| Self-service bay (SB) | Automatic (Waschstraße) | |
|---|---|---|
| You control | Everything – pressure, distance, order | Only the program |
| Price model | Pay by time | Fixed price per program |
| Time | 10–20 minutes of your own work | A few minutes, you stay in the car |
| Paint contact | Only if you use brush or mitt | Brushes/textiles (depends on the site) |
| Motorcycle / bicycle | Yes | Usually no |
| Roof box / bike rack | Usually fine – check the height | Usually not allowed |
| Wheels, sills, wheel arches | Easy to reach | Depends on the site |
Which one is better for the paint?
There is no simple answer. Modern automatic car washes use soft textile brushes and good pre-wash programs. At a self-service bay you decide yourself what touches the paint – you can wash completely touch-free with foam, high pressure and a final rinse. Scratches usually come from dirt being rubbed over the paint, not from the method itself. Whichever you choose: always pre-wash first. Enthusiasts with dark or sensitive paint, matte paint or wraps usually prefer the self-service bay.
First time at a self-service bay?
Read our step-by-step guide: How a self-service car wash works. The German terms on the panel are explained in the glossary.
Damage
If something gets damaged in an automatic car wash, check the car and report it to the operator before you leave, as the German automobile club ADAC advises (ADAC).
Sources
- ADAC: Schaden in der Waschanlage (geprüft 2026-09-26)
- ADAC: Autowaschanlage – Tipps (geprüft 2026-09-26)
Rechtliche und technische Angaben ohne Gewähr. Herstellerangaben deines Fahrzeugs haben immer Vorrang.