It seems you enjoy both going to a car wash and washing your car at home! Each method has its own advantages:

Car Wash

• Convenience: Quick and easy, especially if you're busy.
• Professional Equipment: Often uses high-quality equipment and products that can provide a thorough clean.
• Time-Saving: You can multitask while your car is being washed.

Home Wash

Cost-Effective: Saves money in the long run, especially if you wash your car frequently.

Control: You can choose the products and methods you prefer.

Satisfaction: Many people enjoy the process and find it rewarding to clean their own vehicle.

I would lean toward washing a car at home because it offers greater control and attention to detail, which is important for maintaining the car's paint and overall appearance. Washing a car at home also lets you use the right products and techniques to prevent damage, like swirl marks or scratches, which can happen at automatic car washes.

Here’s why many prefer washing their car at home:

Advantages of Washing at Home:

1. Control Over Products: You can choose high-quality, pH-balanced soaps, waxes, and detailing products that are best for your car, especially if you have specific preferences, like using microfiber mitts or foam cannons.

2. Reduced Risk of Damage: Some automatic car washes use stiff brushes or harsh chemicals that can scratch your car’s paint or strip away wax. Washing by hand with the right tools (e.g., two-bucket method, grit guards) reduces this risk.

3. Attention to Detail: When you wash your car at home, you can spend extra time on areas that need special attention, like wheels, tires, or removing bird droppings or tree sap. You also have more control over drying to avoid water spots.

4. Cost Savings: Although there’s an upfront investment in supplies (soap, mitts, buckets), washing at home can save money in the long run compared to regular trips to a commercial car wash.

Challenges of Washing at Home:

• Time-Consuming: Hand-washing takes more time than an automatic car wash. If you're in a hurry, going to a car wash may be more convenient.

• Water Access: If you don’t have easy access to a hose or water, or live in an area with water restrictions, washing at home might be impractical.

• Effort: Washing a car properly requires effort, and it might not be ideal if you’re looking for something quick and easy.

Advantages of Going to a Car Wash:

1. Convenience: Automatic car washes are quick and easy when you don’t have time to wash your car yourself.

2. Touchless Options: Some touchless car washes use high-pressure water and soap without brushes, reducing the chance of scratches. However, they might not be as effective at removing tough grime.

3. Water Conservation: Some professional car washes use less water than you would washing at home, or they recycle their water, which can be better for the environment.

My Take:

If you're passionate about car care and want to ensure your car looks its best, washing at home is usually the better option. It allows for more detailed care and protection, especially if you have a black car like yours that’s prone to showing imperfections. On the other hand, a quick trip to a car wash is convenient when you're pressed for time.