Most car owners know all too well how easy it is to go about their days without thinking about how their car looks—until one day, you realize it’s been months since your dirt-covered car was cleaned!
The next step is deciding whether to invest in car cleaners and DIY washing materials or find a local car wash to visit. There are a variety of types of car washes, and this blog breaks down every option for your car so you’ll have all the information you need when it’s time for your next wash.
Hand Wash vs Express Car Washes
The two main types of car washes available are hand wash and express. Many car owners have personal preferences and habits for the type of washes they choose to use, but in general, hand car washes are known for being budget-friendly, yet time-consuming, while express washes are known for being more efficient but coming with a higher price tag.
Now that you know the general pros and cons of these different types of car washes, let’s explore them in more detail:
Hand Car Wash Types
Hand car washes are likely what comes to mind when you think of a “classic” or “old school” car wash—whether this is washing your parents’ cars in the cul-de-sac as a kid or stopping at a local fundraiser, hand washes are still available today in a few different ways.
At-Home Wash
The classic bucket of suds and a big sponge is what comes to mind for many when they think of an at-home wash. This is a great option for families who need a fun activity for their kids on hot summer days, but the benefits don’t extend too far beyond simply a fun pastime.
It can be handy to have some car washing liquid and a microfiber cloth in your garage for quick reference in a pinch, but the truth is that certain detergents and sponges can actually cause more harm than good to the surface of your car.
For example, washing your car’s paint and wheels with the same sponge and not properly rinsing and drying your sponges can cause micro-scratches that eventually wear your paint down over time.
Self-Service Wash
This type of hand wash is more professional and streamlined than the DIY washes discussed above. A self-service car wash still requires you to do your own washing, but this inexpensive option provides professional supplies on-site, which can provide peace of mind that isn’t typically available when you’re washing your car at home.
Express Car Wash Types
While hand car washes can be an inexpensive option, they do come with drawbacks. Let’s explore automatic-express car washes, the most common and popular type of car wash for car owners.
In-Bay Wash
An in-bay wash could be considered the “original” type of express wash—it’s a step up from hand washes but doesn’t require the same level of advanced technology as other express washes. The benefit of an in-bay wash is the average price point and low involvement required from the driver.
Drive-Thru Wash
Arguably, the best type of express car wash, a drive-thru wash, is the type most of us are familiar with. This type of express wash uses a conveyor belt to take the car and driver through a multi-step wash cycle, typically including wax, shine, and dry options at the end. This type of wash is beneficial for its price point, convenience, and full wash-service capabilities.
Touchless Wash
This type of express wash is similar to a drive-thru wash, with the exception of materials used. While drive-thru washes use large brushes and sponges, the hallmark of a touchless wash is that your car gets clean without a single brush or sponge making contact with it! Touchless washes use high-pressure water and advanced chemical cleaning solutions to provide a gentle wash that may be the best type of car wash for a new car or for luxury owners.
Caliber Car Washes
Caliber Car Wash proudly provides state-of-the-art express drive-thru washes to meet a wide range of car cleaning needs. In addition to the perks of an express wash, every Caliber location offers self-service interior detailing stations for a full-car clean.
When visiting Caliber, you will have four express wash options to choose from:
Graphene Express Wash
Caliber’s most advanced offering in car care is our Graphene Wash. This wash is like sunscreen for your car—providing superior UV defense, hydrophobic protection, and a long-lasting shine. Rest easy with no worries about cracks, chips, or rust after you get this wash.
Caliber Express Wash
Our signature Caliber Wash provides long-lasting shine and protection through ceramic coating, wheel clean, Caliber wax, triple foam bath, Rain-X, and tire shine for a just-like-new look.
Custom Express Wash
A great mid-tier option for regular maintenance, enjoy our Custom Wash with a premium tire shine, paint protectant, and a spot-free rinse for a flawless finish.
Classic Express Wash
Our Classic Wash offers the quickest, most budget-friendly clean. Enjoy a basic wash and dry with great results to keep your car sparkling without breaking the bank.
The Right Wash for Your Car
The type of car wash you choose truly comes down to your own priorities for your car and schedule. While every wash discussed in this blog has its pros and cons, we recommend choosing a wash that helps you balance cost and effectiveness all at once.
Caliber Car Wash offers wash options that meet a range of needs, from a simple express wash to our most advanced Graphene Wash solution, so that your car care priorities are always met with convenience and excellence.
FAQs
What are the different types of car washes?
Car washes come in many shapes and sizes, but the two main categories are hand and automatic-express washes.
What type of car wash is best for your car?
The type of car wash that’s best for your car will depend on the time and resources you want to invest in maintaining your car’s exterior. In general, high-quality express washes or professional hand cleaning services will provide the most thorough and least abrasive clean.
What types of car washes does Caliber provide?
Caliber is proud to provide a wide variety of washes for your car maintenance needs, ranging from our most basic classic wash all the way to our high-end Graphene wash.