Are automated car washes as risky as they sound?

[All Star]

http://www.eatontowncarwash.com/index.html

I'm looking into this place. I waxed it way back in November.

[CHMSC]

Originally Posted by 2010 SSRS

as long as it is a completely touchless car wash it will be fine, touchless car washes can't make scratches, here is the one I go to and never had any problems.
Attachment 465651

Would you take your camaro through it?

[skibik]

Originally Posted by poohdogger

Just so you dont waste a good wax job....... Wax takes wax off there is no such thing as applying two caots of wax......

You need to learn some detailing. There are different types of wax. If the wax you are using is a cleaner wax, that type of wax removes the previous wax. A good wax that has no cleaners in it then once you get beyond 2 coats no you are not adding hardly any wax. Adding a 2nd coat is to ensure that you have covered all areas of the vehicle and the second coat will add a little more durability. After you have wiped the wax off you need to let it cure before applying additional coats. Depending on temp and humidity, figuring 75F and about 60% humidity cure time is about 8 to 12 hours.

Dean.

[poohdogger]

I usually take our car to a self service carwash to clean the engine bay and under the car then take it home to hand wash it. It wouldnt be a bad idea to clay bar it once or twice a year, a little trick to figure out if you need to use a clay bar is to gently wipe your fingers over the paint if you dont feel any grit get a sylaphane cig wrapper then go over it again if it feels ruff clay it i use meguires clay bars and polishes,sealers......

[z28racer]

Originally Posted by All Star

What about touchless car washes? There's one about 20 minutes from me.

Dude!! Are you that faucken lazy????

[poohdogger]

Actually my show truck has been featured in a few magazines

[HP Turbine]

[12camlt]

I use a touchless, on occasion when there is usually no other option, but I make damn sure I don't dry my car with a shammy it towel. The water they use is gross and is dirty. I air dry and then try to hand wash a week or two later.

[tramtwo]

They're fine if you don't mind swirls and scratches.

tramtwo posted this on the go

[GnyaTek]

As has been mentioned before elsewhere ... if you have staggered wheels (RS package), the tracking mechanism for automated carwashes (including touchless) can scuff up your rims ... use at your own risk!

If not able/willing to hand wash - take it to self serve spray wash place to knock the salt off quickly.

[AdamEL]

I hand washed my car the other day after we got some snow. It was like 33 degrees or so, but the sun was out without a cloud in the sky, and it honestly wasn't that bad at all once I got out there and moving. And believe me, I HATE the cold... Hand wash it.

[big papa]

Unless your car is a Sunday or car show car, run it thru the car wash. I run my car thru a touch car wash at least once a month.

[Grimlock]

I went through a brush carwash on tracks twice. Once because I was an idiot and didn't know. The second because they offered an underbody wash. Both times my rims came out unscathed but dang was it scary. I have a touchless near my work that I'll go to when I feel lazy or it's too cold. Been using it about two years now, nothing bad yet. I'm also one of the laziest people in my area Camaro group so I don't give it the every week wash and wax like most.

[otter]

Be sure to check out the cosmetic maintenance forum below. The guys there are super knowledgable and can give you the best advice.

You will be better off in the long run if you can pick up some detailing skills and avoid the auto car washes.