Automatic car wash machines could be damaging vehicles, with tyres at particular risk, according to motoring specialists. With a hosepipe ban in place across the UK, drivers who usually clean their car at home are likely to turn to automatic machines instead.
Car wash facilities may look convenient, but road users have warned a visit could be risky. The metal guide tracks fitted to automatic car washes can scratch the rubber, while conveyor belts can grind against the sidewalls.
Chemical cleaners and heat accelerate tyre damage
Automotive specialists at Just Tyres have stressed that harsh chemical wheel cleaners used in car washes can lead to premature aging. Harsh chemicals and stiff brushes can accelerate tyre sidewall cracking, with weeks of heat already drying out the rubber.
Tina Newman, automotive specialist at Just Tyres, said: "Drivers tend to focus on how clean their car looks. But tyre condition isn't considered. Sidewall cracking can creep in slowly, and once it starts, it weakens the tyre's structure."
She added: "This summer is a perfect storm for tyres. The heat has been baking the rubber for weeks, and now hosepipe bans are sending more people through automatic washes. Each visit strips a little more of the tyre's protection."
Shine products can mask warning signs
Just Tyres has warned that products designed to make a tyre shine can mask early warning signs and make the rubber look healthy. Sidewall damage isn't obvious, with fine cracks forming gradually over time. This means it becomes difficult to diagnose any issues, leaving motorists unaware their tyre could be struggling.
The experts warn that even minor sidewall deterioration can increase the risk of a blowout or slow puncture in a major safety concern. Meanwhile, small stones or debris can get pushed into the tyre during a wash, leading to a slow puncture that can often go unnoticed for days.
Sixty-second check advised after every wash
Just Tyres stressed that road users should run their hand over the surface of their tyre after a car wash. A dry, brittle or unusually rough rubber surface is usually an early sign of degradation which needs to be looked at more closely.
Road users also need to check each sidewall for faint lines, cracks or uneven texture and make sure to look at their tyre pressures for any sign of a puncture.
Newman told Express.co.uk: "Automatic washes aren't the enemy, skipping the check afterwards is. Sixty seconds with your eyes and hands on each tyre will catch a problem while it's still a cheap one."
