Can you share some thoughts on taking a 02 S2000, soft top, through a car wash?

Aside from the harshness etc of the chemicals (which have been okay so far with all the cars I have owned) I will need to get the salt off the bottom ...... not sure how else but a car wash.

A long time ago, my soft top Jeep took it ok, thought I'd solicit some thoughts on the S2000.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

something I would NEVER do.. I always HAND wash..

 

its not the top that you need to worry about with a car wash-
the brushes or high pressure will not be good for your finish...
can cause chipping, swirling, and scratches (mainly fine scratches).
i agree- dont do it.
buy a hose attachment to get the underside of the car.

 

I wouldn't do it. The owner's manual even specifically states not to run it through a car wash or spray water directly at the seals.

 

Jeez, I read some posts on this issue ......... and this can get pretty brutal it seems VOSxxx got a real scolding.....

Look, it's a car, I love cars too and have 'baby'd all the cars I have had ... but convinience and getting salt of the undercarriage is key for long term undercarriage health .......

So, I didn't catch it in the Owners Manual, hence my question ....

 

I know how you feel. You need to get the salt out from the bottom. If you try to hose it down, then the water will freeze. I went to two different car wash place in Chicago land area, but the rail the too high for the front bumper clearance. I found a Mobile gas station with touch free car wash, which has very low rail. Actually it is not a rail, it is a pedal that front left tire runs over. Some of the Mobile station have different touch free car wash system, so my recommendation is that you try with different car, such as your friends.
Hope this helps,
Jesse

 

The solution is never to take the car out on salty roads

 

The solution is to move to California or somewhere in the sun belt

I still wouldnt drive my car through a car wash though. I am luck I dint have to deal with freezing weather though. if you have any place that does hand wash indoors that will clean the bottom of the cars, that would be the best alternative to you doing it yourself. Good luck.

 

You all say the only way is hand wash, and trust me i have no problem with that, i will change into a tuxedo to wash this car if i'm asked to. But my concearns lie in my equipment, i've got a sponge yes, but it's old and washed many a car, my soap, probably isn't top of the line but it comes wholesale, and i have a power sprayer, they say dont use it on the hard top but what about the undercarriage or hood and such? do you guys do anything to the engine compartment, i only ask because i assume my engine will someday become dirty and i will want to clean it, that point isn't here yet but someday........

468 mi on mine... what a car

 

I'm gonna have nightmares tonight.