Dirt, as we all know, is one of the vehicle's greatest enemies. It eventually works its way into the paint, leaving tiny scratches and dulling the surface. Regular washes will not only keep your car looking good but protect it. But what is the best method? The bucket, sponge and your own two hands or the drive-through? We come up with the pros and cons of the two to help make your decision easier.

Drive-Through Carwash

The Pros: It can save you a lot of time and can be cheaper, too. Some say that today's technology makes the drive-through safe on your car's exterior and does a better job than hand washing.

The Cons: But the high impact of the cloths and brushes promotes surface scratches. Touchless or semi-touchless cloth or brush methods as well as foam and high-pressure spray can prevent this but the chemical agents used in them are usually harsh and can dull paint luster if continue to use.

Handwash

The Pros: You have total control over what touches your car and it can benefit from a "softer touch". And if using the right cleaning agents and tools such as professional car shampoos and micro fiber cloths, it can be a lot gentler on the car's surface.

The Cons: It's very time-consuming and not always convenient. Your car needs to be washed regularly but sometimes our schedule doesn't permit for a handwash.