Why not go to the car wash? It will clean out your wallet in the process if you go on a biweekly basis. Buying a car is expensive. Taking care of it shouldn't be. Plus, by cleaning it yourself, you can keep tabs on dents and scratches, so you'll know when a grocery cart — or your 16-year-old — is suspect.
But if you're willing to pay for it, new technology for automatic car washes makes them easier on a car's finish. But older, scratchier operations still lurk, so follow these tips.

Look for soft-cloth washes.

Make sure a rinse comes first.

Consider a "touchless" car wash if you're worried about scratching. Some small automatic car washes, usually adjacent to filling stations, use a system that power-sprays your car, applies soap, then rinses the car and blows it dry. While a touchless car wash won't necessarily get your car cleaner, it will give you peace of mind.