older car wash machines. Many high-end cars now have PPF (paint protection film), and repeated use in automatic car washes will definitely shorten the film's lifespan. I recommend that car owners pay attention to the equipment's operating condition and manually rinse off large particles of dirt before washing, which can reduce the chance of accidental scratches by at least 60%.
Last time I accompanied my friend to wash his car, his three-year-old Accord came out of the automatic car wash covered in fine spiral scratches under the sunlight. The main issue was the overly aggressive washing process: the brush pressure was uneven, with some contact points applying excessive friction on the body. The corrosive nature of the cleaning agents shouldn't be underestimated either, especially when not rinsed off promptly, leaving permanent water stains on the paint. I also noticed that when gas station employees operated the machine with insufficient maintenance, grease from the drive belt could transfer onto the car. The safest approach is still the two-bucket hand wash method using a sheepskin glove and a high-flow spray nozzle, which protects the paint while ensuring a thorough clean.
