Went through a touch carwash. Impressive results.

[Nayov]

I without exception use touchless car washes. I decided to try a new place as I was close by and was running out of time, so it was a matter of convenience. While I waited in line, I panicked a bit because I saw that it was a touch carwash. Too late. I went through and the results were stunning compared with the mediocre touchless system. Also - they don't use the high speed spinning wheels of death with stiff nylon bristles like in the old daze; what's used is a system of slow moving (rotating) pads which gently but effectively rub the surface, sort of like they flop around. I'll never go to a touchless place again. Paint looks perfect, with no marring or scratches. By the way, this was a place that drags your car, so the bottom blast washed all of the salt from the underneath since it takes longer than the drive through touchless.

Do you guys agree that the 'modern' touch style carwash is safe for paint, or is it foolish to base my conclusion on just one use?

 

[skyactiv]

What happens if a piece of dirt is caught in a pad?

 

[The Critic]

The tunnel itself will not cause major damage -- at least not the level of damage that detailing forums associate to them.

The problems come from the people at the entrance of the tunnel who "pre-wash" the car by scrubbing down very dirty cars with only water-moistened brushes. Similarly, the people at the end of the tunnel who dry the cars cause a share of the issues as well.

I suppose that if you only ran the car through the tunnel, you'll end up with nothing more than light swirls overtime. I used to run my Prius through tunnels and any defects created were easily removed. However, be warned that your trim may deteriorate at an accelerated rate due to some of the chemicals used.

 

[dernp]

Soft cloth washes have been around for years. High pressure touchless car washes have their place in the automated car wash world, but soft cloth cleans the best for automated systems.

 

[RISUPERCREWMAN]

In the winter I go to a place that is heated indoors & five guys wash your car by hand then dry off. Perfect for $10.00.

 

[stranger706]

Been using a soft brush car wash for years on several cars. No problems at all, no swirls or scratches. I would have stopped using them if that were the case.

 

[doitmyself]

Originally Posted By: RISUPERCREWMAN
In the winter I go to a place that is heated indoors & five guys wash your car by hand then dry off. Perfect for $10.00.

We don't have the drive through option in Michigan:

 

[artificialist]

I use them often, and many people think my car looks brand new!

 

[D189379]

The concern isn't usually the brushes, its the dirt that the car in front of you had on it that is left on the brushes.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Or the thing taking off a mirror. DONE THAT! (Lost a $250+ mirror-power, heated-in one.)

 

[turtlevette]

I quit going to the touchless washes when I found out they use recycled water.

 

[Nayov]

I imagine the attendants strip down to skimpy clothing once the warm weather gets here, if one is into that kind of thing.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: D189379
The concern isn't usually the brushes, its the dirt that the car in front of you had on it that is left on the brushes.

New style ones using closed cell foam brushes that are constantly flushed in use avoid that problem.

Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I quit going to the touchless washes when I found out they use recycled water.

That obviously depends upon the jurisdiction and the wash operator. Recycled water in washes in this province is just about unheard of.

 

[D189379]

Originally Posted By: Garak

New style ones using closed cell foam brushes that are constantly flushed in use avoid that problem.


I knew of a guy in high school who had his car covered in axle grease and then straw thrown on it as a prank. He took it through a wash and ended up having to pay to replace some of the equipment lol.

It would have sucked for anyone who entered the wash after him.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: D189379
The concern isn't usually the brushes, its the dirt that the car in front of you had on it that is left on the brushes.

New style ones using closed cell foam brushes that are constantly flushed in use avoid that problem.

Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I quit going to the touchless washes when I found out they use recycled water.

That obviously depends upon the jurisdiction and the wash operator. Recycled water in washes in this province is just about unheard of.


They don't advertise recycled water they just do it. I used to design site plans for carwashes and they all had it. Otherwise the owner has a very hefty water/sewer bill and/or septic/well water system costs.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: RISUPERCREWMAN
In the winter I go to a place that is heated indoors & five guys wash your car by hand then dry off. Perfect for $10.00.


I could only WISH that we had one of those around here, especially for THAT price!!

 

[xxch4osxx]

Originally Posted By: Nayov
I imagine the attendants strip down to skimpy clothing once the warm weather gets here, if one is into that kind of thing.
Only if they are female attendants