Automatic Car Washes: Open for Business

In times of varying restrictions and lockdowns, a common question for vehicle owners is the operational status of car washes. Specifically, whether automatic car washes are allowed to continue serving the public has been a point of discussion and clarification. This article delves into the reasons behind the differing rules for automatic and manual car washes, providing clarity for drivers across the UK.

Understanding the Differences: Automatic vs. Manual Car Washes

At their core, both automatic and manual car washes aim to clean vehicles. However, the methods and the level of human interaction involved are significantly different.

Automatic Car Washes

Automatic car washes utilise a conveyor system to move the vehicle through a series of fixed cleaning mechanisms. These can include high-pressure water jets, spinning brushes, and drying fans. The primary advantage of automatic car washes is their efficiency and minimal human contact. Customers typically drive their vehicles into a bay, pay, and then either remain in their car or exit the vehicle while it is moved through the washing process by the machinery. This contactless or low-contact nature is a key factor in their operational allowance during certain restrictions.

Manual or Hand Car Washes

Manual car washes, also known as hand car washes, involve human operators who physically wash, rinse, and dry the vehicle. This often includes detailing services, which encompass the cleaning, polishing, and waxing of both the exterior and interior of a motor vehicle, and can also involve the rejuvenation of the vehicle’s surfaces. While offering a more thorough and personalised service, manual car washes inherently require close proximity and interaction between staff and customers, as well as among staff members themselves. This increased risk of transmission has led to their closure under stricter guidelines.

Car Washes and COVID-19 Restrictions: A Tiered Approach

During periods of heightened public health measures, such as the Tier 4 restrictions announced by the UK Government, specific guidance was issued regarding the operation of various businesses. The government confirmed that only automatic car washes would be permitted to remain open. This decision was made after considerable lobbying from industry bodies like the Car Wash Association (CWA).

Why the Distinction?

The primary reason for this distinction lies in the public health implications of each type of car wash. Brian Madderson, a spokesperson for the CWA, highlighted the significant risk of virus transmission associated with hand car washes. He pointed out that these operations often involve:

• Close contact between staff and customers.
• Lack of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) among staff.
• Failure to observe social distancing rules.
• Reliance on cash payments, hindering contactless transactions.

In contrast, automatic car washes, including rollovers, conveyors, and jet washes, require little to no staff interaction with customers. This reduced contact makes them a safer option during periods when minimising transmission is paramount.

Government Guidance and Essential Services

The government's guidance during these periods often categorises businesses as either essential or non-essential. Petrol stations and vehicle repair/MOT services were typically classified as essential services. Importantly, automatic car washes that were part of petrol stations were also permitted to remain open. This meant that if a car wash was attached to a petrol station, it could continue to operate, even under the strictest measures.

The government's statement indicated that businesses providing essential goods and services could stay open, following COVID-19 Secure guidelines. This included petrol stations, automatic car washes, vehicle repair and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses. The exclusion of manual hand car washes was a direct consequence of their higher risk profile.

Lobbying Efforts and Clarity

The Car Wash Association (CWA) played a crucial role in advocating for clarity on the operational status of car washes. Brian Madderson expressed that the group was "heartened" by the clarity provided by the new rules, which allowed automated car washes to open while mandating the closure of manual ones. This outcome was seen as a significant step in the CWA's campaign to improve standards and compliance within the car wash industry, addressing issues such as fiscal, labour, and environmental regulations.

Can You Get Your Car Washed During Lockdown?

During national lockdowns in England, the rules have been specific. Initially, car washes were listed among businesses that should close. However, following successful lobbying, the government confirmed that car washes which are part of a petrol station could remain open. This meant drivers could still access car wash facilities at petrol stations.

For automated car washes not connected to petrol stations, the situation was initially less clear. The CWA continued to lobby to ensure these businesses were not discriminated against and were granted similar exemptions. The regulations, however, did not always apply uniformly across the entire UK, with Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland sometimes having different allowances where all car washes were permitted to remain open.

DIY Car Washing Tips from the RAC

For those unable to access professional car washes, or when restrictions prevent it, the RAC offers valuable advice for achieving a professional finish at home. Key recommendations include:

• Pre-rinsing: Always pre-rinse your car with a pressure washer or hose to remove loose dirt and grit. This prevents them from being rubbed into the paintwork during the washing process.
• Shampoo Dilution: Avoid adding a large amount of car shampoo directly into warm water. Instead, dilute the shampoo correctly in a bucket of water. Applying concentrated shampoo directly can potentially damage your paintwork.
• Two-Bucket Method: When washing by hand, use the two-bucket method. One bucket contains soapy water, and the other contains clean rinse water for your wash mitt. This helps to prevent transferring dirt back onto the car, reducing the risk of scratches.
• Wash Mitts: Use a clean, high-quality wash mitt, preferably made of microfibre, and rinse it frequently in the clean water bucket.
• Drying: Use clean, dry microfibre drying towels to avoid scratching the paintwork. Blot or gently wipe the water off rather than rubbing vigorously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are all car washes closed during lockdown?
No, during certain lockdown periods in England, automatic car washes, particularly those attached to petrol stations, were permitted to remain open. Manual hand car washes were generally required to close due to higher transmission risks.

Q2: Why are automatic car washes allowed to open when manual ones aren't?
Automatic car washes involve significantly less human interaction, reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19. Manual car washes require close contact between staff and customers, making them a higher risk.

Q3: Can I use a car wash if it's not at a petrol station?
This has varied depending on specific government guidance at the time. While petrol station car washes were often explicitly permitted, other automatic car washes lobbied for similar exemptions. It's always best to check the latest local restrictions.

Q4: What is detailing?
Detailing is a comprehensive cleaning and restoration process for a vehicle's interior and exterior, aiming to return it to a showroom-like condition through meticulous cleaning, polishing, and protection.

Q5: Are the rules the same in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
No, the regulations regarding car wash operations have not always been uniform across the UK. In some instances, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have permitted all types of car washes to remain open.

In conclusion, the operational status of car washes during periods of restriction hinges on their operational model and the associated public health risks. Automatic car washes, with their inherent low-contact nature, have generally been allowed to continue serving the public, providing a vital service for vehicle maintenance and hygiene.