carwash damage

[Grey Ghost]

I know all of you hard-core detailers wouldn't DREAM of running your baby through an automated washer, but some of us just don't have the time to slave over our daily driver, no matter how much we love it. We just want it to be clean.

What's the WORST damage a "brushless" car wash can cause, and can it be repaired (without re-spraying)?

[mark cummins]

The Brushless Car Wash will strip off any wax on the paint.. The Soap they use is very Harsh. and will Leave scratches from the Soap scrubber aka Spider web scratches...If You Keep the Paint up with a Decent Wax (Every three/Four Months)It should be ok..

[Tom Hanson]

Some of the equipment they use to dry the car will scratch the paint if it comes in contact with it. Find a car wash where nothing touches the car except a wool handwash mitt.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Grey Ghost;
I've read reports that most if not all car washes use the wash and rinse water over and over again.
If you consider the amount of water sprayed on your car during wash and rinse; you will more be aware as to the high cost if fresh water is used.
They do a poor job of filtering the wash water.
Nuf said.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don

[mbzjag8090]

The first owner of my 300 SD (I'm the second) put it through the car wash for a full 13 years. He was an elderly gentleman who wasn't obsessed with his Mercedes either. Now the car is in my hands and I am obsessed. While the paint is absolutely original and gorgeous, there are minute scratches all over the paint that are noticiable under close scrutiny.

[Grey Ghost]

this past weekend I washed the car myself, just to see how long it would take. in washing it myself, I could see minute scratches on it, as well as instances where stones had taken small amounts of paint off all together

perhaps I should have the car detailed really thoroughly (including compounding and several coats of wax) and then wash it myself thereafter.

it sounds like griot's garage has some good products for this activity

[Ferdman]

Skip, I'd try some medium machine polish before resorting to compounding your paint. It's alway best to use the mildest polish that will remove an accumulation of road grime. Compound may be too aggressive and damage the finish further. Once you polish and wax your car it will be much easier to wash. Be sure to polish and wax the wheels too.

[Grey Ghost]

Ferdman, thanks for the advice, but I was going to have a professional detailer handle the compounding...I wouldn't trust myself to machine-apply ANY kind of abrasive on a painted metal surface (altho' it sounds like I couldn't do anymore damage than the car washes are already doing!).

I'm intrigued by the concept of "waxing" the wheels. That might take some time with the multi-spoked 123 wheels. And I read in another post that "Spiderman" Swinton waxes his windshield!

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Grey Ghost, Skip;
Waxing wheels is an old techniqic for easier washing off the brake dust.
My 123 wheels aren't that difficult to wax.
So many of us use for too much wax; be it on the paint or wheels.
Us as little as will do the job, don't slop it on as it will haze on before it wears off.
Good luck and give those wheels a spit shine.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman with the waxed windshield on The Gulf Coast, Don

[Chappy]

Originally posted by Grey Ghost
What's the WORST damage a "brushless" car wash can cause, and can it be repaired (without re-spraying)?

I've had one tear off one side of the front license plate. In addition, I went through a drive-through car wash (back when I had my 1985 300D) and wasn't paying attention while I was listening to the radio....

That car wash ended up costing me a trip to the dealer for a new antenna mast :rolleyes:

[Tom Hanson]

let's not forget wheels and tires on some cars that might be almost too wide for the track.