Any safe car washes for Minis in DC area or is that a fantasy?

 

I learned over the weekend that even the touchless systems use very strong chemicals to get your car clean and it is damaging to your finish. The best way is handwashing with good quality carwash soap. It only takes about fifteen twenty minutes to do it by hand. If you don't have a place to wash it just go to the do it yourself wash place but only use it for rinsing.

That's my opinion, I could be wrong.

 

I was using the Kensington Mr. Clean or whatever for years on previous cars and it did a good job for an automatic system and I like the clear coat protectant and other chemicals. I didn't know they were harmful. I thought it was the brushes or lathering strips or whatever that were a possible problem. Steve

 

I would think that the "strong chemicals" are not a big deal on the touchless systems, since they're only on your car for 30 seconds or so, and they get washed off really quick... ?

 

Yeah, my driveway. If you consider Catonsville (SW Balto County) the "DC area," that is.

I love working in Bethesda and telling people I own a house...they always assume it's nearby

Marty

 

My worst problem at a car wash has been after the car came out of the machinery. A "drier" guy rubbed my sparkling windows with a sandy towel. I have decided not to take my new MINI to any car wash....okay, maybe I'll reconsider when the snow falls again.

 

That is the nice thing about the touchless car washes - NOBODY touches your car.

 

1: Champions on Route 7 in Tysons Corner just west of the malls. This is a 100% hand wash place. You pull up, they vacuum while you pay, then you drive into what appears to be a standard car wash tunnel, belt and all... Except a half dozen guys wash the car instead of machines. This is the only place I'd take my MCS to with the roof rack attached. I'd give them an A-

2: Mr. Wash on southbound US 1 just south of the Multiplex in Hybla Valley. Used to bring my trucks and the MINI to them. Also give them an A-

3: Dr. Wash on Eastbound US 50 in Chantilly, they do a really good job and I gladly take my Subaru to them, but their machinery popped the Eurotag off the front of our Cooper. Other than that the car was spotless. I haven't been back with the MINI since. If I didn't have the Eurotag on the car I'd happily give them an A-, but since they pulled it off, they're a B-

4: Sud's Car Wash on Northbound US 29 in Centreville: They do a pretty good job but just raised their prices, I used to bring the Cooper to them but don't bring the MCS to them (roof racks). You ride in the car through the wash tunnel, for the interior cleaning you exit the car and they pull it onto a belt and vacuum etc... assembly line fashion. Riding in the car through the wash tunnel sounds like their machinery is a little rough on the car (very loud) but from what I can tell what you're hearing is the high power water jets and not brushes etc on the car... I give them a B, but only because they typically neglect to clean off the dried milk spots from the door next to the car seat unless it's pointed out to them...

 

Thanks. So you are saying that Mr. Wash Express is ok? We have one in Kensington, MD. YOu know the one where you vacuum yourself and they don't do the interior. Don't they have some sort of cloth that touches the car with that system?

 

...I think water may actually touch the car with their system, too

M

 

All I'm saying is that I've used the car washes I listed above and that was my opinion of them.

Mr. Wash may be a fanchise or a chain, but it doesn't guarantee that the one in Kensington does as good a job (or uses the same machinery) as the one in Alexandria or Chantilly. Especially since the one in Chantilly is only about 18 months old, where the one in Kensington may be much older...

 

I've had good luck at David's II on South Four Mile Run in Arlington.

 

Several people have told me that automatic car washes leave swirl marks on your clear coat if they have anything that even touches the car. In the detailing forum some people have talked about the high powered jets from touchless washes too. I like to wash and wax my own mini, but sometimes the chemicals and preservatives seem to help and keep the car in good shape between hand waxes. I had a Honda Civic Si that never showed any swirl marks on it from the Kensignton Mr. Wash. On the other hand, when I bought my 04 MCS it had significant swirl marks on the clear coat, I assume from car washed in NY where I bought it. That's why I ask the question. I was really impressed with the finish on the Si after many Mr. Washes and just wondered what people have experienced here with local car washes. I have learned that a good detail shop like Details, Details in Rockville can get rid of most clear coat swirls, but I'd like to minimize further damage to the clear coat.

 

I have no idea if any of those car washes make swirls.

My cars are all daily drivers, and while I like my cars to be clean... they're not show cars, and I refuse to stress over minor blemishes.

 

trip over to Suds today. My car was a nice shade of green rather then silver. (to much pollen) One thing I gotta say is go during an odd time. They seem to spend a ton of more time drying/wiping your car. As for what Mike was saying the brushes, they do seem a bit loud on your car when driving though but I can't really compare that to anything because most car washes your not inside as you go through the main wash. And yes they are pretty expensive. I usually opt for the Buick wash (if I only want the inside cleaned and a nice rinse on the outside) or whatever thir all outside wash is called when my inside is clean.

 

Just had the outside ultimate whatever done on the MCS this AM in Kensington and I have to say they did a lousy job. The car wasn't that dirty to begin with. The wheels are still filthy and the car looks kind of hazy. No swirls marks from the rotating non-brush thingee and they dislocated my right mirror. The mirror popped back with a twist and wasn't scratched. I'm surprised. My Honda Civic Si used to come out of there looking pretty good.

 

G'day MINI mates,

OK I agree with the comment "wash it your self in is done in 15 minutes". Really guys A little elbow work to wash and dry your baby, it doesnt take that long and it is not a high car so one can reach anywhere on the MINI without having to stretch.

It is also great bonding time with you baby.... so go on be a devil, try washing it yourself.... it is not only cheaper and less time than driving down to the car wash and back, but I can always get a better clean if I do it my self.

Ok so I am a Sick Australian in love with a shiny English/German Car ??? at least I am proud to be a MINI owner

MINI you later mate !!!

Aussie Dave

 

Not all of us have a two car garage and a house in the suburbs. As a car freak I should nixed the deal on my condo in Capltol Hill where I got a parking spot but no access to running outside water. I find Champions does a very good job in McLean.

 

G'day MINI mates,

OK Kurt you got me there, yes I do assume that every one has access to an outside hose....

Buying a house in the suburbs with a 2 car garage is not all that bad mate...LOL

 

Hey Dave,

Welcome to NAM... I see you're new here with not many posts yet. I especially want to say hi since I'm an Aussie too (dual-citizen, two passports). My parents and extended family all grew up south of Melbourne, where most of them still are (parents too). I was born here, in Washington DC. Long story, I won't bore you.

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

 

Yeah and it builds up your shoulder muscles too

 

I've only taken the MINI out to one brushless car wash and that was about 2 weeks ago. I bartend and the parking lot where I park is being remodled for brighter lighting. About 2 weeks ago, there was a real heavy wind storm I guess and it picked up all the dirt and everyone's car was completely covered. I HAD to get that dirt and mud off before I went insane. Normally, I just wash it by hand though, too. Seems like it takes care of more than any drive-thru car wash.

 

Used the Kensington Mr. Wash again and it was fine but...be sure to fold your mirrors inward. Otherwise it did a pretty good job. I don't see any swirl marks. Main idea is that you get some sort of wax and that might delay your need to handwax as often. If you want great detailing, I think you have to do it yourself, though I heard Details, Details in Rockville is really good.

 

there is a place in kensington,md that hand washes your car for ten bucks. They do a really good job and before i bought a house (and the mini ) i used to take my cars there. They get a lot of nice exotic cars and do a really good job. I cant remember the name or the address but its right around cedar lane and plyers mill road (accross from an antique store). There are a bunch of auto body shops there.

 

You are probably talking about the industrial side of Howard Avenue. Are you sure they are still there?