And pre-washing is important
The best wash cycle uses those two meaty grippers on the ends of your arms, if you do the hand washing right anyway. In the meantime, the automatic car washes are not so bad anymore and the cliché ‘scratch street’ is in most cases a bit exaggerated. Although according to the ADAC (the German ANWB, so to speak) there is a difference between the programs. The most expensive wash cycle is sometimes not even good for the car.
The problem with the most expensive wash cycle
The most expensive washing programs often have a bottom cleaning function. This would be intended to thoroughly wash the underside of the car. The ADAC says: ‘On older vehicles, underbody cleaning can allow moisture to enter cavities in the vehicle floor. With modern vehicles, which are usually covered with plastic on the underside, washing the underside to protect against corrosion is simply unnecessary.’
So it does more harm than good. On older cars, it can get water in places you don’t want it to – and can rust things up. With modern cars it is simply not necessary and so you are throwing money away. So you can just leave the bottom cleaning at the car wash.
The prewash is important
Pre-washing the car is important for a scratch-free car wash. Before you drive in your car, it is best to rinse it with the pressure washer. They are often present at the car wash. This removes or softens stone and dirt so that it does not scratch during washing. Another tip they give is to dry any wet spots after the car wash. Just with a microfibre cloth.
