[vegbiker]

After Donna's incredible post on detailing, I was wondering what thoughts the group has on automated car washes? The only two tips I can think of are only use brushless and take off the antenna (does it screw off?). Of course the other problem with all that hand detailing is you generally can't do it in winter, depending on where you live. And winter's when you might pick up the worst road grime.

I want to baby my new Mini, but in a lazy man's sort of way. Who wants to write those How-To instructions?

 

[kenl]

Stay away from all of them. Brush ones are bad for the paint and you will have no idea how harsh the detergents are in the any of them. Also, they will not clean your wheels properly.

 

[Christian6984]

depends on confidence level or if you'd get a professional to do it but these long life glass coatings keep the cars cleaner for a bit longer and are a doddle to clean, power washing gets rid of the worst and because they last well over a year no waxing or polishing required through winter.

 

[smithyithy]

I put it somewhere like this..

Professional detailer > Hobby detailer > Professional valeter > Average Joe > Eastern European hand car wash > Kids going door to door with a bucket and sponge > Automated car wash

 

[pjsjr13]

No thanks. I have some pretty thick long rubber gloves to wash my Mini in the winter. I'm not a fan of the ""Brushless"" car washes. My dealer even offers a weekly one. Find a neighborhood kid to hand wash your car

 

[jeremybingham]

No one touches jasper except m e and my microfiber mit. Grrrr

 

[Peterg]

No no no no no..

Do not use automated car washes..

As above the brushes are far too abrasive and the soap/detergent will remove any wax if you have applied any.

 

[vegbiker]

OK, I guess you folks talked me out of car washes. Didn't realize the feelings ran so strong against them. Oh, but the convenience! I'm used to taking the 18 year old Suburu to a car wash every year or 2 whether it needs it or not. This really changes my driving life style.

Are glass coatings standard on most new cars or is it a high-end BMW/Mini type of thing? I really don't know what this is.

 

[uke]

I put it somewhere like this..

Professional detailer > Hobby detailer > Professional valeter > Average Joe > Eastern European hand car wash > Kids going door to door with a bucket and sponge > Automated car wash

Well, those high-school cheerleader car washes have a few things going for them...