Automatic car washes??

[MrWaxer]

Automatic or Touchless Car Washes

Which is better Touch free or with brushes?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Which is better Touch free or with brushes?

Touch-Free, or Touchless car washes should instill any scratches as theoretically no brushes are actually touching the paint. The problem however is the strong chemical cleaners used to remove dirt without the use of brushes will tend to remove any wax or paint sealant and dressings on any exterior trim or tires in the process of cleaning the car.

It's a double-edged sword.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Just to note for everyone that will read this thread into the future... if you goal is a swirl free finish then the best and practically speaking only option is to take ownership of the car wash process.

When you can't do this then just be aware of the downside as clear coat paints are scratch-sensitive, this means clear coat paints will scratch easily. We all understand that not everyone is in a position to take ownership of the car wash process, that means wash their car themselves so when that's the case you just have to choose the best option available to you and deal with any consequences down the road whether that's waxing more often and replacing a dressing more often or removing swirls during your next detailing session.

[RaskyR1]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Touch Free as no scratches should be instilled with this method. The strong chemical cleaners will however tend to remove any wax or paint sealant and dressings on any exterior trim or tires.

I agree with Mike, but I also think that those strong chemicals contribute to the fading/discoloration of trim pieces like these.

[MrWaxer]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Thanks Mike!! I live In NY, So unfortunately I have no choice but drive thru car washes this time of year!!

[MrWaxer]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Whenever I get a chance I wash by hand and wax!!

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Thanks Mike!! I live In NY, So unfortunately I have no choice but drive thru car washes this time of year!!

That's why I wrote the follow-up...

Completely understand that for some people taking a car through a car wash is the only practical option if they want a clean car.

It's too bad there isn't a franchise of Hand Car Washes where the washing is done MOL style, that is where all aspects of the car wash are done just like you yourself would do it if you could.

(Now if someone starts this style of car wash I should get a kickback for the idea)

[RaskyR1]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Whenever I get a chance I wash by hand and wax!!

I live in MN with very cold winters too. I have to hand wash at the coin-op car washes as my shop has no drain or running water. I go late at night or early morning when there are no cars waiting. I bring a 5 gal bucket (with lid) filled with warm soapy water. I use only the rinse setting. $2 to do the initial rinse, hand wash, $2 to rinse again. Had dry right in the bay.

Rasky

[MrWaxer]

Re: Automatic car washes??

That's a good Idea Mike!! If I find a way To do that I'll let you know!! You must freeze your hands off!! RaskyR1!!

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Just to note, we moved this to Detailing 101

The forum groups in the "Information Station" are not open to new threads...

Thanks!

[RaskyR1]

Re: Automatic car washes??

That's a good Idea Mike!! If I find a way To do that I'll let you know!! You must freeze your hands off!! RaskyR1!!

Not at all. I have 2 coin-ops, both within a mile from my house. They are well heated, and I can wash my car in only jeans and a t-shirt. You do get a cold rush of air when a door opens, but it passes quickly.

[MrWaxer]

Re: Automatic car washes??

The ones by me aren't heated, Which *****!!

[RaskyR1]

Re: Automatic car washes??

The ones by me aren't heated, Which *****!!

Not heated at all? I would think they have to be if the temps dip below freezing...otherwsie the water and lines would freeze. Check for small radiant heaters next time your in there.

[Mister B]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Not heated at all? I would think they have to be if the temps dip below freezing...otherwsie the water and lines would freeze. Check for small radiant heaters next time your in there.

Same her in PA. There is no heat at my local coin ops. The water is heated, but the wash stall is wide open (no doors) and when it is real cold the walls all have a heavy build up of ice from all the water spray. When I spray my truck off during the winter, the water will actually freeze to the truck in less than a minute if i do not wait for a day that is above freezing.

[Andy M.]

Re: Automatic car washes??

Just as a side note....IMHO a lot of the swirls put into a vehicles finish is not only from the brushes inside of the drive thru car wash but for 1, if you are taking your vehicle through one of these car washes, everything that is stuck in those brushes from the vehicles before your own is also beating against the side of your car. And 2, the towels that the people who use to dry your car when you are finished are not exactly what we here would call the correct towel to use if you wanted to keep the finish of your vehicle as perfect or defect free as we would like.

Andy M.