Does Car Wash at Gas Stations Damage the Car?

[DiSimon]

Early gas stations used plastic brushes for automatic car washes, which easily damaged the car's surface. Later, they switched to soft brushes. However, during the washing process, soft brushes might pick up dirt, and since every car is washed in the same cycle, it's unlikely that staff clean them daily. Because it's a free service, it's impossible to be as professional and meticulous, and this friction process could potentially harm the car. Introduction to Car Wash Machines: Car wash machines primarily use high-pressure water and computer-controlled brushes to automatically clean cars. Advantages of Car Wash Machines: Car wash machines are aesthetically pleasing, cause minimal damage to the car's paint, and are easy to operate. In recent years, they have been widely used in the automotive service industry. Typically, a high-pressure water gun connected to tap water is used in traditional car washes, combined with large towels and some detergents.

[MichaelLynn]

As someone who frequently takes care of my own car, I believe gas station car washes do pose certain risks. Those automatic wash systems typically use hard bristle brushes or large rollers that scrub the vehicle body under high-pressure water jets. Prolonged use can easily leave fine scratches on the paint surface, especially on vehicles with thinner paint layers. The chemical cleaners are also difficult to control - some highly alkaline solutions can erode the paint or rubber seals, shortening their lifespan. New cars or those with glossy finishes require extra caution; I've noticed friends' vehicles developing hairline scratches after just a few uses. While certainly convenient, especially when traveling or pressed for time, for protecting your beloved vehicle I'd recommend opting for touchless washes instead, or occasionally washing manually at home with professional care products to maintain that showroom-fresh condition.

[Ezra]

To be honest, I've been using gas station car washes for years—they're convenient and affordable, but I have encountered issues. Once after a wash, I noticed a new scratch on the hood, likely from sand trapped in the brushes. Another problem is that sunroofs and wipers can get damaged from the pressure, so now I always make sure to close the sunroof and retract the wipers before entering. Washing too frequently isn't ideal either; especially in summer, washing twice a month can visibly dull the paint, as chemical residues strip the gloss. Nowadays, I choose mild-weather days for washes to reduce water pressure risks. In short, it's great for quick dust removal when you're pressed for time, but you need to balance convenience with protection and avoid long-term reliance.

[LaLaura]

The design of gas station car wash machines is simple and crude, mainly relying on brushes and water spray for quick operation, which directly damages the car paint. Strong friction can leave permanent scratches, especially on older, more fragile paint. Chemical cleaners are imprecise and can easily damage components. I recommend using such equipment sparingly, and new car owners should be particularly cautious.