No one knows when technology ceases to surprise. It’s an age-old problem and a never-ending race between man and machine. Who had thought a time would come when machines wash the cars without touching the surface, becoming a potential threat to the hand car wash?
Now, you may wonder why technology developed this sketchy car wash system. Innovation steps forward wherever the need arises- the same goes with the car wash industry.
According to Forbes, 91.7% of family units in the USA have at least one vehicle, which makes a total of 278,870,463 commercial and residential vehicles in the USA.
This high number of cars in the USA shows the demand for advancement in the car wash industry, and technology fills this gap with the touchless car wash method.
Technology and innovation did their part by giving you options. Now, you have to decide which is better. Both these methods are different and used globally- finding the best car wash method can help you in many ways.
What are Traditional and Touchless Car Wash Methods?
Traditional car wash or two-bucket wash is a method invented with the invention of the first car. A bucket full of soap or detergent solution removes the dust, debris, or contaminant from the car’s surface, followed by a bucket of clear water to rinse the soapy solution.
The laborer then uses a microfiber towel and special cleaners to clean every debris on the car. In other cases, the two-bucket method can be a three-bucket method- where a third bucket is involved in cleaning your vehicle’s tires or wheels.
This traditional hand car washing method is so much fun and comes with fewer chances of scratches and dents on the car’s surface and a clean finish below.
On the other hand, a touchless car wash is a technological advancement that does automatic car washing with the help of high water pressure and specially formulated soap without humans or brushes touching the car’s surface.
In a nutshell, the traditional car wash method depends solely on labor and touchless car wash on the machine where there is no human intervention.
Working Model of Touchless Car Wash
Touchless car wash is an engineered technique to help the gearheads keep their vehicle unscathed and remove all dust, debris, and contaminants. Before comparing the two, let’s learn how the touchless car wash model works.
1. Rinse with Water
When the car enters the wash chamber, it is rinsed with water to remove loose dust or debris.
2. Soak in Specialized Solution
The car then gets a targeted hot water hybrid car wash solution spray to loosen the tight accumulates or contaminants.
3. Jet Spray
After that specific period, the car gets a high-pressure spray to remove dust and solution from the surface.
4. Drying With Air Blowers
The car then passes through specialized air blowers with different temperatures to dry the water and not to get water cast on the surface.
5. Sealant or Wax Application
Some car wash companies also offer wax application on your car surface to give it a glossy new look.
Traditional Vs Touchless Car Wash
Multiple criteria can help you evaluate the best car wash service for you. These criteria include speed, attention to detail, water usage, and more- we will discuss these three.
Speed
The traditional hand car wash takes the second spot after the touchless car wash, comparing the two car wash systems in speed.
Touchless car wash systems are designed for efficiency and convenience and take 3 to 10 minutes- depending on the car wash system installed in the car wash company.
The core aim of this system is to clean multiple cars in a go with automatic, machine-based systems to save time.
In contrast to the traditional system, every car goes through a thorough cleanup that takes 30 minutes to hours to clean the vehicle due to attention to detail, meticulous scrubbing, and polishing.
Attention to Detail
Hand car washing is best to target attention to detail as it targets hidden dirt and grim in your vehicles. The laborer can change the solution mixture based on the car’s condition and target the area with more dust or debris.
The touchless car wash works on pre-programmed settings, which means all the cars that come to the tunnel have the same washing procedure without targeting the nook and cranny with more contamination.
If you need a precise and targeted car wash for your vehicle, hand car wash is best for you.
Water Usage During Wash
Water scarcity is a global issue and one of the main concerns for car wash companies and clients.
According to some resources, the hand car wash takes 4 to 12.5 gallons of water for the traditional two-bucket car wash and 20 to 70 gallons for a touchless car wash.
In the battle of water usage, water safety is an area where hand car wash shines over touchless car wash.
Touchless Car Wash Key Attributes
- Quick and fast with more water usage.
- Offer a hand-off approach.
- Use of high water pressure jet spray.
- Use specialized chemicals often of higher PH.
- Deteriorate the paint of your car over time.
Traditional Hand Car Wash Key Attributes
- Take more time with less water usage.
- Need workers or laborers.
- Use of controlled nozzle.
- Use commercial detergents and soaps.
- Attention to detail with precision.
- Vehicle paint is safe but often shows water spots.
You May Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Regular Car Body Maintenance
Which Car Wash Method is Best for You?
The real question is which one is better, the traditional or the touchless car wash system? The answer solely relies on your business model, available resources, budget, purpose, and market.
If you are an individual who loves meticulous details in your car wash and there is no budget constraint, a traditional car wash is your answer. If you are a business that needs its cars to be washed speedily and want to remove contaminants with specialized chemicals, a touchless car system is best for you.
According to IBIS, there are 58,938 Car Wash & Auto Detailing businesses in the United States of America. This surge in the car wash industry provokes businesses to divert people’s attention towards the touchless car wash to grow their businesses.
No matter what auto spa marketing jargon throws your way, you can choose the best method for your car with in-depth knowledge of car washing methods.
Final Words
Car wash is crucial to enhance visual appeal and increase the shelf life of your vehicle. You can give your vehicle a pleasant look with these car wash methods.
Each method has its merits and demerits, and one with proper knowledge can choose the best for their car. Evaluating these factors helps you to streamline the best method for you and your business.
You can opt for a traditional hand car wash with deep interior and exterior cleaning. A touchless car wash with high-pressure water and high PH soaps is best for your vehicle if you want to remove dirt, grime, or contaminants in no time.
So when your dream car gets dirty or covered with dust, and you want to get it washed, go with the one that suits your car’s condition best.
