Key Questions to Ask When Ordering intelligent car wash machine

25 Aug.,2025

 

How to Choose the Best Automatic Car Wash Machine

Investing in an automatic car wash machine is a big decision that can significantly improve your car care routine or enhance your business operations. With many options available on the market, selecting the right system can be overwhelming. This guide will break down the key factors you need to consider—types of machines, costs, top brands, and essential features—to help you make an informed purchase decision.

Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

An Overview for Global Automatic Car Wash Trends

The automatic car wash industry is entering with transformative innovations in technology, sustainability, and customer experience. Businesses worldwide are increasingly adopting smarter, fully automated systems to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. Key automated car wash trends include the growth of contactless car washing solutions, AI-powered water and energy optimization, and modular, scalable systems tailored for diverse markets. As car wash demand rises, manufacturers are also focusing on affordable commercial car wash equipment to support entrepreneurs in this expanding sector. This shift reflects the industry’s move toward faster, eco-friendly, and more profitable car wash solutions.

Types of Automatic Car Wash Machines

Choosing the right car wash system depends on your specific needs, space, and budget. Below are the most common types of automatic car wash machines:

1. Touchless (Touch-Free) Systems

How It Works:

A touchless car wash uses high-pressure water jets and specialized detergents to clean the vehicle. The system relies on water pressure, nozzles, and cleaning solutions to remove dirt without touching the car’s surface.



Best For:

  • Businesses that prioritize paint protection (e.g., luxury car owners).
  • Areas with light to moderate dirt, such as pollen, dust, or bird droppings.

Pros:

  • Scratch-free cleaning: No brushes or cloths make direct contact with the vehicle, reducing the risk of scratches.
  • Lower maintenance: Without brushes to replace, there’s less wear and tear.

Cons:

  • Higher chemical costs: Since detergents are used more aggressively, operating costs may be higher.
  • Less effective on heavy mud or grease: Touchless systems are more effective on lighter dirt and can struggle with tougher stains.

2. Soft Touch (Friction) Systems

How It Works:

This system employs rotating brushes or cloths that physically scrub the car’s surface to remove dirt and grime. The brushes move around the car to provide a thorough clean.

Best For:

  • High-traffic locations requiring in-depth cleaning, like truck stops or off-road vehicle cleaning.

Pros:

  • Effective on stubborn grime like tree sap, mud, and dirt.
  • Faster cleaning cycles: The physical scrubbing provides quicker results, making it ideal for busy locations.

Cons:

  • Brush maintenance: The brushes wear out over time and need to be replaced regularly.
  • Risk of wear and tear: While rare, there’s a possibility of the brushes causing minor scratches if not properly maintained.

3. Hybrid Systems

How It Works:

  • A hybrid system combines a touchless pre-wash with soft-touch brushes for a more comprehensive cleaning experience. It aims to balance the benefits of both systems for optimal results.

Best For:

  • Businesses that want both efficiency and deep cleaning capabilities.

Pros:

  • Dual-action: Provides a more thorough clean while minimizing risks of damage.
  • Versatility: Works well on various types of dirt and vehicles.

4. Mobile/Rollover Systems

How It Works:

A rollover system is a compact design where the driver parks the car, and the machine moves around the vehicle, washing it from all angles.

Best For:

  • Locations with limited space, such as small gas stations or standalone kiosks.

Pros:

  • Space-efficient: Can be installed in smaller locations with limited space.
  • Simple operation: Typically requires less space and infrastructure than conveyor systems.

Cons:

  • Slower throughput: Since the system moves around the car, it may take longer to wash vehicles than conveyor systems.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

Selecting the right automatic car wash system goes beyond the type of machine. Below are some key factors to consider before making your purchase:

1. Cost & Budget


Entry-Level Machines:

For small-scale operations, you can find basic touchless or small rollover systems ranging from $20,000–$50,000.

Commercial-Grade Systems:

For high-volume operations or complex systems, costs can range from $100,000–$300,000+. These machines offer advanced features and faster throughput, which are crucial for larger businesses.

Goto Cartsfun to know more.

Additional Costs:

  • Installation: Electrical and plumbing work can add to your initial investment.
  • Chemicals and Water Recycling Systems: Expect ongoing operational costs, including the purchase of cleaning chemicals and the installation of water recycling systems.

2. Space Requirements

  • Conveyor Systems: These require 60–100 feet of lane space for the vehicle to move through.
  • Rollover Machines: Compact and efficient, these systems can fit in bays as small as 12×40 feet, making them ideal for smaller businesses.

3. Water & Energy Efficiency

  • Water Recycling Systems: Look for systems with closed-loop water recycling to reduce waste and keep operational costs low. These systems recycle and filter water, allowing you to reuse it instead of consuming large amounts of fresh water.
  • Energy Efficiency: Electric models tend to be more energy-efficient in the long run compared to hydraulic models, saving on energy costs.

4. Customer Demand

  • High Traffic Locations: If you are in a high-traffic area, consider systems with faster throughput, such as conveyor systems, which can wash 100+ cars per hour.
  • Luxury Clientele: If you’re catering to high-end vehicles, a touchless system may be more attractive to owners who want to protect their car’s paint.

5. Brand Reputation & Support: Why Choose ShineWash?

When investing in an automatic car wash system, it’s crucial to choose a reliable brand that offers excellent customer support and service. ShineWash has established itself as a global leader in car wash technology, with over 20 years of experience and a strong reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.

Why Choose ShineWash?

1. Industry-Leading Technology:

  • SmartWash™ Systems: Patented AI-driven sensors optimize water pressure and chemical ratios, ensuring the most efficient wash possible.
  • EcoMode Feature: Reduce water usage by up to 40% and energy consumption by 25%, all while maintaining exceptional wash quality.

2. Unmatched Customer Support:

  • 24/7 Technical Assistance: ShineWash’s global team provides quick solutions, typically resolving issues within 4 hours.
  • On-Site Training: Free staff training ensures smooth machine operation and reduces downtime.
  • Comprehensive Warranty: A 3-year warranty and lifetime software upgrades provide peace of mind.

3. Proven Track Record:

  • Over 3,000 installations worldwide, from gas stations to commercial fleets.
  • Awarded GreenTech Innovation Award and Best Customer Service in Automotive Tech .

4. Sustainability Commitment:

  • Closed-Loop Water Recycling: Complies with EPA standards, reducing water consumption.
  • Solar-Ready Designs: Compatible with renewable energy sources to lower your operational costs.

Add-Ons to Enhance Profitability

Adding upgrades to your system can help increase your revenue and customer satisfaction. Consider the following:

  • Undercarriage Sprayers: Essential for winter regions where salt and grime buildup is a concern.
  • Ceramic Coating Modules: Add a premium service tier to your business.
  • Payment Systems: Implement contactless kiosks or subscription-based apps for customer convenience.
  • LED Lighting & Signage: Attract customers during nighttime hours, especially in high-traffic areas.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to the longevity of your car wash system.

Site Preparation:

Ensure the area is properly drained, and all electrical and plumbing connections are in place before installation.

Daily Maintenance:

  • Regularly inspect brushes and nozzles for clogs.
  • Test chemical dilution levels to ensure consistent wash quality.

Long-Term Care:

Schedule annual servicing from a professional to ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Buy Automatic Car Wash Machines

  • Direct from Manufacturers: Trusted brands like ShineWash and Sonny’s offer high-quality systems.
  • Distributors: Local dealers can provide installation and maintenance support.
  • Auction/Used Markets: You can save 30–50% on refurbished systems, but ensure they’re in good condition before purchasing.
      • Start A Truck Wash Business Now? Contact Shinewash Experts, Get Free Business Plan!

        If you are looking for more details, kindly visit intelligent car wash machine.

Shinewashtec Is Trusted by Over Car Washes

Need your opinions on a semi- automated car wash - Team-BHP

BHPian  
Join Date: Feb Location: Bangalore Posts: 371 Thanked: 4,205 Times Re: Need your opinions on a semi- automated car wash Hi, I have a lot of interest in this space and would like to share my thoughts:

Q1: Do you see this working in Indian cities?

Yes, this system of car wash seems very useful in metro cities where time and space are limited. Since it's AI-powered, I also expect it to conserve significantly more water than traditional car washes.

Q2: Would you, as a consumer use this? If so, how often?

Yes, I would definitely use it once a week. It would save a lot of time and be much more efficient. That said, I have a question about the cleaning process, which I’ll ask below.

Q3: What features would make this reliable and convenient for you?

Some useful features that would improve convenience:

- Live slot availability
- Weekly, monthly, or yearly subscription options for regular users

Q4: Any must-haves or major red flags you think we’re missing?

Must-haves and things to watch out for, imo:

- An underbody wash system
- Proper drying system to avoid water spots or streaks
- The automated wash system should be thoroughly tested before being used on customer vehicles
- Regular maintenance of the system is a must

One of the biggest benefits of an automatic car wash is that it saves time. Ideally, it should also cost less than traditional washes since there’s no manual detailing or polishing involved.

Question: For the exterior automatic cleaning, does it involve those large rotating brushes, or does it rely solely on high-pressure water and soap? Also, how exactly is the interior cleaning semi-automated? Last edited by MotorDev : 4th June at 23:51. BHPian  
Join Date: Jan Location: Bhubaneswar Posts: 55 Thanked: 275 Times Re: Need your opinions on a semi- automated car wash Hi!
Though we don't really get our cars washed at even conventional centres; this new start-up idea has certainly piqued my interest.

Therefore, let me answer your questions:

1. I could definitely see this working in Indian cities. Indian cities often have a water resource problem; and a car wash that is automated by AI/ML can definitely calculate the amount of water required for a certain car model. You could train the algorithm on these Indian models

2. See, I would definitely use this service, since it minimizes human error and contact; and also manages time well. But I don't think the older people can be much persuaded. They would rather stick with the old stuff as it is "Sasta, Sundar, Tikao". So targetting the youth (particularly millennials and GenZ) by using tech to your advantage, could work well.

Some suggestions include:

a. Cameras and sensors should ensure my car doesn’t get scratched or mishandled. Transparent process builds trust, as we never know what goes on with our car with the conventional ones.

b. In-app live updates like “car is being shampooed”, “10 mins left” etc., will be very fun and exciting.

c. Gamify the experience: "You’re car # today". "You’ve saved 50L of water vs bucket wash." People love those stats. And it's one trick that food delivery services use to hook you in (if you have noticed the notifications these services send you. Sorry I'm not sure if I'm allowed to mention the services here; I hope you get my point).

3. Minimal contact, premium UI/UX, good customer support system.

4. Hmm, some suggestions are:

a. A MUST HAVE is the system not accidentally spraying water into sensitive parts, especially EVs (things like charger ports)

b. I would also like to know what the driver will do during the interior cleaning service. I assume a nice lounge will be provided.

c. Moreover, also curious about if the dirt levels as noted by AI, may be aggravated or diminished based on the color of the car.

d. Also interested about how the machine will treat the cars that are fully wrapped, non wrapped, or partially wrapped (like the Toyota Legender, or Innova Hycross Exclusive Edition)

Those are all my thoughts! Please do respond if my statements show that I have misunderstood something. Thank you! BHPian  
Join Date: Dec Location: Chennai Posts: 26 Thanked: 54 Times Re: Need your opinions on a semi- automated car wash I'd love to make use of this semi - automated car wash occasionally when needed, for the sole purpose of saving time. But will this semi - automated car wash run by the computers deliver a service on par or better than the existing human operated car washes?? Even though I might love this idea to save my time, I also expect the same quality of cleaning offered for the money I paid. If I feel like the money is not worth it, I'd immediately turn back to the old fashioned way of getting my car cleaned despite the time and money they consume.

I had considered this idea of an automated car wash earlier (It was a two bay model as well). It was a bit different from what your model is but these factors held me back from actually committing to it:

Estimated time to reach breakeven was too long

Considering myself starting from scratch, the land costs in a location like Chennai was too high for the upfront investment (Costed an entire BMW 7 series - Rs. 2 crores for about 3,500 - 4,000 sq feet). And by the end, the cost for bringing it up for operation totalled close to Rs. 4 crores. While the monthly revenue sat comfortably between Rs. 1.2 - 1.5 lakhs (At the starting phase, I had planned a fixed charge of Rs. 250 and only offer external wash till I brought in some volume so I don't overspend and burn cash very early. just for a few months tho) Since your model seems to be a different one. I'd suggest you to do some calculations as well to know what you could expect in the long run.

The usual problem of water shortage during summer

In Chennai, it is basically an era of water scarcity during the period of April - Mid june. If you are from a city that faces these kind of problems, How are you planning to manage it?? Since these automated car washes make more use of water than traditional car washes, How will you battle this water scarcity during the summers??

How are you planning to maintain it and what is your next move when an equipment fails or is under repair??

Since these equipment contain a lot of wear and tear parts which require frequent inspection and care, What will be your maintenance schedule and routine care?? When an equipment is under repair, how are you planning to serve your customers in the meantime?? (since some repairs could possibly take days or even weeks)

Earning customer's trust

While some might be impressed with this idea of an automated car wash but the others might be sceptical due to the possibility of potential damage to the car's paint or other parts (Alloys, other accessories, etc). How will you convince them that it is actually safe?? In case of a damage to the client's car, How will you handle the situation and avoid the incident from deteriorating other's trust?? Social media is a powerful tool and one negative post about their experience from a person could affect thousand's trust on your service.


While your model seems interesting and a good turning point in India's car wash industry, I suggest you to consider everything before actually getting into it. My post might have been more inclined towards the challenges of actually running one but the best part of this concept is, it is possible to scale this up throughout India through franchise models and be very successful if you manage to embed your startup's name positively in the industry which is very much possible since you are pretty early to the party.

Looking forward to these innovative services in a developing country like India!! BHPian  
Join Date: Jul Location: Gurgaon Posts: 883 Thanked: 3,401 Times Re: Need your opinions on a semi- automated car wash Quote: Originally Posted by nova.19_exe
Hey folks,

The whole setup is designed to make car cleaning quick, efficient, and app-based — book a slot through the app, drive in, and get your car washed with minimal human involvement. The exterior bay could work 24/7, and the interior cleaning would run during fixed operational hours. The pricing ranges from Rs 149 - Rs 650 depending on the dimensions and dirt levels of individual car.

Do you see this working in Indian cities?
Would you, as a consumer use this? If so, how often
What features would make this reliable and convenient for you?
Any must-haves or major red flags you think we’re missing?
Your feedback means a lot in shaping the next phase of the build. Thanks in advance!
Taking all feedback, negative or positive. Suggestions to make this better and unique as well would also be appreciated. TIA Although I’m a detailer, washing is a fundamental part of our job and as someone who’s pressure washed thousands of cars over the last 7 years I can share some feedback-

1) Automatic car washes are broadly classified as either touch less or contact type. The former is only using pressurised water and very strong solvents (alkaline + acid based cleaners) to try and clean the paint surface without touching it. This is far from perfect and often achieves 50-60% of dirt removal (80% on a relatively clean car).

The contact type is using either brushes (obsolete tech) or softer neoprene material to clean using surface agitation. This type will scratch paint no two ways about it. Enthusiasts often refer to it as a swirl magnet for this reason. Here you can get upto 70%+ clean paint with zero human input.

Both types will use hot air drying for the final drying step.

2) The reason enthusiasts dislike automatic car washes is two fold, one it doesn’t do anywhere near as good a job as a handheld pressure washer. Two, in case of contact type, it will leave micro marring in your paint over time as wash media is cleaned once every few dozen cars (in well run places, some do it once in a month).

So you’re essentially catering to the mass market and not enthusiasts, which is fine. Except they aren’t willing to pay the prices required to break even and recover machine costs, let alone turn a profit.

This is why you rarely see any automatic washes in India.

To break it down roughly, you’re looking at around 30-40L for a good machine + recurring costs of rent and salaries (you’ll still need 2 workers minimum for areas like interiors, wheels, glasses, etc). which the machine cannot clean.

RO/deionised water will also add roughly 300-400 per car as you don’t want hard water choking up nozzles and leaving mineral deposits on the car.

Unless you’re willing to charge - + tax per wash, you’re going to go under and not be sustainable. Even then, you’re looking at 2-3 years before you recover the machine cost.

You’ll also need drivers as not everyone is comfortable putting their car in very tight spaces, many will step out and expect your team to do it.

App based is good but you should have a line as well, many people still prefer to call and book instead of downloading an app.

If you want to operate 24/7, get proper security at night as you don’t want drunks to ruin other people’s experience.

If you’re not present at the site yourself, get a well dressed and well spoken manager to greet people as they walk in, you don’t want shop floor employees interacting directly with clients. Factor this in the cost when calculating break even. Entry level managers are around 50k-60k/month for small businesses and can double up as cashiers and supervisors for the staff.

Special mention of pet hair, will easily double the time it takes your guys to clean the interior, either charge separately for it or make it clear before starting the job that it’s not covered.

Apart from the main wash machine, you’ll also need multiple vacuums, at least one medium sized air compressor and bright lighting. Backup pressure washers are good to have in case of breakdown. Generator and AC’s as per requirement.

To answer your questions-

1) No, explained above

2) No, as they either scratch or are terrible at cleaning and leave water spots and drip lines everywhere. But I’m not the target market.

As for how often, I wash my cars once a week with foam based shampoo, every alternate day I just do a pressure rinse and air dry.

3) None really, as the concept itself won’t work commercially. If you do go ahead, try having vending and coffee machines in the lounge area, people love it.

4) Covered above.

Don’t let my opinion dampen your spirit though, run your numbers and be prepared to take losses for 2 years, if you’re able to do this, it might very well turn profitable eventually. Good luck! Last edited by AJ56 : 5th June at 13:04. Distinguished - BHPian  
Join Date: Oct Location: Delhi Posts: 9,187 Thanked: 65,711 Times Re: Need your opinions on a semi- automated car wash Quote: Originally Posted by AJ56 1) Automatic car washes are broadly classified as either touch less or contact type. The former is only using pressurised water and very strong solvents (alkaline + acid based cleaners) to try and clean the paint surface without touching it. This is far from perfect and often achieves 50-60% of dirt removal (80% on a relatively clean car).

The contact type is using either brushes (obsolete tech) or softer neoprene material to clean using surface agitation. This type will scratch paint no two ways about it. Enthusiasts often refer to it as a swirl magnet for this reason. Here you can get upto 70%+ clean paint with zero human input.

Both types will use hot air drying for the final drying step.

That is a bit of classical and dated classification. Most modern car washes will be a combination of both. All proper car wash starts with a good high-pressure cleaning before any foam and or brushes are applied. Even on the rotating brush type, you will find either an attendant who pressure cleans the car before it goes in, or you will be able to do it yourself.

I have never come across hot air drying. It is not practical. It would require a huge amount of energy to make a meaningful impact, as you are trying to accelerate the evaporation of the water on the car. And you heat the car as well.

The drying process involves large mechanical ventilators that blow air through slits and nozzles to increase air velocity. So it's just plain ambient air blowing off the water on your car.

On many modern car washes, next to air drying, they will also have a special sort of moving drapes. (see also the video below)

A modern car wash will also clean and recycle the water it uses. So it is excellent from an environmental point of view. Way better than the old bucket method.

These days, modern car washes are huge. Have a look at this YouTube video of one of the Loogman car washes here in the Netherlands. The owner is an old schoolmate of mine.

Your car will be pushed on a conveyor belt through a 55-meter-long tunnel. Depending on the program you choose all kinds of different cleaning steps are applied. But it all starts with an extensive high pressure hose down of the car, even before you choose and pay for your program!

All in Dutch I’m afraid, but you will get the idea.



There is this endless debate about whether automatic car washes scratch the paint, leave swirls and so on. In my opinion, either method, manual or automatic, can leave marks and scratches. When I look at the typical manual car washing in India, I don't see guys that rinse their buckets all the time. I don’t see them using the two-bucket method. They will rinse the same sponge a billion times in the same bucket.

A modern car wash, properly maintained, is not going to damage your paint to the point where it is visible. But again, if they don’t replace the brushes often enough, use incorrect solvents and so on, all bets are off of course.

Jeroen BHPian  
Join Date: Jul Location: Gurgaon Posts: 883 Thanked: 3,401 Times Re: Need your opinions on a semi- automated car wash Quote: Originally Posted by Jeroen That is a bit of classical and dated classification. Most modern car washes will be a combination of both. All proper car wash starts with a good high-pressure cleaning before any foam and or brushes are applied. Even on the rotating brush type, you will find either an attendant who pressure cleans the car before it goes in, or you will be able to do it yourself.

I have never come across hot air drying. It is not practical. It would require a huge amount of energy to make a meaningful impact, as you are trying to accelerate the evaporation of the water on the car. And you heat the car as well.

On many modern car washes, next to air drying, they will also have a special sort of moving drapes. (see also the video below)

A modern car wash will also clean and recycle the water it uses. So it is excellent from an environmental point of view. Way better than the old bucket method.

There is this endless debate about whether automatic car washes scratch the paint, leave swirls and so on. In my opinion, either method, manual or automatic, can leave marks and scratches. When I look at the typical manual car washing in India, I don't see guys that rinse their buckets all the time. I don’t see them using the two-bucket method.

A modern car wash, properly maintained, is not going to damage your paint to the point where it is visible. But again, if they don’t replace the brushes often enough, use incorrect solvents and so on, all bets are off of course.

Jeroen Not at all, you have touchless car washes as well. They were introduced precisely to address the scratching concerns enthusiasts had. But they’re ineffective at cleaning and use very strong solvents which chemically shock the paint unnecessarily.

As for hot air, the ones I visited in US (Dallas, TX) were using hot air and it was very effective. It’s not very hot, I’d imagine 50-60 degrees, not even close to the paints thermal limits. Never been to Netherlands so can’t say, regular air works though.

Yes you can recycle the water, but that plant costs nearly as much as the carwash machine, I doubt a startup would want the added capex, at least initially.

That last part is simply untrue, if you don’t want my word for it, look up any major detailing channel on YouTube, they’ll all agree on one thing- dragging even the softest neoprene strips over paint during the contact steps is a sure shot way to leave fine swirls in the paint. Paint is so soft you wipe it with baby wipes and it scratches, you need good lighting to see it that’s all.

If you want further proof, look at any professional ceramic coating mfg’s care instructions. Nearly every major brand will refuse to cover warranty if the car has been put through automatic car washes as it will scuff the coating over time.

Also 2 bucket method is a not a safe way to wash paint, multi mitt method is much safer. I agree if you’re not following safe methods, you’re going to scratch paint either way, at least manually you have control. No business can rinse out their neoprene strips after every car, it’ll be impractical and raise costs.

There’s a good reason you pay 8-10x for a manual wash vs a semi automatic one like the one showed above. It’s great for the masses who don’t care about swirls on the paint and want something cheap and quick, but if you care about your paint, best avoided. Last edited by AJ56 : 5th June at 15:33. Distinguished - BHPian  
Join Date: Oct Location: Delhi Posts: 9,187 Thanked: 65,711 Times Re: Need your opinions on a semi- automated car wash Quote: Originally Posted by AJ56 That last part is simply untrue, if you don’t want my word for it, look up any major detailing channel on YouTube, they’ll all agree on one thing- dragging even the softest neoprene strips over paint during the contact steps is a sure shot way to leave fine swirls in the paint. Paint is so soft you wipe it with baby wipes and it scratches, you need good lighting to see it that’s all.
. I don't need your word. The Germans and the Americans and a few others have done studies on hand versus auto wash. The results are very telling although the detailing community never agrees. They would be out of a job if they would.

But as I said before, both manual and auto wash can leave marks on your cars if not done properly.

I wash my own cars by hand mostly because I enjoy doing so. I also think I do a better job than the machines. Because I can get into every little corner and crevice that the machines often don't get at. With six cars and counting it keeps me busy. And then there is the claying, polishing and waxing too! A few years ago I took some actual detailling lessons and I got all the kit to go with it. Check my fiddling with car thread. https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/diy-d...ml#post (My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One)

During the wintermonth I usually rely on car washes. Leaving a car outside parked in the blazing sun, rain, snow sand, dust for its whole live, is likely to cause more wear on the paint than washing it. Be it by hand or in an auto wash.

Just another little anorak fact. More and more towns and cities forbid curb washing of your vehicle. In the west it is very common to hand wash your own car in front of your house. Many councils are banning this practice due to environmental concerns. So its the car wash for everybody. Hand car wash in the west are very rare. The price of labour is just to prohibitive. You might find the occassionalmhand wash in the UK. But you might as well pour a bucket of sand over your car.

As part of local legislation most of these new fancy car washes need to recycle the water.

Proper hand wash in the west tends to be part of, very expensive detailling of your car. A half decent detailler would, on average, charge at least Euro 75 an hour. The most elaborate car wash program is usually around Euro 15-20.

The car wash program might take 6-12 minutes. A proper hand wash is at least an hour. Last edited by Jeroen : 5th June at 15:58.