Driving an untidy car reflects badly on the driver. It is not acceptable by the UAE government either. It can subject the driver to fines of around AED 500 to AED 3000 depending on the condition of the car and where it was. That is why most drivers prioritise regular car wash in the UAE. Aside from regular car cleaning at home, you should take your car for a professional wash for more detailed cleaning. In the UAE, you can either opt for a manual car wash or go for an automatic wash for your vehicle.
Here is a detailed comparison of automatic car wash vs manual washing for you to make the right decision and avoid wondering why your car is still dirty after a wash.
Automatic Car Wash
Machines are taking over almost all the industries and car wash is not above it either. Automatic car wash is coming out strong in the modern era of technology and advancement. It is both quick and effecient.
Here are some of the pros and cons of automatic washing for you to consider before you go for it:
Pros of Automatic Car Wash
There are many reasons people opt for automatic car wash:
Efficient: Hand washing uses a lot more water than automatic car wash machines. This makes automatic car wash more efficient and cost friendly than its counterpart.
Consistent: Humans are prone to get exhausted. In case, the person washing the car is tired, the washing efficiency will be affected. This will not happen with an automatic car wash and your car will get a better wash. You can trust the machine to give you the same result every time.
Safer: Automatic car wash is designed to provide thorough cleaning without damaging the car parts. While humans can forget, be careless and scrub the body too hard, a machine will not do it. If you choose the right professional service, your car will be shiny and without any scratch.
Faster: Most importantly, the automatic car wash saves time and offers convenience. You take it to your nearest automated car wash service providers and get a spotless car in only 5 to 10 minutes.
Moreover, you can have the automated car wash process customised . If your car needs more coats of protection, the automatic car wash machines in the UAE can be programmed to deliver it.
Cons of Automatic Car Wash
Limitations: While an automatic car wash is praised for consistency, the same can be a disadvantage too. If there is an extra layer of grime locked in a deeper layer, the machine may not be able to see it. On the other hand, a person doing the clean will hit that spot and remove the dirt.
Water marks: Sometimes, an automatic car wash can cause watermarks on the car especially when the air drying is not done properly.
Manual Car Wash
Despite the general belief that manual car wash is slow, the method has enough advantages to keep it from becoming obsolete. Here are some benefits and disadvantages of manual washing so you can make the right choice for your vehicle:
Pros of Manual Car Wash
Here is why manual car wash is still a popular choice for many.
Attention to Details: Your hand can reach the dirty corners and crevices more easily than a machine. This can result in better cleaning than automatic for some spots. Plus, you can use different tools for different areas, depending on where the dirt is hidden.
Flexibility: You can use a manual wash in tandem along with different coating strategies for best results. For instance, you can remove the dirt completely from your car if you take the time to dry it properly after claying and waxing.
Cons of Manual Car Wash
Human error: The most dreadful consequence of a manual car wash going wrong is the damage and scarring from extensive scrubbing. Sponges and brushes get infested with tiny bits of car paint and dirt. If you use such brushes for scrubbing without taking care of such build-up, you will risk the sandpaper effect.
Time-consuming: Manual car wash is time-consuming and laborious. It requires hours of hard work and muscle energy to get such a job well done. It will be exhausting to you in the long run.
In-efficient: Water usage is usually a lot more in manual washing compared to the automated car wash. However, it depends on the expertise of your chosen service provider as well. Some known manual car wash in the UAE can get your car cleaned with minimal water usage.
Also, check these car detailing guide to take better care of your vehicle.
Cost of Manual Vs Automatic Car Wash in the UAE
Since cost is one of the many factors to consider when choosing a car wash type, you need to know the exact rates of both types in the UAE. The auto car wash costs less than the manual car wash but the washing detail varies too.
In the UAE, the general cost of manual car wash is between AED 50 to AED 100 for light vehicles. The fluctuation in the price depends on the type of service package. Furthermore, manual car body washes can be availed at AED 15 in the parking areas of different malls. Meanwhile, the cost of automatic car wash has a range from AED 30 to AED 40.
Automatic Car Wash Vs Manual Car Wash – Which is Better
When you look at the pros and cons of a car wash, the automatic car wash seems like a winner. This is true when users have limited time on their hands. Yet, there are many who recommend manual car wash especially for luxury vehicles that require special tools, products and care.
It all boils down on how much time and money you want to spend on car wash and what you car actually needs. A mixture of the two from time to time is also recommended.
FAQs
How often should a car be washed?
As a general rule, it is crucial to wash your car every two weeks. Car lovers will do it every week or sometimes more frequently. Additionally, deposits such as that of road salt or rainwater require immediate attention to prevent metal and paint damage.
Can drive-through car washes damage your car?
While some types of car washes are worse than others, any time you wash your car—even if you are carefully handwashing it—you are essentially applying abrasive or harsh chemicals to the paint finish and the risk of swirls and scratches in the finish is always there.
What is the safest way to wash a car?
The safest way to wash a car is to take it to a professional service provider. Look for reccomdations and reviews from previous customers and check ratings on Google as well.
Now you have a comparison of automatic car wash vs manual, you are better informed to make the right choice for your car. Keeping your car clean is one way to enhance its value. However, there are other ways to make your drive more charming. Check out these car merchandise for sale or buy these automotive accessories for sale. Also, learn how to wash car engine which is different from general cleaning practices. Furthermore, here is a car maintenance checklist to help you with the task.
For more information on how to take care of your car, stay tuned to the UAE’s top blog.
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