Question: Coin-op car wash vs 2 buckets

[searle]

I understand the reason for the 2 bucket(+grid) washing is to try to ensure that grit from the wash cloth/mitt is fully rinsed off in the 2nd rinse bucket and hence not still on the mitt for the next panel being washed.

On my old car, I often took it to a local coin-op car wash (*NOT* a drive through wih rotating brushes or swaying strips). I always used the spray gun to first quickly blast the wash/water/soap brush then used that brush to soap the car. Then the spray gun to clean off the soap and then low-pressure final rinse and then hand wipe dry.

So, now the question: Is the above as good as the 2 bucket approach? seems like it should have almost all the same benefits, and be a little quicker and easier. As long as 10-15 seconds blast of the soap/wash wand is done first, seems like it should be good.

PS: they final wipe/dry is preceeded with sprays of Ultimate Quick Wax in all cases (unless going to do a real wax job).

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Question: Coin-op car wash vs 2 buckets

I understand the reason for the 2 bucket(+grid) washing is to try to ensure that grit from the wash cloth/mitt is fully rinsed off in the 2nd rinse bucket and hence not still on the mitt for the next panel being washed.

On my old car, I often took it to a local coin-op car wash (*NOT* a drive through wih rotating brushes or swaying strips). I always used the spray gun to first quickly blast the wash/water/soap brush then used that brush to soap the car. Then the spray gun to clean off the soap and then low-pressure final rinse and then hand wipe dry.

So, now the question: Is the above as good as the 2 bucket approach? seems like it should have almost all the same benefits, and be a little quicker and easier. As long as 10-15 seconds blast of the soap/wash wand is done first, seems like it should be good.

PS: they final wipe/dry is preceeded with sprays of Ultimate Quick Wax in all cases (unless going to do a real wax job).

It's cool to use the wand to blast off the crud but I would NEVER, EVER use the brush on your vehicle. Here's why....I took my truck to the local spraynwash in the middle of winter to blast off the crud before I took it home to wash it. I saw a guy in a huge muddy, dirt encrusted 4-wheeler using the brush to remove the crud from his truck. This dirt and mud and gravel will be transferred to the next vehicle that uses the brush....and you might be that guy!

[Megafast13]

Re: Question: Coin-op car wash vs 2 buckets

NO!!!!!!

Don't ever go to a "coin-op" unless you are just using the Pressure Sprayer!

That cheap brush that is used on hundreds of cars each day is filthy and disgusting. It is loaded with grime, dirt, rocks, etc. Rubbing it back and forth across your paint's surface will cause deep scratches and swirls. Also the cheap soaps that are supplied at those places are terrible, they also strip wax! Go on Google Videos and search: "How to Wash a Car." Mike Phillips does an excellent job showing the proper method.

The only recommend method is 2 Buckets, Grit Guards, Microfiber Wash Mitt, Very high quality Car Wash Soap.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Question: Coin-op car wash vs 2 buckets

Good points from the members.

Even if I were to blast my car with my pressure washer,the dirt will still be there. A lot of loose dirt will be gone,but not what is stuck to the surface.

Forget brushes for washing.

There is no comparison between what you described and the 2 bucket wash method.

Here's the above mentioned video:

http://www.webridestv.com/showvideo.aspx?video=43655

[thejazzguy]

Re: Question: Coin-op car wash vs 2 buckets

Don't ever go to a "coin-op" unless you are just using the Pressure Sprayer!

Those brushes definitely leave scratches. I recommend taking your own bucket, wash mitt, soap, etc. and just use the bay and their sprayer.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Question: Coin-op car wash vs 2 buckets

You would do a better job of protecting your finish by washing your car weekly with a rinseless product like ONR rather than letting the dirt build up over time and having to resort to a power coin op wash. Rinseless washing only takes about 30-45 minutes (for me, anyway), can be done anywhere since you don't need a hose, and does an awesome job approximating the effectiveness of a two bucket wash. When you need a quick wash--ONR!

You can even use Mark Kleis' method, substituting Last Touch for ONR (How-to Wash your car with a Rinse-less Wash System [video])

[ocmdiaz714]

Re: Question: Coin-op car wash vs 2 buckets

When I first got my car I took it weekly to the automated wash at my local arco gas station, that happened about 5 times. I later started taking it to the coin-op station, that's happened aroudn 3 times...now I wash using the 2 bucket method and gold class wash...I guess now I see how it got all those scratches.