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Research Study Shows That Hand Washing of Cars at Home is Harmful to Automobile Finishes

Automobile manufacturers and new car dealers are expressing great confidence that today's vehicle washing technology cleans and completely protects vehicle finishes. This is a great testimonial to the vehicle washing industry. In fact, several major automobile manufacturers recently aired national television commercials showing their new model going through a car wash or being detailed and declaring that "This is the only maintenance your car will ever need!"

1.) Home Car Washing Wastes Water and Leads to Water Pollution. Most people who wash their vehicles at home don't realize where the contaminated water goes or how much water is wasted. Home car washing releases contaminated water directly into storm drains intended for rainwater. This causes pollution in our rivers, lakes, and streams.

The Federal Clean Water Act requires professional car washes to pipe their dirty water to water treatment facilities or into state-approved drainage facilities designed to protect the environment.

Through the use of modern vehicle washing equipment and facilities that use highly efficient computer controlled pumps, heated water, sand and grease traps, biodegradable soaps and waxes, and more, the vehicle washing industry is able to maintain a high degree of control over both the quantity and quality of water used to wash your vehicle. This insures a safe and consistent high quality wash, while offering the ultimate in environmental friendliness.

2.) Protect Your Investment. A good high gloss finish on your vehicle means a higher resale or trade-in value.

3.) Preventative Maintenance. All vehicles, regardless of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.), require frequent washing throughout the year. Just as a good mechanical maintenance program prolongs the life and performance of your vehicle, frequent washing will prolong the life and gloss of your vehicle's exterior and interior finishes.

4.) Sun Exposure. Exposure to sunlight, with its ultraviolet rays, accelerates the aging process and diminishes the gloss on your vehicle's finishes. Protective coatings and sealants are necessary to provide a protective barrier while enhancing your vehicles' gloss and shine.

5.) Heat Damage. Temperature accelerates problems. The acids in bugs, bird droppings, tree sap, and leaves become more active with heat. Metal retains this heat and increases the chances of permanent stains.

6.) Acid Rain. Emissions from chemical plants, fossil fuels, power plants, and the internal combustion engine are transported and altered in our atmosphere. These emissions are transformed into sulfuric or nitric acids. These acids, when deposited onto your vehicle in either a wet or dry state, will eventually eat your paint. Frequent washing is the only way to prevent this damage.

7.) Moisture Destroys. Water will trap dirt and other contaminants to a metal surface, allowing the oxidation process to occur. This will ultimately cause rust and corrosion. Keep your vehicle clean and dry.

8.) Road Salt. Road salt causes a chemical reaction that can accelerate the pitting and rusting of your vehicle's surfaces. The undercarriage is especially prone to this damage due to many out-of-sight areas where salt can lodge. A good undercarriage rinse in combination with the application of a rust inhibiting agent will prevent this damage. This service is standard fare at all professional car washes.

9.) Clean Wheels. Road grime and brake dust cling to wheels and hubcaps. If not removed, this material will permeate the metal of your wheels, causing major damage. Professional wheel cleaning will prevent this occurrence.

10.) The Clock is Ticking. Time is a contributing factor that can further harm your vehicle. The longer an attacking substance is on your vehicle, the greater the probability and extent of the damage.

Intangibles

1.) Feel Good. 95 percent of those interviewed in a recent survey said that driving a clean car cheered them up, and that after they have their car washed at a professional car wash they get a "definite emotional lift." Most motorists reported that driving a dirty car depressed them.

2.) Save Time. Let a professional car wash clean your vehicle quickly and properly. This frees you to do the things you would rather be doing.

3.) Pride of Ownership. Your vehicle looks better clean, rather than dirty. If you don't care for it, who will?

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