Keeping a car clean is essential to help it run smoothly.
While many car owners opt for professional car wash services, some prefer the convenience and cost-effectiveness of a hot water self car wash.
However, there is an ongoing debate about whether using hot water in self-service car washes is a safe and effective cleaning method. Let’s follow us to find out the answer.
Is Using Hot Water Self Car Wash Possible?
Yes. But you shouldn’t do it. Hot water can deform or peel off wax and the car coatings.
Instead, warm water has the ideal water temperature for washing your car, providing many benefits of hot water without the potential risks.
Further Explanation: What Is A Self Serve Car Wash?
A self-serve car wash is a type of car wash where customers can wash their own vehicles using the equipment and supplies provided.
You can find this service in various locations, including gas stations, parking lots, and standalone facilities.
Do car washes use hot water? Yes. A hot water self car wash is a method that uses a hot water system to clean the exterior of a vehicle.
Unlike automatic car washes, where a machine washes the vehicle, self-serve car washes allow customers to do the work themselves using a pressure washer, soap, foaming brushes, and other supplies.
Customers can use a credit card or other card payment systems to pay for the amount of time they want to spend washing their car.
Is It Safe?
While hot water can provide some benefits for washing your car, such as removing hard yellow spots and grease stains, it is not the best choice.
Using hot water to wash your car can damage the paint and finish, particularly if the water is too hot or the pressure is too high.
This can cause the paint to blister, peel, or crack, which can be expensive to repair.
Besides, hot water can also strip away wax and other protective coatings that help to keep your vehicle looking its best. As a result, you have to wax your car again.
On the other hand, warm water is gentle enough to clean your car without causing any damage while still providing some of the benefits of hot water.
Warm water can loosen and dissolve dirt and grime, removing it easier with soap and a wash mitt. It can also help to reduce streaking and water spots, as it evaporates more slowly than cold water.
How To Use A Self Service Car Wash With Warm Water?
Step 1: Park Your Car And Choose A Sprayer Setting
Park the vehicle on a flat surface with enough space to move around and wash the car. Also, park in an area where the car wash spray can reach your vehicle.
Select the spray settings. There will be 3 modes: wash, soap, and rinse. Take out the car interiors you want to clean and place them near your car.
Then, put the money in the machine and start the process.
Step 2: Wash Your Car
Start by pre-rinsing your vehicle with the pressure washer to strip off any debris or loose dirt. This will help to prevent scratching your vehicle during the wash.
Begin at the top of the car and work your way down, making sure to get all areas of the vehicle, including the wheels and tires.
Step 3: Mix The Soap
Pour warm water into a bucket then put in some car wash soap following the instructions on the package. Using a car-specific pressure soap that will not harm your car’s finish is best.
Take a wash mitt or a sponge or wash to lather and rub the car.
Step 4: Apply Soap
Apply soap to your car. Pay attention to the parts of your vehicle that get dirt most frequently (crevices, grille, etc.) Use the sponge or wash mitt to scrub away any dirt or grime.
You should use the sponge or mitt often to prevent scratching your car.
Step 5: Rinse
After applying soap, use the pressure washer to rinse off the soap. You should pay attention to keeping the nozzle away from the body due to the machine’s high pressure.
Move around the car to check if there are any remaining spots.
One trick you can apply is to rub the parts with your hands about 2 to 3 times to ensure the soap has been washed off. Otherwise, after drying, the soap will leave patches like stains on the car.
Step 6: Dry
Use a towel to dry your car. Start at the top and work your way down to get all parts of the vehicle.
Drying your vehicle will thoroughly help to prevent water spots and streaks. Put the interior car equipment back in its place after drying them.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Hot Water Self Car Wash
Pros
- Saves money: One of the biggest advantages of using a hot water self car wash is saving you money.
Rather than paying more for a professional service, you can clean your vehicle using hot water self car wash. Over time, this can add up to significant savings.
- Control over the cleaning process: With a hot water car wash, you have complete control over the cleaning process. You can adjust the water temperature, pressure, and detergent usage to suit your cleaning needs.
- Environmentally friendly: It helps you to wash your car in an eco-friendly way, which is better for the environment than traditional car wash chemicals.
Cons
- Risk of damage: This method can cause damage to your car’s finish, like leaving stress cracks on the paint.
- Time-consuming: Cleaning your vehicle with a hot water self car wash can be time-consuming if you don’t get familiar with it, especially when you want to do a thorough job. This may not be a good option for people with limited time.
How Much Does Self Service Car Wash Cost?
The average self car wash cost is around $7 to $15, depending on several factors, such as location, the type of equipment available, and the length of time you want to use the facilities.
Self-service car washes in high-end neighborhoods may charge more than those in more affordable areas.
A self-service car wash offering high-pressure washing, hot water, or other advanced features may cost more than a basic car wash.
The length of time you want to use the self-service car wash can also impact the cost. Some self-service car washes charge by the minute, while others charge by the hour.
Conclusion
You should wash your car right after a long and dusty journey. Can you use hot water self car wash? Yes. But it may cause damage to your car’s coatings and wax.
Instead, warm or heated water is a better choice because it’s also safe for you and your car. Apply the above steps, and you will get your car clean!