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What’s the best car wash for new cars?

I just bought a new car recently and plan on getting it washed soon. Before I do, I wanted to figure out which washing method is best. I know there are a lot of different types of car washes, so which one is best for new cars?

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Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
This is a very good question! When it comes to washing your new car, washing it by hand is the best method.
While you may be tempted to take it to an automated car wash, this is often the last thing you want to do.
Most automated car washes are contact car washes where the brushes and bristles make direct contact with your vehicle during the washing process. These brushes wash many vehicles a day and accumulate dirt and grit, which can leave tiny scratches on your car—not what you want to happen to a new vehicle.
Because of this, it is recommended that you wash your new vehicle by hand, either at home or at a self-wash station. At the latter, you will have access to a wider array of tools and cleaning products—many facilities even include pre-wash routines that help make the cleaning process easier.
Despite it taking longer, handwashing is the preferred method for washing new cars as it is much more gentle on the finish.
If you absolutely must get your car washed at an automated car wash, try to find one that is wholly touchless, where no brushes or other cleaning instruments make physical contact with your vehicle.
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MORE: How to wash a car at home
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