Dry ice or a car wash: which one when
They do different jobs. A short comparison of a normal car wash and dry ice cleaning, and when each is the right choice.
Two different jobs
A car wash and dry ice cleaning do not compete. One keeps the paint looking good week to week. The other deals with what is on the engine and underneath.
What each one does
For the paint and the day-to-day dirt, a car wash is fine, and it is cheaper. It is not good on an engine, where water can find its way into electrical parts. It reaches only the surface of the underbody, and the water can stay in hidden places. A normal wash needs the car to dry, which can take hours.
Dry ice cleans the engine bay and the underbody properly. There is no water, so nothing needs to dry. It is non-abrasive, so it is safe for delicate surfaces. The cost is that it is a booked job done at the workshop, not something you drive through.
When a car wash is enough
- Regular maintenance cleaning
- Light dust and dirt
- When you do not need the engine or the underbody done
When to use dry ice
- After winter, to remove salt and chemicals
- Before an inspection, so the engine bay can be seen properly
- Before selling, so the car shows honestly
- Before painting or restoration work
- For rust, tar or heavy deposits
- For collector cars, where a gentle method matters
Our suggestion
Wash the car as often as you like. Have the engine and the underbody dry ice cleaned when they need it, which for most cars means after winter and before selling. We do not give a price for a deep clean in a blog post, because it depends on the car. The inspection costs 181.50 lei with VAT (150 lei + VAT) and is deducted if you go ahead, and the configurator gives you a price for the engine and the underbody.
Arctic Works is part of the BetterQA group.
Frequently asked questions
Which one takes longer?
A car wash takes minutes. Dry ice cleaning is a booked job: you drop the car off on Monday and collect it the following Monday, and it includes the engine and the underbody that a wash does not touch.
Can I use both?
Yes. A normal wash for upkeep and dry ice for the deep clean is how most people end up doing it.
Sources and references:
- International Carwash Association (ICA): water consumption per vehicle (150-600 litres)
- Cold Jet LLC: comparison of cleaning methods for automotive use