There’s a viral post on X that has garnered over 2.5 million views since January 20, 2026. In that post, tech enthusiast Tansu Yegen showcased what he called a “next-generation automatic washing machine” from a Chinese company.
The video shows a black Honda Accord sedan going through the kind of high-tech cleaning that will almost get people talking. With the slogan “we wash with a splash”, this system promises to douse vehicles in simulated rain, cleaning them spotless in seconds.
But how does it actually work? We’re actually bothered enough to break it down step-by-step, then compare it to its American counterparts to see if China really is overstepping its bounds – or if the US has been here all along.
Step 1: An underground blast clears from below
Image credit: Tansu Yegen/X.
The process begins, of course, with the vehicle pulling into a designated compartment, which is a scraped floor marked by bright yellow edges for precise positioning.
In the footage, a barely visible (because you’re focused on the car) worker in a red jacket approaches a control panel mounted on a nearby pole. With a simple twist of a lever or push of a button – perhaps initiating an automatic sequence – the magic begins. Jets of high-pressure water erupt from nozzles built into the floor along the perimeter of the bay.
These sprays shoot upwards like a row of fountains, targeting the undercarriage, wheels and lower body panels. This initial blast dislodges dirt, salt and grime that accumulates from road use, creating a curtain of fog that envelops the base of the car. It is effective for electric vehicles (EVs), common in China, where battery compartments need protection from corrosive deposits.
Step 2: Robotic arms provide a foamy, no-touch shroud
Image credit: Tansu Yegen/X.
Then a large overhead arm – marked “7YC” (a nod to a popular unmanned self-service chain in China) – lowers and pivots into action. This robotic appendage, equipped with multiple nozzles, swings over the vehicle in a calculated arc. It first dispenses a thick layer of foaming detergent, contouring to the shape of the car for even coverage.
Image credit: Tansu Yegen/X.
The foam clings to the paint, breaking down contaminants without physical contact, which prevents scratches on modern clear coats.
As the arm slides along the length of the sedan, it dynamically adjusts its angle, perhaps using sensors to detect the contours of the vehicle. This no-touch approach is key, as it relies on chemical potency rather than brushes.
Step 3: A simulated rain and rapid fire finish
Image credit: Tansu Yegen/X.
Then comes the rinsing phase: the arm recirculates, unleashing a torrent of water that mimics “pouring rain,” as Yegen described. High-velocity streams cascade from the top and side, washing away the foam in a dramatic splash.
The video, which appears to be sped up slightly for effect, shows the car emerging from a misty fog with water on its surfaces. A final pass may include a spray of wax or sealer, although not explicitly shown, leaving the vehicle shiny.
The entire ordeal is completed in less than a minute, with water flowing through the grill floor to a recycling system below—eco-friendly touches that align with China’s push for sustainable technology.
US touchless systems versus scale speed
Image credit: Tansu Yegen/X.
Now to the real reason we went out of our way to dissect the “We Wash with a Gushing” car wash; how does it compare to the US? American drivers are no strangers to touchless car washes. Systems like PDQ’s LaserWash 360 Plus, widely available at chains like Tommy’s Express or local gas stations, work similarly.
In these in-bath machines, the car remains stationary while articulated arms scan the vehicle with lasers for precise mapping, then apply pre-soaks, high-pressure rinses and spot-free finishes.
A typical US wash takes 3-5 minutes, slightly longer than the Chinese demonstration, but can handle 100-120 cars per day, with chemical costs under $1 per vehicle.
Image credit: Chetsford – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia.
Pass tunnels, like those at Mister Car Wash, move the car on a conveyor past stationary jets and blowers, providing speed for high-volume locations.
However, US systems often emphasize add-ons like underbody explosions or tire shine, integrated through contactless payment apps and mirroring China’s unmanned ethos.
So?
Image credit: Tansu Yegen/X.
The differences? Scaling and integration. While US innovations date back to the 1990s (think Istobal or early Ryko models), China’s versions are proliferating amid the EV boom. With more than 8 million electric vehicles on the road by 2026, companies like Leisu or CBK are incorporating these washes into charging stations, combining maintenance with refueling.
This holistic approach reduces downtime for fleet operators, which is suitable for China’s densely populated cities.
Finally, the skeptics in the X answers point out that it’s “nothing new” – and they’re partially right. Similar technology has existed in the US, Australia and Europe for decades. But China is not playing around. By rapidly deploying affordable, AI-enhanced systems (some under $25,000 per unit), they are democratizing premium car care, tying it to their dominance in electric mobility.
As American automakers such as Tesla and Ford pursue global competition, this “displacement” is a way of saying, “China’s automotive edge is in execution, not just invention.” If the US is to keep up, it may need a deeper cleaning of its own strategies.