A Step-By-Step Guide To The Automatic Car Wash Experience

Auto detailing is complicated. Read on to learn about the right tools to use and the right techniques so you don't damage your car.

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Learning About Auto Detailing

Hi there, my name is June Young. Welcome to my site about auto detailing. The average car quickly develops a thick layer of dirt and debris while driving down public roads. Exhaust fumes leave a thick layer of black soot on the back bumper and painted surfaces. If you do not clean off the debris on a regular basis, your paint could end up looking scratched and dull. Using the wrong tools and techniques could also damage your paint. I will use this site to help everyone learn the best practices and equipment to use for auto detailing tasks. Please visit often to learn more.

A Step-By-Step Guide To The Automatic Car Wash Experience

24 March 2023
 Categories:
, Blog


Automatic car washes use a combination of automated machines, high-pressure water, and specialized cleaning agents to provide a thorough and efficient cleaning experience. If you're unfamiliar with the process, here are the typical steps involved in an automatic car wash (exact steps can vary slightly).

Step 1: Choose Your Wash Package

Upon arriving at the automatic car wash, you'll usually be presented with several wash packages to choose from. These packages can range from a basic wash to more comprehensive options that include additional services such as undercarriage cleaning, wheel cleaning, or a clear-coat protectant. 

Consider your vehicle's needs and your budget when selecting the appropriate package.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle

Before entering the car wash, it's essential to prepare your vehicle. Ensure all windows, sunroofs, and any other openings are securely closed. Retract or remove any antennas and fold in your side mirrors if necessary. 

Step 3: Align Your Vehicle and Enter the Car Wash

Most automatic car washes use a conveyor system to guide your vehicle through the wash. 

Carefully follow the instructions provided by the car wash attendant or posted signs to align your vehicle with the conveyor track. Once your vehicle is properly positioned, shift to neutral, release the brake, and let the conveyor system guide your car.

Step 4: Pre-Wash

The first stage of the automatic car wash typically involves applying a pre-wash solution to your vehicle's exterior. This solution is designed to loosen dirt and grime, making it easier for the subsequent cleaning processes to remove them. 

Step 5: Soap Application

Next, the car wash will apply a layer of specialized soap to your vehicle. This soap is specifically formulated to lift and remove dirt and grime without damaging your car's paint. 

Step 6: High-Pressure Rinse

After the soap stage, the car wash will use high-pressure water jets to rinse away the soap and any remaining dirt. This stage is crucial in ensuring that no soap residue is left on your vehicle, which can cause streaks or spots.

Step 7: Undercarriage and Wheel Cleaning (Optional)

If you've selected a package that includes undercarriage and wheel cleaning, there will be a specific time this work is done. The step involves spraying high-pressure water and cleaning agents on the underside of your vehicle and your wheels. 

Step 8: Final Rinse and Drying

The final stage of the automatic car wash process involves a thorough rinse to ensure that all cleaning agents have been completely removed from your vehicle. After the rinse, your car will proceed through a drying area, where powerful air blowers or heated air dryers will remove most of the remaining water from your vehicle's surface. 

For more info about automatic car washes, contact a local company.