When you invest in paint protection film (PPF) for your car, preserving that flawless, factory-fresh appearance becomes a priority. A touchless car wash is the ideal solution for vehicles with PPF, as it cleans without physical contact, minimizing the risk of scratches and abrasions that traditional car washes can cause. This involves high-pressure water and pH-neutral detergents specifically formulated to be gentle on PPF. For care owners with PPF, touchless washing is a safer, more efficient cleaning approach that avoids harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes, keeping your vehicle looking pristine for years to come
This blog will explore the benefits of touchless car wash for PPF, how you can maintain your car’s PPF coating, and more.
What Is a Touchless Car Wash?
A touchless car wash is a fully automatic car wash. It uses high-pressure water and detergents to clean your car without physical contact. There are several benefits of opting for a touchless car wash. These include the following:
- Minimal water waste
- Fear components that need maintenance over time
- Requires minimal labor because they are automated
- With full-time operation, they are accessible 24/7
- Reduced risk of damage to your vehicle
- Faster and more convenient than traditional car washes
Touchless car washes use sensors to navigate around a vehicle and ensure it’s thoroughly cleaned. Specially formulated detergents are used to break down stubborn contaminants, and high-pressure water jets remove dirt and grime. Generally, multiple stages are involved in a touchless car wash, including pre-wash, cleaning, rinsing, drying, etc.
The cost of touchless car washes can vary depending on the size of your vehicle. Other factors, including upgraded treatments, such as tire foam, liquid wax, undercarriage cleaning, etc., will also influence the cost.
What Are the Benefits of Touchless Car Wash for PPF?
A touchless car wash for PPF is perfectly safe. Here are some reasons why a touchless car wash is beneficial if your vehicle has a PPF coating.
- Since no brushes or clothes come into contact with your vehicle, a touchless car wash is generally safer for cars with PPF than traditional car washes. Traditional car washes use abrasive cleaning tools that can leave scratches and swirl marks, while a touchless car wash eliminates these risks.
- PPF must be handled carefully to avoid peeling and lifting from the edges. Touchless car wash for PPF prevents any forceful friction. It maintains the adhesion of PPF and extends its durability and lifespan.
- High-pressure water jets used in a touchless car wash can easily remove dirt, debris, grime, and other contaminants that might otherwise build up on your car’s PPF coating.
- Most touchless car washes use pH-balanced cleaning agents, which reduce the risk of chemical etching or staining your car’s PPF coating.
- Touchless car washes incorporate techniques to prevent water waste. Compared to traditional car washes, they use less water to clean your car and protect your PPF coating.
Tips to Maintain Your Car’s Paint Protection Film
Here are some tips on maintaining your car’s PPF and increasing its life.
- Though the protection film can take at least 48 hours to cure and settle, you should avoid touching it for a week.
- Do not wash your car within 7 days of applying the PPF, as this can hinder the curing process.
- If you’re using a high-pressure washer, you might want to avoid the edges of the film.
- You should immediately remove any bug-splatter, bird-dropping, or tree-sap.
- Don’t wipe your PPF coating when it’s dry.
- If the PPF isn’t covered with ceramic coating, use a premium sealant for maximum protection and performance.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, including brake fluid, gasoline, or solvents. If these substances come into contact with your car’s PPF, rinse them immediately with water.
- You shouldn’t use a powered buffer on your car’s PPF.
- Take your car to professionals for annual maintenance.
- If there are any damages, get them repaired as soon as possible.
- Before your car enters a touchless car wash, inspect it. Excess dirt or loose parts might require pre-treatment.
How Do Touchless Car Washes Work?
Touchless car washes typically involve the following process.
- When a car enters the car wash, it is sprayed with water to start the process, which loosens dirt and grime.
- Next, a pre-soak lotion is applied to the car.
- Specialized cleaning agents and detergents are used to clean the car.
- High-pressure water jets are used to extract dirt and debris from the car.
- After the car is rinsed, powerful blowers dry the car. This is often done in addition to using a drying agent to prevent the formation of water spots.
The entire touchless car wash process can sometimes take up to 10 minutes or more.
Are there Any Drawbacks of Touchless Car Washes
Now, are soft touch car washes safe? Despite their many benefits, touchless car washes have some drawbacks. Let’s explore some of the most common drawbacks.
- Touchless car washes may be less effective at removing heavy dirt or mud. They rely on chemicals and high-pressure water jets instead of physical scrubbing. However, you can avoid this by visiting the touchless car wash regularly.
- It’s also not as thorough as hand washing, especially for areas that are hard to reach.
- The chemicals used can sometimes be too harsh for both the car and the protection film. If this method is frequently used to wash your car, it can damage its finish over time. These chemicals are also not environmentally friendly.
- Like the cleaning process, the drying process of touchless car washes is automated. It’s also known as the air-drying process. This may not dry your car completely, which can cause water stains on the PPF coating.
- Touchless car washes use brushes and bristles. These may be full of dirt and debris from previous car washes and may damage your car’s PPF while cleaning.
Conclusion
Choosing a touchless car wash can help you keep your car’s PPF coating clean and extend the life of that protection film. Eliminating contact and using safer, specialized cleaning agents means a touchless wash prevents accidental damage and wear on the film and preserves the look and durability of your car’s finish. Whether you drive a luxury car, an SUV, or a fully wrapped vehicle, a touchless car wash for PPF provides a modern, reliable way to maintain your car’s aesthetic without compromising its protection.
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