Between the whipping brushes, acid-etching chemicals and mineral deposits, you might want to think twice before heading to the car wash…
Abrasive brushes can scratch your car’s paint
While most newer car washes have swapped out those old abrasive brushes for softer ones, the slapping against the side of your car can still cause trouble: The brushes are covered with grit from all the cars before yours, according to Thrillist.
As an alternative, Alex Lauderdale, the transportation expert at educateddriver.org, suggests hand-washing your own car.
When washing your own car, Consumer Reports suggests using a dedicated car-wash product and a large, soft natural sponge or lambs-wool mitt.
Here’s how often you should really be cleaning your car’s interior-more often than you think.