Hand Washing vs. Automated Car Wash: Which is Better for Car Detailing in Calgary?

If you are a car owner residing in the city of Calgary, you are certainly aware that there are two ways to keep your vehicle clean and presentable—hand washing and automatic car washing. Is there a better option? Let's go over the pros and cons of each and see why a hand wash, especially when done by professionals such as Calgary Car Detail, is often the best option.

The Appeal of Automated Car Washes

It is not surprising that automated car washes are popular. They are fast, convenient, and economical. You can be in and out in a matter of minutes and for the busy Calgarian, this is a major consideration. But speed and convenience come at a price.

The Drawbacks of Automated Washes 

When you run your car through a stiff-bristle or cloth-strip automated car wash, it scratches your car’s finish, especially if there’s a build-up of dirt or grit. The caustic chemicals can take off the surface wax coatings. Moreover, the one-size-fits-all routine means that some parts of the car aren’t cleaned well and others are cleaned too hard.

The Benefits of Hand Washing

Done properly, hand washing is kinder to your car’s paintwork. It lets you tailor your washing to your car. You can spend more time on the bugs splattered across the front grille or the bird poo on your roof. Hand-washing also lets you use better-quality car-specific cleaning products, which are less likely to be too harsh for your car’s paintwork.

Professional Hand-Washing: The Calgary Car Detail Difference

Of course, DIY hand-washing can be acceptable, but if you want to do the best job, leave car detailing in Calgary to the professionals, such as us at Calgary Car Detail. We are used to the special needs of a Calgary climate, from road salts in the winter to dust and pollen in the summer.

We use two-bucket washes to avoid cross-contamination and microfiber wash mitts to ensure your car’s paint does not get marred.

Beyond Just Cleaning 

At Calgary Car Detail, we don’t clean your car; we detail it. We treat your vehicle like a canvas, paying attention to the wheel wells and door jambs. We dry it so it won’t have the dreaded water spots, and we can wax it or ceramic coat it to keep it looking good for much longer.

Environmental Considerations 

Hand-washing uses a ridiculous amount of water, and the runoff can be toxic. Automated car washes usually filter and reuse water, which is always a plus. At Calgary Car Detail, you get the best of both worlds with our environmentally conscious cleaning products and state-of-the-art water conservation processes.

The Verdict 

Automated car washes are great when you need a quick clean, but nothing compares to having your car professionally hand washed and detailed. To anyone who cares about their vehicle, hand washing—especially when done by the team at Calgary Car Detail—is the clear winner.

Not only does regularly scheduled professional detailing keep your vehicle looking like new, but it also helps maintain its value and gives you the satisfaction of driving a clean car. 

Ready to experience the difference of professional hand washing? Call Calgary Car Detail to make an appointment. Your car will thank you for visiting a car wash Calgary that cares about quality, and for that reason alone, we will hand wash your car from top to bottom.