Touch-Free vs Self-Serve: Which Car Wash Method Is Better for Your Vehicle?

Choosing the right wash option at Washco Express Broadmeadows

When you pull into Washco Express Broadmeadows, you’ll find two popular washing options: our automatic touch-free bays and our self-serve high-pressure bays. While both deliver great results, each suits different types of vehicles and cleaning needs.

Washco Express is proud to offer two state-of-the-art touch-free automatic bays, designed for modern cars, ceramic coatings, and customers who want a fast, safe and highly effective clean, without anything physically touching the paintwork.

Here’s how our touch-free system compares with self-serve washing, and how combining the two can deliver the ultimate finish.

What Is a Touch-Free Automatic Car Wash?

A touch-free wash uses high-pressure water, advanced detergents and intelligent sensors to clean your car without any brushes or cloths touching the surface.

Benefits of Touch-Free at WCE

• No risk of swirl marks or micro-scratches

• Safe for ceramic coatings, wraps, matte paint and PPF

• Ideal for prestige vehicles and dark paintwork

• Cleans complex shapes and hard-to-reach edges

• Fast, convenient and consistent results

• Perfect option during winter or wet weather

Best suited for

• New or high-end vehicles

• Ceramic-coated / wrapped / matte finishes

• Cars needing a quick, safe wash

• Drivers wanting a hands-off, hassle-free clean

What Is a Self-Serve High-Pressure Wash?

Our self-serve bays enable you to control the wash manually using high-pressure water, foam brush, wheel cleaner, pre-soak, and additional detailing options.

Benefits of Self-Serve

• Excellent for removing heavy mud, bugs and built-up grime

• More control for detailing wheels, accessories and 4x4s

• Great for utes, work vehicles, off-road setups and roof racks

• Ability to target stubborn marks that need extra attention

• Allows you to focus on each section of the vehicle as much or as little as needed

Best suited for

• 4x4s and tradie vehicles

• Cars that are washed less frequently

• Removing tough contaminants like tar and bug residue

Pro Tip: Combine Both for the Best Result

Many regular customers use both services depending on the condition of their vehicle:

Touch-free automatic for fast, safe weekly washing

+ Self-serve bay for occasional deep-clean and problem areas

This approach protects paintwork while keeping the car looking fresh and glossy year-round.

Why We Choose Touch-Free Over Soft Cloth

Some car wash systems use soft cloth brushes, but these carry risks when poorly maintained or used on heavily soiled cars, unlike our touch-free system which::

• Won’t leave swirl marks or micro-scratches

• Safely removes trapped dirt particles which avoids damaging paint

• Provide consistency irregardless of the  previous vehicle

For us, paint protection and safety come first, which is why both of our automatic bays are proudly touch-free only.

Why Choose Washco Express Broadmeadows

✔ Two modern touch-free auto wash bays

✔ Self-serve bays with full detailing features

✔ Safe for luxury vehicles, ceramic coatings and wraps

✔ Vacuum, fragrance and vending products available on-site

✔ Local, affordable and open extended hours

Whether you want fast, contact-free protection or a hands-on detailing experience, Washco Express has the perfect wash option for you.

Visit Us Today

Washco Express Broadmeadows - 382 Camp Rd, Broadmeadows VIC 3047

Touch-free auto bays | Self-serve bays | Vacuum | Dog wash

More info: washcoexpress.com.au