In a perfect world, we would hand wash our cars using the most advanced products, we would change our oil and fluids exactly when we’re supposed to, and we wouldn’t allow our brakes and tires to wear down to a dangerous level, in a perfect world.
In reality, many of us are guilty of running our cars through the gas station car wash, leaving oil and fluids in too long, and riding on brakes and tires that have long past needing to be changed. Automakers understand we have these habits, and it’s difficult for most of us to set aside time in a day to hand wash a car. The car washes can be so quick and easy to take just a few minutes out of our day. Manufacturers understand this fact about their customers. They have developed tests to see how their vehicles will stand up to the beating a car wash can deal with. They evaluate the durability level of the paint and finishes used on the cars to understand how well it holds up to the wear and tear.
Here’s Why?
Nissan has a miniature version of a carwash because to be able to conduct a real-world test of the paints and finishes that are on the Nissan models. The car wash testing site can be found at the Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, MI. It’s about the size and the shape of a popcorn machine. This little car wash comes equipped with the spinning brushes that can found in some car washes. These brushes rotate at a speed of 180 rpm to allow the bristles to harshly slap the paint samples of the small vehicles in the car wash.
The Mini Car Wash
Not only do they paint a piece of metal, but there is also a set of dirt that’s used to replicate the harsh conditions found on the roads. Oils, dirt, and sands are used to replicate the additional debris you would find on a car in every day driving. The model used in the video below was only for illustrative purposes. Still, the paint samples uses are applied to metal plates to see how many washes these finishes can handle before visible wear happens. What does this mean for you?
Is it Safe?
It means you can feel confident in the Nissan model you purchase if you make it through the occasional car wash. Hand washing is the best thing for your vehicle, but if you live in an area where you deal with the salt and sand when it snows, you’ll be able to take your Nissan through the car wash to knock these items off your paint before they cause damage. Take a look at the video below and check out the miniature car wash used by Nissan and think about how automakers test every single aspect of what you drive on the road.
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