I would NEVER take my car to a car wash, but I live in CA and don't have the problems that you have.

If you have to take it to one, go to a brushless one or a hand wash one.

 

Hello, My name is Clark and I use a car wash.


[the crowd replies] "Hello Clark!"


Mclaren, you've got a little solidarity with me my friend. Living in the Chicago area, I came to the conclusion early on that I could not hand wash the car frequently enough to keep it as clean as I would need/like in this environment.

I frequent the brushless, soft-cloth Turtle Wax car wash, and after 6 months have not had any problems to speak of. Yes, if I look closely there's very fine scratches/swirl marks which fit right in with the rock chips that come with city driving as well.

My baby ain't perfect, but she's a precision tool and not a prom queen.

Clark

 

{member of crowd}


Clark,

Why can't she be both a precision tool AND a prom queen?



Anonymous....

 

NEVER, EVER take your stook through ANY automatic car wash. First of all the pressure is too harsh for the top and the seals. The soap is very strong and you can kiss good bye to your wax especially Zaino. And I dont care what BS they tell you about brushless washes not harming your finish. Look at all the dirty cars that go through these things on a daily basis. Well, all that dirt has to go somewhere and guess where it's going. Right into the finish of your pride and joy. Take it to the quarter wash for getting under the frame and inside the wheel wells but be careful not to get their harsh soap on the finish. Bring a bucket with some gallon jugs of luke warm water and your own soap that is safe for applying to waxed finishes. Use the luke warm water you brought as the quarter wash runs out of warm water fast especially when their busy. Use neoprene gloves with elastic around the wrist area and put them inside a wash mitt to keep your hands dry and warm. Start from the top down and rinse often with the water from the quarter wash. Use a wheel cleaner for the wheels and wipe with a cloth not the wash mitt. If its real cold keep the car running so the engine heat will prevent some surface freezing as and wipe the car down as quickly as possible. If possible stay in the bay to reduce as much wind chill as possible. I detail cars (part time) and do them all year round and this is how I wash them before detailing. Very effective and customers are very happy.