Handwash vs. Machine Wash

Car owners know the importance of taking care of their vehicles, inside and out. That’s why more people are deciding which approach they should take when it comes to getting their car washed.

Hand car wash systems are more traditional and have stood the test of time for many years, but more people are turning to machine or automatic washes due to their many benefits, too.

So, as someone in the car wash industry, how do you know which type of wash is better for your customers? Which commercial car wash supplies should you stock up on?

Thankfully, there are pros and cons to both types of washes, and they should all be considered in order to determine the “best” method. Let’s take a look at some of those advantages and disadvantages, so you can stock up on the best car wash supplies for your business.

What Are the Benefits of a Machine Wash?

Machine washes have become increasingly popular in the car wash industry. There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to automated washes, including the idea that it damages paint, takes away from the personal experience, etc.

In reality, the “cons” of a machine wash are much less serious, but, as a car wash owner or manager, it’s important to know the risks as well as the rewards. Some of the most prominent benefits of a machine wash system include:

• It’s gentle on the paint job
• It provides a thorough clean with no “missed spots”
• It saves time
• It saves money
• It doesn’t allow for human error

The biggest drawback to an automated car wash is the amount of money that has to go into it initially. These machines can get expensive, and the technology behind them changes regularly. For example, there are now automated car wash machines that allow you to create custom washes for different cars.

While a machine wash might be more expensive, it’s also often more appealing to your customers, thanks to its convenience and consistency.

What Are The Benefits of a Hand Wash?

You’ll find that there are some customers who may still prefer a hand wash. Or, maybe your business is still relying on hand washing instead of using machines.
Handwashing may be considered old fashioned, but many car washes still use it for a variety of reasons. Some of the benefits include:

• Lower cost
• Easy setup
• Customized wash each time

Unfortunately, hand washing is also labor-intensive and time-consuming, and it usually ends up wasting a lot of water. It’s also unlikely your customer will get as much dirt and debris removed from their car as they would with a stronger, more efficient machine.

Solving the Man vs. Machine Dilemma

Since there are pros and cons to both hand washing and machine washing, how do you know which one is the best for your car wash?

It’s important to consider what your customers value most. If you want to market yourself as a technologically advanced, high-powered, and efficient wash, you’ll want to invest in the best machines in the industry, as well as the supplies that go with it, including pressure washing chemicals.

Even if you do decide to make the upgrade to a fully automated car wash, consider offering hand washing services, too. Some customers still put a lot of value into the customization of a hand wash, and it can be a great marketing technique to make even a large, busy car wash feel more personal.

The best thing you can do, no matter which way you go with your washes, is to make sure you’re getting the best supplies for your business. Check out Superior Car Wash Supply’swide selection of quality products to keep your customers happy and their vehicles sparkling.