What does everyone think of the self service car wash. You know the one that cost $2-$3 dollars for 3minutes and you wash the car youself

 

I think that if you take a good washing mitt or something like that with you, they can be useful. But whatever you do, NEVER use the brush thing that they have to wash the car! A week after I got my car, I came home late from my sister's with bird poo all over my MINI. My hubby offered to take it to the DIY place down the street to spray it off as it was too cold to bring out our hoses. The next morning I looked at it and asked what he had done as he said he was only going to rinse it off. My Bruno was covered in tons of tiny scratches because he decided to use the brushy thing! And this from a guy who would never use it on his car! Luckily, it doesn't look like they are any deeper than the clear coat. So now he is going to get to spend some quality time with my MCS (Bruno) and a buffing wheel, and Bruno will have a much thinner clearcoat than he used to

 

the reason I ask, I live in New jersey where at times it snows. It snowed a couple of days ago and I just wanted to get some of the salt off so I took it last night and did a quick wash (no brush, not even on my tires). Looks better but not showroom material.

 

if its just a quick wash they are no different than your home hose.. the good thing is that they are usually high pressure and hot water, so it does give a small window of oppertunity to make it nice and shiny, as well as getting the car nice and clean if you spend enuf time spraying some of the water streaks

i take my bucket and a wash mitt with me usually, but if im really short on time i just take it in, spray it, and dry it and be done with it

 

Just be sure not to to aim the high P hose directly at the car. Use a glancing "blow" so you don't force grit into the paint and increase the chances of scratching.

 

I agree 100%!!!! The damn brush did the same thing to my finish. DON'T USE IT!!

 

I mentioned earlier that when it comes to washing my car, I am extremely lazy. I am trying by best to find the most efficient, and of course, safest route to keeping my MINI in showroom condition. Once the weather gets better, I will invest my time and wash my car on my own(I hope).

 

I've used 'em, but only the clear water....I have my Zaino Z7 and bring my bucket & sponge...have these nice heavy rubber gloves that keep the hands "warm".

So I rinse, wash w/ my stuff, and rinse again....works well. 'Course I've only done it a couple of times this winter, as it hasn't been above 30 too often (at least when it won't snow again the day after I wash it).

I may give an entirely brushless one a try (laser guided around your car, which remains stationary), as it gets the underside pretty well, which is tough to do w/ the hand wand.

 

Keep in mind that the DIY car washes recycle the water. They run it through a filter but if the place isn't well maintained - and most are not - the water can have some pretty nasty grit in it.

 

I wouldn't use the soap either as it is very harsh...unless you have no other option to get the salt and chemicals off...lesser of two evils.