This summer car washing method could be wrecking your vehicle

With hosepipe bans in place across large parts of the country this summer, many drivers have likely ditched the bucket and sponge for an alternative method.

However, experts have now warned that washing cars in this particular way could be wrecking them. The advice has also sparked a major safety concern.

Drivers using automatic car washes could be at risk of damaging their tyres, with harsh wheel cleaners and stiff brushes adding further friction to rubber already dried out by a long summer of hot weather.

The metal tracks and conveyor belts used in the automatic washes pose a risk by scratching against the sidewalls, with each visit stripping a little more of the tyre's protection.

Drivers are urged to be careful when checking their tyres for damage this summer, as products often designed to make a tyre look healthy can sometimes mask small cracks, which can be an early warning sign of the rubber deteriorating.

Even minor sidewall damage can increase the risk of a puncture or blowout, which could leave drivers stranded and in need of roadside assistance. Small stones and debris, often kicked up into the tyres during an automatic wash, can cause a slow puncture that may go unnoticed for some time.

Automatic car washes may seem like a convenient fix to a car covered in dust from a hot and dry summer, but with average tyre replacement costs ranging from £45 to £250, drivers could face a large repair bill if tyres go unchecked.

To check, road users should gently run their hand over the surface of their tyres after using an automatic car wash to check for signs their tyre is starting to lose protection. A dry, brittle or unusually rough surface could indicate damage and drivers should consider seeking advice from a qualified mechanic.