Can You Go Through A Car Wash With Paint Protection Film?

Last Updated on April 19, 2024

If your car is looking a little worse for wear after a rainy day, then you may be tempted to stop by a car wash on your way home. But does going through a car wash with paint protection damage it?

Going through an automatic car wash that has poorly maintained bristles or soft-cloth washes can damage the paint protection film over time. However, a touchless car wash will not damage the paint protection film.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a thin urethane film that is applied to the painted surfaces of a vehicle in order to protect the paint from chips, scratches, and other kinds of minor damage. This film is not indestructible, however, and can be damaged if it is not cared for properly.

If you’re like most car owners, you probably take your vehicle through the local car wash every so often. But if you have paint protection, then it’s generally best to wash your car carefully by hand.

In this post, we’ll explore why taking your car with PPF through a car wash is not a good idea. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of what to expect if you choose to go through a car wash with your protective film in place.

Will a Car Wash Damage Your Paint?

Over time, an automatic car wash can damage your paint. Because the brushes used are designed for cars of all sizes and rough in nature, it will damage your paint protection film eventually.

It’s not generally an issue to take your car through the wash every now and again, but if you have paint protection film, then handwashing your car is a lot safer and allows you to maintain the protective film more easily.

Because the abrasive effect of a car wash won’t be noticeable at first, it will eventually start to impact the look of your PPF over time. In fact, you may being to see minor scratches in the film.

How to Wash a Car with Paint Protection

Washing a car with paint protection is quite simple. You’ll need the following tools:

• Microfiber mitt or soft cloth
• Bucket
• Hose
• Drying cloth

Before you wash your car, make sure it’s not too hot outside. If it is, then water can evaporate quickly, leaving unpleasant spots and residue on your car.

You should also stick to proper car wash products, not household cleaning agents. Detergent is course and will damage your car’s protective coat.

Clean the wheels and tires first to avoid dirt splash, then wash your car thoroughly with the microfiber mitt, wiping in circular motions as you go. Dry off with a microfiber cloth and wax where applicable.

Final Thoughts

If your car has a protective film, then taking it through the car wash generally isn’t the best idea. Instead, you should handwash it carefully to avoid any abrasions on your paint protection film.