Instead of using automatic car washes, I just rub my car all over with a Scotchbright pad. Does the same job as the car wash, get's all the dirt off and at a fraction of the cost.

 

 

From the manual:

When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, ensure that you maintain a sufficient
distance to the vehicle. If the jet is too close
or the pressure is too high, this can lead to damage
or initial damage that can develop into more
serious damage. Water that enters vehicle components
can lead to damage over the long term.

This is not a problem for those who know how to use a pressure washer. For those that don't, seek advice.

 

We had some nasty old white Geo Metros where I used to work, They were filthy and our boss made us wash them (even though it wasn't our job). So we busted out the Ajax cleanser and scrubbing pads and went to town. We got all the dirt off and they sure were white!

 

Anyone can use the high pressure hoses, just DON'T aim it right at the cars finish, only at an angle and from at least six feet from the car. The under part of the car, get closer to get at all the crud and salt. I made a mistake on my old Mazda 6, a couple of years ago and it did loosen up the paint. I learned.

 

"...from at least six feet..."

And as effective as using squirt bottle.

 

You wouldn't want to bet on that would you? The pressure hoses that I have used, where I use to work, would scald you, and feel a real hurt, even at six feet. Now, ten to twelve feet, you may have a point.

 

When I take mine in, I intentionally post a sign on the dash stating "Please do NOT wash".

As a student I worked on a dealer's lot washing. I also know a couple of my son's friends who wash. There is NO WAY ON EARTH, I'd trust some 16 year old kid with a gritty mit that is on its 65th car, that hasn't been rinsed (or soap changed) since the first car wash of the day.

IMHO I say far better to leave the dirt on, and carefully take the time to wash it yourself. Swirls and minor scratches are impossible to prove or fix (unless OctaneGuy does his magic).

 

Car wash will definitely fix it, but if it becomes too much of a hassle for them to do it, at least it's just a cheap part.

 

I just use the touchless ones in the Winter time. I have no access of washing the car myself due to moving to an apartment and none of my friends wash their cars in the west coast rain.

 

Sorry to hear that.
I did automatic washes yesterday (it was first time). I will never put my MINI through again....

 

I tried touchless...but the car got dirty.

 

Hi, just had to fix the rear trim on my Clubbie, like one other person said it's only 5 clips that hold it on, no worries.
Johnny

 

I insist on hand-washing my cars, but there are times (like right now) when it's just too cold to even think about it. And although Plan B is the coin-op pressure washer, hosing my car down in sub-freezing temps isn't something I want to do either. It's supposed to get up in the 40s this afternoon, and I hope to treat the MINI to a spray, just to remove the worst of the salt. But come Spring, it's nothing but cool water, car soap, and a soft sponge!

BTW, I agree with the post above about avoiding drying the car after a pressure wash. Too much residue... but when I give it a sponge bath, I use a water blade for the bulk of the water, and a chamois for the remainder.

Spridget

 

I use my leaf blower.

 

BTW, I love the hyperbole. "A piece of trimwork came off. My MINI is destroyed!!!!!!!!!"

 

Yeah, the car wash going to pay to have it fixed. There a local body shop that they have an account with and they already ordered the new clips for the trim. I should have the trim back on by end of the week. I hope...

 

Yeah, its not much damage thinking about it now after I cooled down a bit. Still though this is the most damage that ever happened to any of my cars.

 

Hi, just another bump in the road of life!
Johnny

 

i took my jeep to the car wash once and it ripped off my fender i always wash by hand usually but that day was feeling kinda lazy never again will i go to one

 

[quote=Rixter;2954952]When I take mine in, I intentionally post a sign on the dash stating "Please do NOT wash".



surfblue adds: Big sign going on my steering wheel next time at the dealers. Last time I was there (long time, knock on wood) the dealer washed it even though it was spotless clean when I showed up, except for a few bugs up front from the 80 mile drive. I looked at it when I got home and knew something wasn't right. I threw a bucket of clean water on it and it was obvious that the two coats of synthetic wax i'd put on weeks before was STRIPPED to the bare paint...the water did not bead at all, just ran off like it does on bare paint. NO MORE DEALER WASHES.

 

Me too. The neighbors sure think it's a riot as I wield this big electric wand, but it works great. It is especially good for blowing the water out of the black grilles front and rear on my 07 MCS. But I go over the whole vehicle top to bottom real fast, then hit it with the clean soft towels and it's lookin good!