Washing your car is not only for the looks- it’s also a critical part of your vehicle’s maintenance. When it’s that time again to head to the car wash, you may have several questions about where to go and what kind of wash is best for your car. However, there are several car wash industry myths that can leave your car looking lackluster. Here are seven common misconceptions about car washes and the real facts behind them.
When it rains, that’s good enough to use as a car wash
Rain water is not clean water. On the surface, rain does seem to remove mud and dirt- but it can leave your vehicle covered in rain spots. However, it cannot remove stuck on bugs, grime, or other substances picked up from the road. Rain water can also be acidic, especially in cities or high-traffic areas. Acid rain can cause damage to your car’s paint over time. If it rains, you should head to your nearest car wash as soon as possible.
I can’t clean an electric car in an automatic car wash
Logically, when you think of electricity and water, you think danger. In reality, washing an electric car in an automatic car wash is completely safe. It will not damage the electric system, batteries or motor. Electric cars are put through rigorous testing before being put on the market, including testing their ability to withstand water. If you have an electric vehicle, there’s no preparation you need in order to take it through an automatic car was- just treat it like any other vehicle.
Express car washes can cause scratches and damage
Our modern technology provides a gentle touch to all vehicles that enter the tunnel. At Caliber, we use gentler, softer equipment, to give you the best experience possible and make sure your car is protected. In fact, there’s actually a chance you could scratch a vehicle on your own if you hand wash incorrectly. Interested in learning more? Check out our tunnel video series.
Your wash packages are all the same- so it doesn’t matter which one I choose
All of our wash packages at Caliber are good choices but they are not all the same! Our Classic Wash is convenient if you need a basic clean. It includes a wash and dry and you’ll be out in a matter of minutes. If you want to upgrade, our Custom Wash includes underbody wash and wheel cleaning. Our top Caliber Wash includes it all- and more. With the top wash, you get Caliber wax and tire shine on top of everything else included with the other washes. Don’t forget, our Caliber wash also includes our Caliber Ceramic Coating for extra protection.
Automatic car washes are bad for the environment
Our automatic wash actually uses less water than washing a car at home or in a self-service car wash. All of the water used in our washes is filtered, cleaned, and reused. On average, we are able to use 30 gallons of water per wash, while other types of hand washes use around 140 gallons per wash. Pressurized systems require far less water than the low pressure water hoses used at home. All of our cleaning chemicals are also completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Being eco-friendly is a top priority at Caliber. In fact, last year, our customers saved around 14 million gallons of water!
I don’t need to wash my car that often
Washing your car might not be at the top of your to-do list- but it’s far more crucial to your car’s overall health than you might realize. Your ride is a huge investment and taking care of it protects its resale value and keeps it running its best. Regularly washing your car is an easy way to protect your investment. When dirt, debris, and grime build up over long periods of time, it can cause paint corrosion and other issues. How often should you wash your car? It depends on a few different factors including where you live, what time of the year it is, and how often you drive. A good rule of thumb is every week or every other week.
My car is shiny, so that means it’s clean
Just because your car looks shiny doesn’t mean it’s actually clean. The best inspection you can do to test vehicle cleanliness is by touching it. If you run your fingers across the surface of your car, you might be surprised by how much dirt is on the surface. Looks can be deceiving, and even if your car’s exterior is gleaming, it could still need a washing.
Whether you’re a car cleaning newbie or a seasoned pro, don’t fall prey to these common car wash misconceptions! If you have further questions about automatic car washes, don’t hesitate to contact your local Caliber and ask for a manager- they can help!