| Navman |
We have a decent car wash in town where the guys brush the wheels and hard to reach areas then send you on thru where the brushes and rinse get the rest.
Here in the Pacific Northwest you have to wash your car constantly because of all the rain and road gunk.
Just wondering if anyone uses drive thru car washes without damage.
Does the Navi antenna have to come off?
I know I'd be committing a mortal sin, but we drive 3 vehicles and sometimes there just isn't time to keep them all clean by hand washing.
Thank you
Mel |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by Navman
We have a decent car wash in town where the guys brush the wheels and hard to reach areas then send you on thru where the brushes and rinse get the rest.
Here in the Pacific Northwest you have to wash your car constantly because of all the rain and road gunk.
Just wondering if anyone uses drive thru car washes without damage.
Does the Navi antenna have to come off?
I know I'd be committing a mortal sin, but we drive 3 vehicles and sometimes there just isn't time to keep them all clean by hand washing.
Thank you
Mel
This type of car wash will slowly scratch the heck out of your finish, especially the part where they attack your car with brushes (usually you here bang, bang). But if you are not too picky, who cares. I use the touchless washes that just spray high pressure water. The downside is that you have to do it often because built up salt will not really come off well in this type of wash if left on too long. |
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| nightguy |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
I use the touchless washes that just spray high pressure water. The downside is that you have to do it often because built up salt will not really come off well in this type of wash if left on too long.
They also seem to leave dirty water under the tailgate that makes its way to the bumper.
I don't even trust touchless anymore. Earlier this year I got scraped on the RR corner. The moving spray nozzle also made a swirl on the top of the bumper. Apparently the sensors like to get out of calibration. The bay I used was closed for at least a week. Friend of mine that runs a bodyshop says he stuff happens all the time at car washes. He's fixed cars that came off the tracks and went into walls. :eek:
My dealer has a brush wash and they have a laminated sign ready to go for people like me who don't want a wash. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
They also seem to leave dirty water under the tailgate that makes its way to the bumper.
That's true, there are a few different touchless washes in our area and I had to try them all until I found one that does an excellent job. It also has a wash bay that is wide enough to fit my crew cab silverado with the mirrors open, so there is plenty of room to make sure the nozzle arms don't come close to the vehicle. They are all designed differently. Don't really have much of a choice during the winter, except some kind of automated wash. The all cloth washes that require the attendants to first use hand held brushes really did a number on our previous CRV so I stopped using them. |
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| DaleB |
I only know of 2 in the bay area that are truly exceptional. And I see some mighty fine vehicles being washed there, including some with custom paint jobs.
I can't imagine taking a chance on any other, unless it was with a beater first.
Same goes with these kids washing cars to raise money for a good cause. Drive your beaters through there too if you are in a generous mood. Or you may find your wax stripped off, or the odd scratch or two you never noticed before. But in most cases, just missed spots. Bless their hearts, they mean well. :) |
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| Neo |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I only know of 2 in the bay area that are truly exceptional. And I see some mighty fine vehicles being washed there, including some with custom paint jobs.
And where would these places be? :)
EDIT: Found it in an old thread. I'll add it here for the benefit of others. If the locations you are talking about has changed, feel free to correct it. :)
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
The only 2 are on El Camino in Santa Clara, about 2 blocks south of Lawrence Expwy. and the other is at the corner of Tully Rd. and 7th St. in San Jose.
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Neo
And where would these places be? :)
EDIT: Found it in an old thread. I'll add it here for the benefit of others. If the locations you are talking about has changed, feel free to correct it. :)
As far as I know they are both still open. Just drive by and check out the cars going through.
Not living in the Bay Area anymore, I can not guarantee they are still as good, but they should be.
I got the Rainbow Wax before. It did not seem to affect my Zaino finish. I think it's a very light coat that sprayed on through the wash.
http://www.touchlesscarwash.biz/ |
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| Navman |
Thank you for the replies,
I've never been thru a touchless wash thinking i"t would kind of be like using a water pick without a toohbrush.."
Guess I'll have to find one in the Wilsonville, Tualatin, Portland area.
Thanks again
Mel and Carla |
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| Mr. Mom |
| I know what you mean about living in the northwest. I hand washed the first year with only a couple of washes like the kind you describe, power spray first, hand wipe and then hold my breath through the rollers. The second year I used the drive through in the winter all the time, BUT, I make sure I have a good layer of wax on before winter hits. The paint on my X seem really soft, I had a wrench in my back pocket and scratch the paint the first week I had it. Anyway, get it Zainoed or Maguire’s #16 are the ones that I know of that last through a winter of rain, snow, mud, and road tar. |
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