Automatic/drive-thru car washes save time and hassle. But are automatic car washes safe for your car? In fact, in many instances, they are the safest course of action for many car owners who want to keep their car clean.
Wheel and tire cleaning is an exception; the heavy-duty cleaners used by the touchless car wash do a great job of removing baked-on brake dust,etc., that can otherwise be a real chore to clean on your own, using over-the-counter cleaners, a hand brush and a hose. It's especially important to keep aluminum alloy wheels clean; brake dust can permanently stain wheels if it's not regularly cleaned away.
