The 6 types of car washes (and what’s best for you)!

Manual Car Wash

If so, it may be time for a car wash. And while it seems like a self-explanatory task, not all car washes are equal.

The type of car wash you need depends on the type of service you require and your individual taste. We’ve compiled the six types of car washes commonly found in Sydney (and surrounds) so you can determine which one best suits you.

Automatic in-bay car wash

Automatic car washes are not only the fastest way to clean your car but also one of the more novel. Here, the driver pulls up to a terminal, put their vehicle in park or neutral and watches as the high pressure water and brushes clean their car. Best of all, automatic car washes are generally cost efficient.

However, it doesn’t come without its downsides. Automatic car washes are fairly basic and don’t involve human intervention so some areas may be missed in the clean. Further, some automatic car washes use abrasive brushes that can leave small scratches in a car’s finish — meaning you’ll need to call Bumpertek and get your newly cleaned car paint repaired.

Tunnel wash

These are a type of automatic car wash that includes a conveyer that your car moves through to receive different parts of the cleaning process. The benefit of a tunnel wash over an automatic in-bay car wash is that you’ll receive a more thorough clean.

The two options do share some cons though. Similarly to automatic in-bay car washes, tunnel washes are mostly automatic and there is a risk some areas will be missed. Others feature attendants who will hand wipe your car after it goes through the wash. This can be an excellent option if they are using fresh towels. If they are not, dirt from other vehicles may be leftover which can also scratch your car’s finish.

DIY

No one knows your car better than you. If you’ve got the time, space and cash to invest in cleaning your car, a DIY car wash might just be the ticket.

The biggest challenge? Knowing how to wash your car properly. Use the wrong technique and you may end up causing damage to your paintwork which will need to be handled by a professional. Luckily, Bumpertek has the trade secrets to a perfect DIY wash!

Self-service car wash

If you live in an apartment or don’t have the space (or inclination) for a full suite of car cleaning products, you may prefer using a self-service car wash. Here, you’ll be provided the space and materials to clean your car yourself — for a fee.

It’s a great option for those on a budget or where space is at a premium. But, not only is it labor intensive, the quality of your wash will be dependant on your own skills!

Hand car wash

Want the car of a hand car wash but don’t want to do it yourself? A hand car wash service, where you pay someone to wash your car, might be the option for you. These can often be a more expensive but you’ll get the benefit of a higher quality car wash, without having to purchase supplies or put in the effort.

You may however, want to bring a book — hand car washes can be time consuming. You also won’t have any say in the products used to clean your car which can often be lower-quality cleaning agents.

Mobile car detailing

Higher quality and more in-depth than a car wash, car detailing can be an option for those who want a specialised service to really see their car shine. Not only does detailing ensure a professional-level clean to the outside of your car, it’ll restore the inside as well.

For most, a car detailing is not needed each week but every so often to improve the longevity of your vehicle’s paint. To solve more direct issues, a car paint repair can also help.

If you want to restore your car to showroom condition, Bumpertek is here. Give us a call today.