Those looking to save time often find in automatic car washes a quick solution to keep their vehicle clean. A few minutes are enough to leave with a shiny body and continue on the road. However, this comfort has once again raised doubts among many drivers due to the possible impact it could have on the paint finish.

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The issue gained relevance on social networks after an automotive detailing specialist assured that some washing systems can leave small imperfections that, over time, become visible.

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The discussion sparked the interest of thousands of users who began to wonder if it is really worth continuing to use this type of service.

Not all car washes offer the same result

One of the aspects that experts highlight the most is that not all automatic car washes work in the same way. Older equipment, which uses stiff brushes, often raises greater concerns because they can accumulate dirt from other vehicles and increase friction on the paint.

On the other hand, more recent systems use much softer materials or even completely eliminate physical contact with the body. The so-called Soft Cloth uses cloths designed to reduce the risk of scratches, while Touchless systems clean using pressurized water and specialized products.

Although these technologies greatly reduce the chances of causing damage, no method is completely foolproof when the vehicle arrives with sand, mud or other abrasive particles stuck to the surface.

Circular marks do exist

The main cause of concern is the well-known circular marks or “swirl marks”. These are micro-scratches that affect the transparent layer that protects the paint and are usually visible under direct sunlight or intense LED lighting.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) explains that these small marks appear when particles of dust or dirt are dragged onto the paint during washing or drying. Although each one is almost imperceptible, the accumulation of hundreds of them can cause the vehicle to lose shine and depth over time.

That wear and tear can also influence the overall appearance of the car when it comes time to sell it, especially if it has never received a polishing or paint correction process.

Manual washing does not guarantee better results either.

There is a belief that washing the vehicle at home is always the safest alternative, but specialists assure that this depends on the technique used.

A sponge with sand residue, a contaminated bucket of water, or an inappropriate towel can cause exactly the same type of microabrasions that many try to avoid in a car wash.

For that reason, AAA recommends using clean microfiber gloves, pre-rinsing the vehicle before rubbing the paint, changing the water frequently, and drying the body with good quality microfiber towels.

For most vehicles in daily use, a modern car wash with a good reputation represents a practical and sufficiently safe alternative. Those who own classic, sports or collectible models usually opt for washing carried out by specialists and complement the maintenance with waxes, sealants or ceramic coatings to keep the paint in the best conditions for longer.