automatic car washes / how do you deal with winter salt from roads

[brianl703]

Wouldn't the water leave spots if it contained any significant concentration of salt?

 

[CKN]

That's IF the car wash being used does this. Not all of them do...

Here we go-almost all do because it's saves them money-and many states/cities require it.

Since the advent of automated washing, water use inside tunnels and bays has become an issue of concern. As cities have grown and populations have become more concentrated, some states and municipalities have even fought court battles over water use and control. In the past, carwashes had limited hours or were shut down during times of intense drought. But these concerns have lessened as more and more washes adopted efficient and economical water reclaim and recycling systems.

https://www.carwash.com/carwash-water-recycling/

 

[chrlsful]

"...How do you guys and gals deal...?"
didnt read 2 far beyond that.
Glad U have aservice that does the undercarriage in winter (then U stop'n go back to home washes).
I made upa 'carriage' that I can use to "do under" as I live in the Nor'east. Sat is chore day & the 'under car'
is just one-of-many. Doing wheel wells @ same time duz not require my "skate board ona stick/multi-jet garden hose"
(not what I made but apt description) but justa blast froma hand held pressure hose. This is the only 'washing' I do yr round.

 

[PoorMans180SX]

 

[spasm3]

.

 

[chrlsful]

do do above for self... Others @ labor/materials. Have not moved to pneumatic as
the 5 gal pails have just too hi upfront costs. I have a 'pressure-me-up' can (hand held
sprayer) I would fill but havent found a wand that would attach. I could unscrew the tip for one...

Any ideas on sourcin a wand? My can looks like the below:

https://www.grainger.com/product/31...AoRT4no5NPjYGMEAX7hoCsx4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Donald]

We've had a $14/mo which is now $19/mo base car wash membership for my wife's SUV. It is large and has a pretty large surface area, so I got it in the interest of keeping salt off in the winter. Then kept it year round.

My daily driver I'm ok washing by hand but again winter is here--I signed up for a monthly car wash near work, ouch, $25/mo. The website wasn't up to date and there was a $15/mo offering. I verified they're not selling it as it's not inside the office nor on the screen. The $25 adds undercarriage, tire cleaner, wax, drying agent, blah blah blah. I'm thinking use it to keep salt off, then cancel when the weather is warm again. By the way the staff were super friendly which means something to me. That's how an establishment can get business imho. No RFID like my wife's, just license plate readers to open the gates.

How do you guys and gals deal with the salt from the roads? I was against car washes all my life, hand wash only, but caved in I suppose.

Rust prevention treatment and then don't use undercarriage car wash.

 

[Steff]

Applying a good layer of wax before winter creates a protective barrier and helps prevent salt from sticking. I also regularly clear the snow off the car.

 

[John105]

Applying a good layer of wax before winter creates a protective barrier and helps prevent salt from sticking. I also regularly clear the snow off the car.

Yes, for sure. Wax is very cheap, and it's a little bit of time well spent to apply. I "enjoy" seeing water bead off of our cars. I've seen some nice new cars where that doesn't happen. Guess the owner doesn't mind nor bother with wax.