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As the resident car nerd, I’m often asked, “Is it safe to take my car through an automated wash?”
Heck, I do. They’re cheap, efficient and highly effective at removing months of grime. Just avoid any that are attached to a gas station, since they’re usually not as well maintained as standalone washes.
On top of that, you should never let a car wash hand-dry your car using their towels. You have no idea whether that towel has been used to dry nine other cars or worse, been dropped on the pavement. Instead, supply your own towel and tip well.
– Chris Butsch, The Arizona 100