Car washes have evolved over the last decades, thanks to advancements in technology and science. However, some have questioned the use of automated car wash due to the amount of water it uses. That’s why many car washes have adopted eco-friendly policies and machines to recycle water.
But how does the recycling system work, and does it operate throughout the washing process?
Do Car Washes Recycle Water?
Most car washes use recycled water for the initial cleaning of the process. The system helps reduce fresh water and sewer costs while diminishing the impact of contaminated water on the environment.
How Does a Car Wash Recycling System Work?
The car wash recycling system relies on a unit that works alongside the washing equipment.
The unit obtains the used water and processes it to remove chemicals and contaminants in the cleaning agents. Then, it applies treatments to rid of the foul odors.
Lastly, the unit sends the processed water to the main system for reuse.
Pros of Recycled Water
Most car washes use a recycling system because of its eco-friendliness. Using recycled water reduces the amount of fresh water and waste taken and released into the environment.
Cons of Recycled Water
Recycled water is always contaminated with chemicals, sand, and clay from the cleaning agents and the dirt it rinsed off before the recycling process.
That means a faulty machine that failed to clean the water could harm your vehicle during the cleaning process.
What to Consider When Choosing a Car Wash Place
Besides recycled water use, there are other factors you need to consider when choosing a car wash place. They include:
Services Offered
Car washes often offer different cleaning-related services. Some could be beneficial for your vehicle, like a ceramic coating, underbody wash, rain guard, and other add-ons.
You can call, stop by your local car washes, or visit their websites to check if they offer the following:
- Complete exterior cleaning
- Undercarriage cleaning
- Hand drying and waxing
- Interior cleaning
- Window and tire maintenance
- Detailing services
- Self-service laundromat
You might not need most of these services on your first visit, but there could come a time that you will. So it pays to choose a car wash with a wide variety of services.
Cost
Most car washes offer basic cleaning at reasonable prices, so you’re sure to find one with rates that fit your budget.
Some places even offer monthly wash plans that come with discounts. Take advantage of these promos to enjoy great value for your money.
Quality
While price is important, you shouldn’t overlook the quality of the services. The car wash package should cover basic cleaning treatments and use high-quality products.
Different Types of Car Wash
Car washes come in different types, each specializing in a cleaning method or process. Some places do it traditionally (with hands), while others have adapted touchless car wash practices. Here are some of the different types of car wash to encounter:
Drive Through Car Wash
Many automated car washes have a station, similar to a fast food drive-thru window, that lets drivers select the type of car wash they want and pay for it.
A drive through car wash usually offers 3-4 packages, ranging from a basic wash to a comprehensive one that includes wax coating and tire detailing.
Automated Car Wash
Automated car washes are the most common type of car wash service around. They use different sets of machines to remove dirt, grime, and stains from your vehicle. They’re more efficient than regular hand washing.
A couple of downsides to these services are their price and occasional wait time.
Because an automated car wash uses machines, their maintenance cost is expensive, which raises the service price. Similarly, efficiency attracts plenty of customers, especially during busy days, like the weekend.
Hand Car Wash
In a hand car wash, professional cleaners manually clean your vehicle using a bucket, soap, and a sponge. Hand washing is the safest and most effective way to remove dirt and stains from your car because it requires detailed attention and caution.
However, hand washing is quite expensive, as you’ll mostly pay for the labor and time of the staff. If you’re willing to spend money for optimal results, hand washing is for you.
Touchless Car Wash
Touchless car washes don’t use machines that use cleaning methods that could damage your vehicle’s paint job. Instead, their machines will spray your car with water, apply cleaning agents, rinse them away, then apply wax or tire foam.
However, while touchless is relatively safer than other alternatives, the results are seldom consistent. The machines don’t scrub your vehicle, so they might leave tough stains on your ride.
Self-Service Car Wash
Self-service car washes let you clean your vehicle yourself. They provide a wide selection of cleaning equipment and agents. Most of them also have a vacuum cleaner and tire pump if you want to clean the interior or inflate the tires.
Bring a towel if you’re going to a self-service car wash, as the staff won’t provide one for sanitary reasons. Self-service car washes are ideal if you want to avoid damaging the car’s paint job or don’t have cleaning equipment at home.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
