Here is a link to an AOL Auto write up on why not to use an Automatic Car Wash. Thought it might answer some questions for those who are 'on the fence'.

http://autos.aol.com/article/auto-re...29104109990001

 

Thanks for the link. One thing they did not mention about the coin-op wand washes, NEVER USE THE FOAMING BRUSHES, they are loaded with crud, tend to have stiff bristles, and WILL scratch the finish on your car.

Mark

 

"Do, however, think twice about spray-on wax. This typically adds at least a couple bucks to the cost of the wash and while it doesn't hurt anything, it's no substitute for hand-applied polish/wax. Spray-on "wax" may provide a short-term gloss enhancement, but doesn't protect against UV sun damage the way hand-applied wax does. "

people should note autowash spray-on waxes are not the same as
HYDRO. Hydro will not only last a month easily, it contains UV protection.

i sound like some advertisement.

 

Er, it seems the article is advocating SOME auto washes. I've been waiting till it's at least above freezing before I wash my car, and I still do it at home. However, it seems I might not see any reprieve in the temperature and so be forced to use the coin-op, drive in garage, to clean. Basically I'm just using that for the enclosed garage space. :P

 

I feel fortunate, when I built my house I had a sink with hose hook-up installed in the garage and the garage well insulated. Today it was about 30 degrees out and I was able to wash the mini in the nice warm garage and apply a coat of hydro.

 

futuremini: I hate you :(

 

My garage is always open for a mini washing.

 

Off topic, but what really caught my attention was the sidebar table of 20 bestselling cars. Along with all the usual suspects that are no surprise (Camry, Accord, various pickups and econo compacts etc), at #20 is the 3 series BMW. I do see a lot of them around here, but I had no idea.

 

I once scratched the holy hell out of an SUV i owned, I had used the self service wash bays they have around and when I was done the car looked like it was buffed with a brillo pad. I spoke to the owner who said that offroaders sometimes cleaned up after running the mud and I should have cleaned the brush before use, he did pay for a complete buff job which cured the problem so all was well, I have yet to use one since. Peter

 

I have a touchless carwash station 1/8 mile from my house and it does a fantastic job. Even uses the blow dryers, and what they don't get usually dries on a quick drive before I get home.

 

Im a crew leader @ autobell, and while I take great care to not damage any cars, I personally wouldn't let some people dry off my car

automated = ''ok''
but attendants = death

 

yeah never let others dry it! i used to detail cars at a Honda dealer... and the people who came in for a service wash would get younger guys who dont care, washing with large mops, then drying with a squeeqee, and old chamois/towels.... just not a good deal for the paint. I think nowadays most dealers have automated washes for that, but still

 

Oh, man, I usually use an automated wash before I hand wash (just basic cycle to get the stubborn dirt off). However, this one time, the owner had her kids pre-"cleaning" the vehicles with these horrendous brushes that they probably bought in the Wal-Mart painting section.

I literally floored it out of there when they started creeping to my MINI with their demon tools.

 

 

I'd be very scared to use anything other than the touchless car washes - and from what I hear they do a horrible job of cleaning.

I'm having a tough time myself, just picked up my MCS 2 weeks ago, and its been building up a nauseating layer of dirt. I don't have a garage or a driveway to wash it, not to mention its bloody freezing. I think my best bet is to take it to a reputable and well known detailing shop for a hand wash. Easier said than done though.

 

I am always afraid during touchless car washes because the water jets out with so much strength!! The sound of it hitting my door panels makes me think it could cause a small dent. Well... could it??

 

I highly doubt the pressure is high enough to do that. Touchless washes wouldn't be so popular if it were. I suppose I can see it happening with older paint jobs that haven't been protected by any wax. I think the factory coat will have enough protectant on it to stop something like that from happening, and even more so if you have coats of wax built up on it. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone?

 

I hate you 2! Be nice to have your setup!

 

Was refering to this post.

 

Well, it SOUNDS like it rattles the panels horrifically, but they probably wave more than dent.

Heck, punch your MINI at light strength. It won't dent, just ripple. This is not a test for you professional punch-boxers and judo-kings out there. Please... I am not responsible for any injuries to your MINI.

 

:r oll:

 

If I lived closer I would be more than happy to share.

That was one of my better ideas when I designed my house. All my other homes had nothing like that and I always got in trouble when I washed my hands in the sinks inside the house after working on a car.

 

I brain fart yesterday and took Poco through a touchless car wash, first time in many years, and only one of a handful of times. Well it did a crappy job, I guess it got most of the salt off, but still looked dirty. Oh, and the #$%&*)! thing ripped off the antenna

Mark

 

Hey Mark!! I washed mine at home on Saturday. Had to thaw out the hose but it was well worth the effort to get the salt off, after the snow-melt. Plus, I was then able to powerwash the garage floor.

 

This advice is as old as the hills (but still very important advice!). Can't remember the LAST time I went to one! The car I traded in for my MINI was nine years old and never saw the inside of an automatic car wash.