By Luke Schrock
This is the system used at Drive & Shine. Neoglide® is an American-made foam material designed to knock off dirt and grime rather than wipe it off, which reduces the risk of scratching.
Key Benefits of Neoglide®:
- Gentle on paint: The foam is poreless, preventing dirt and sand from embedding in the material. This dramatically reduces the risk of swirls or scratches on your vehicle’s clear coat.
- Safe for vehicle parts: Neoglide® brushes are designed to break away rather than catch on mirrors, bumpers, or other vehicle parts, minimizing damage risk.
- Durable & long-lasting: The foam’s density means it doesn’t need excessive force to clean effectively. It withstands impacts with mirrors, hitches, and tires while holding up well over time.
- Quiet operation: Compared to traditional wraps, Neoglide® produces less noise in the tunnel.
- Optimized for longer tunnels: Typically used in tunnels over 100 feet, Neoglide® is a perfect match for Drive & Shine’s 150-foot tunnels, ensuring thorough, gentle cleaning.
When combined with high-pressure sprayers, gentle soaps, and advanced dryers, Neoglide® delivers a clean, dry, and protected vehicle every time.
Cloth Wraps
Cloth wraps are another common option, usually made from polyester, polypropylene, or cashmere-style fabric. These can range from stiff to plush, depending on the design.
Pros of Cloth Wraps:
- Familiar experience: Plush cloth, often marketed as “cashmere,” is what many people think of when they picture a car wash.
- Effective cleaning in tight spaces: Softer cloth can reach into nooks and crannies better than stiffer materials.
- Durability: Hard cloth wraps tend to last longer.
Cons of Cloth Wraps:
- Shorter tunnel design: Typically used in 50–60-foot tunnels, which limits cleaning time.
- Risk of re-depositing dirt: Because cloth wipes dirt off rather than knocking it away, contaminants can stay trapped in the fabric and transfer onto the next vehicle.
- Heaviness when wet: If too many cloth pieces are used, they can become waterlogged and hit vehicles with more force than intended.
- Limited flexibility: Stiffer non-woven fabrics like polyester or polypropylene struggle to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Quick Comparison: Neoglide® vs. Cloth Wraps
Feature | Neoglide® Foam Wraps | Cloth Wraps |
Cleaning Action | Knocks off dirt and grime (gentle) | Wipes dirt off (risk of transfer) |
Paint Safety | Poreless → resists scratches/swirl marks | Can trap dirt → risk of scratching |
Vehicle Safety | Breakaway design prevents damage to mirrors, bumpers, etc. | Can catch on parts if too heavy or stiff |
Tunnel Length | Best for longer tunnels (100+ ft) | Common in shorter tunnels (50–60 ft) |
Durability | Long-lasting, holds up against impacts | Hard cloth lasts longer, soft cloth wears faster |
Noise Level | Quieter in operation | Louder in operation |
Customer Experience | Smooth, gentle, thorough clean | Familiar feel, but can be inconsistent |
Why Drive & Shine Chooses Neoglide®
At Drive & Shine, our goal is to deliver the safest and most effective wash possible. While cloth wraps have been around for decades, Neoglide® represents the latest innovation in tunnel wash technology—gentle on paint, tough on dirt, and durable enough to stand up to the busiest car wash tunnels.
With Neoglide® paired with our 150-foot tunnels, high-pressure sprayers, and eco-friendly soaps, every vehicle leaves looking spotless, protected, and ready to shine.
TAGS: Neoglide, Car Wash, Wash Tunnel
