Is Touchless Car Washing Safe for Ceramic Coatings?
Touchless car washes seem like a dream—no brushes, no contact, no risk of scratches. But if your vehicle is ceramic coated, is a touchless wash the safest method… or is hand washing still better?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each method when it comes to preserving your ceramic coating.
Touchless Wash: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- No brushes or mitts touching the surface—less risk of scratching
- Fast and convenient
- Some touchless bays allow you to bring your own soap
❌ Cons:
- Relies heavily on strong chemicals to remove dirt
- May degrade the ceramic coating over time if not pH-neutral
- Doesn’t fully clean embedded grime—often needs follow-up contact wash
Hand Washing: Why It’s Still Superior
When done right, hand washing remains the safest method for ceramic-coated cars. The key is using the correct tools and techniques:
- Start with a pre-soak using The Super Soaper
- Use a soft microfiber wash mitt like the Orange Wash Microfiber Towel
- Always dry with an ultra-soft towel like the Massive Drying Towel
When done properly, hand washing extends the life of your ceramic coating by maintaining hydrophobic properties and minimizing surface damage.
Pro Tip: What to Use After Either Wash
Top off your ceramic coating with a quick application of Tough As Shell. It helps restore protection, enhances gloss, and adds slickness after any wash.
Recommended Products for Ceramic-Coated Cars
- The Super Soaper – Gentle yet effective pre-soak
- Orange Wash Microfiber Towel – Safe contact washing
- Tough As Shell – Spray-on protection booster
