A drive through car wash is a quick and convenient way to clean your vehicle. However, the equipment, techniques, and levels of cleaning vary between service providers, so it pays to do your research first. Our guide covers pretty much everything you need to know, including the safest options, pros and cons, and how much this kind of car wash costs. We also touch on water-saving alternatives if you prefer greener car care.

To learn more about eco-friendly car wash services, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide:

Types of Drive Through Car Wash

Several types of drive through or “drive-thru” car washes are available. You’ll recognize these automatic car washes by the washing methods: touchless or friction. Also, they can either be in-bay or tunnel designs. For example:

• Touchless: A touchless drive through or brushless car wash doesn’t use cleaning equipment like cloths or brushes. Instead, high-pressure water jets, detergents, and foam cleaners are used to clean your vehicle.
• Friction: This is what’s known as a soft cloth car wash or a “brush” car wash. The cleaning equipment physically touches your car, creating friction to remove dirt and grime from the exterior, wheels, etc.
• Tunnel: You drive onto a conveyor belt, which takes you through the wash tunnel. As you’re pulled through the tunnel, the cleaning takes place. For example, high-pressure water jets, cloth strips, or brushes will wash your vehicle before you head to the rinsing and drying section.
• In-Bay: You park in a cleaning bay, and the equipment (similar to a tunnel car wash), passes over and moves around your vehicle to clean it.

While not strictly a drive-through, a self service car wash allows you to drive into a bay and use the manual wash equipment (such as pressure washers, brushes, and soap dispensers). Then there’s the full service car wash, where you use the drive-through facilities to wash your car exterior. Once the wash is complete, you exit the drive-thru and head to where the car wash employees will complete your full-service package, such as interior detailer and engine cleaning.

Which Should You Use and Which Should You Avoid?

Before using the services of a drive-through car wash, here are some tips to help you choose a suitable one:

Use a Drive Through With an Efficient Water Treatment System

Be sure to use a professional drive thru car wash that heeds environmental laws and regulations. This includes compliance with the Clean Water Act to help conserve water and prevent water pollution. Taking an eco-friendly approach includes using a car wash with an efficient wash water treatment (filtration) system to remove contaminants.

Avoid Scratches and Swirl Marks

If you’re concerned about micro scratches and swirl marks, avoid friction car washes that use brushes. Instead, go for a touchless type like a laser car wash. Or, the safest option is visiting a reputable hand car wash where trained auto detailers clean your vehicle with care and attention.

Use a Reputable One

Use a drive through that car wash lovers rate highly! Check online reviews or ask for recommendations from others. One with a history of providing quality service stands out from the competition.

Avoid Places That Don’t Prioritize Safety

First impressions are important. Ensure that the car wash has adequate safety measures in place to prevent accidents, such as proper signage, clear entry and exit points, and functioning safety sensors. And think twice about car wash services that look run-down or poorly maintained, as old and outdated equipment could potentially damage your vehicle.

Use a Drive Through With a Variety of Services

If you want more than an exterior car wash, look for a drive-thru that offers additional services, including deep cleaning the interior.

How to Drive Through Car Wash

How to drive through car wash for best results is straightforward once you know the steps and procedures. Instructions may vary between an in-bay and tunnel car wash. However, as a general guide, do as follows:

• Choose the service you want, from a basic wash to a premium package.
• Pay the attendant or use a self-service payment station.
• Make sure your car doors and windows are closed. Then, pull up to the car wash and follow the instructions on the display screen.
• Drive into the car wash. Most drive-through car washes have a marked area where you should stop your vehicle.
• Once stopped, follow any further instructions on signs or screens. This might include turning off your engine, setting your parking brake, or putting your car in neutral.
• Wait for the wash to start. Car washes are loud! So prepare yourself for some noise once the wash system gets going.
• After your vehicle is washed and dried, exit the drive through.

Are Drive Through Car Washes Bad?

Are drive through car washes bad for your vehicle paintwork, and what about the environment? Naturally, you might be concerned about using automatic equipment at a drive thru. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros

• It’s super quick! An in-bay or tunnel drive through is a quick and convenient way to wash your car. Depending on the package, you can have a clean car in 5 minutes.
• Easy to use. Just follow the instructions and enter the car wash. Moreover, you don’t need to exit your vehicle – just sit back and let the equipment and cleaning solutions do the work.
• Good availability. There are a lot of drive-thru car washes in the world. For example, many gas stations have them, and so do shopping centers. You can also find them as a 24 hour car wash, or stand-alone car businesses offering flex car wash options, where you get more than an exterior express wash.

Cons

• Do drive through car washes scratch your car? It depends on the equipment. Soft touch or “friction” car washes use materials that are supposed to be gentle on the vehicle’s surface. However, there’s still a risk of scratching, particularly if the brushes or cloths collect dirt and are not well-maintained.
• Even touchless drive-throughs are not perfect. Pressurized jets of water and powerful detergents are sometimes not enough to remove grime and dirt. If your car is very dirty, it will need more than a 5-minute wash. For instance, a do it yourself car wash gives you more control over the cleaning process for superior results.
• If car washes don’t treat the water properly, traces of salt and toxic chemicals can build up in the water. As a result, these substances can end up on your car and may eventually cause paint damage and rust. Also, traditional car washes use lots of water. Allowing contaminated water to enter the environment isn’t great for ecosystems and public health. See our post on are car washes bad for your car?

How Much is a Drive Through Car Wash: Prices and Packages

How much is a drive through car wash depends on where you go and what you request. For example, some drive-through car washes specialize in features like undercarriage cleaning, waxing, or polishing. Add-ons to the basic wash are priced in a higher-tier package. Here is a rough guide:

• Basic wash: $10-$15 for a wash, high-pressure rinse, and heated drying.
• Wash and wheel polish: $20-$25 for a wash, wheel polish and underbody rinse.
• Wash and wax: $30 for an exterior wash and protective wax treatment.
• Interior clean: From $30 for 10-15 minutes, including vacuuming and cleaning interior surfaces.

Note that many places offer special deals and loyalty programs for regular customers. For example, you might get unlimited basic drive-thru washes for $30 monthly. The price depends on your location and the size of the facility.

Conclusion

A drive through car wash is an option if you like the speed and convenience of an express wash without leaving the comfort of your vehicle. Some facilities use cloths or brushes to scrub your car exterior, while others use touchless designs that only need high-pressure water jets and detergents to clean your vehicle. The key is to seek a reputable car wash that regularly maintains its equipment. Otherwise, you risk paintwork scratches. Also, shop around for deals and discounts to get value for money.

Equally important, make sure the car wash operator complies with environmental regulations and minimizes water consumption. Green car wash alternatives to the drive-thru are available. For example, DetailXPerts offers specialty car washing with steam technology, using just 1 pint of water to clean an average-size car. We also have a loyalty program for regular customers.

If you’re interested in a steam-cleaning car hand wash, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide: