automatic car wash...
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
2002 coupe
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Must admit I am kind of surprised at the amount of Vette owners that actually use an automatic car wash. I can't imagine considering it, honestly.
We have ongoing water restrictions here in metro Atlanta, so in the last few years I have been forced to resort to high pressure "wand" car wash locations. However, I still hand wash (using Zaino) and I only use the wand in the "rinse" position. Before you complain that I am the guy you must wait behind... I also keep the meter running the entire time to be fair to others. Usually to the tune of $4-6.
If you think an automatic car wash does a good or even acceptable job, someone needs to show you a C5 properly maintained with Zaino. Just touching the finish will amaze you. It feels "soft". Try that with an automatic car wash.
Then again it takes forever and can be a total pain in the butt. I can understand why many of you don't I guess. Personally, I think it's worth it.
My $.02.
We have ongoing water restrictions here in metro Atlanta, so in the last few years I have been forced to resort to high pressure "wand" car wash locations. However, I still hand wash (using Zaino) and I only use the wand in the "rinse" position. Before you complain that I am the guy you must wait behind... I also keep the meter running the entire time to be fair to others. Usually to the tune of $4-6.
If you think an automatic car wash does a good or even acceptable job, someone needs to show you a C5 properly maintained with Zaino. Just touching the finish will amaze you. It feels "soft". Try that with an automatic car wash.
Then again it takes forever and can be a total pain in the butt. I can understand why many of you don't I guess. Personally, I think it's worth it.
My $.02.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,225
Likes: 0
From: The Great Truth: "There ain't no free lunch"
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I wouldn't get mine within 300 yards of a car-wash. Granted I'm a bit **** but, several weeks was spent trying to remove or smooth scratches due to the poor washing techniques of the previous owner. It's understood that my opinion won't sway an owner with established habits (to each his own), but might give a noobie reason to think. Even hand washed car washes use lousy rags to wash and dry your prize and joy. Tell ya what: Next time she's clean and shiny pull it out into the sun and look at the reflection of the sun in your paint. See the gazillion little rings around the sun reflection? Those are actually not circles but are scratches usually caused from poor washing techniques. I wash at home using a double bucket system, dry with an electric leaf blower and follow with microfiber towels. Final step is Maguiars Ultimate Detailer.
Yes I know you'll wash yours the way you want and that's fine, this is just another opinion......
Yes I know you'll wash yours the way you want and that's fine, this is just another opinion......
Last edited by tlc0706; Jan 5, 2009 at 11:29 PM. Reason: changed some stuff
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 111
From: If your not the lead dog the view never changes Boise, Id
There is a car wash here that still has a rack to roll the car thrue but they replaced the machines with people to "hand wash the car as it rolls thrue. I go there twice a year because I cant wash the unercarriage myself.
Moderator Emeritus
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 54,756
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From: Always living in a state of Confusion.
Gone, but not Forgotten
Cruise-In 5, 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
Being the owner of a black convertible and LOWERED...I can honestly say I've never taken it through any type of automatic car wash system.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
I use them from time to time. I get a leak now and then but mainly I have to watch out for what kind of guidance system they use. Some are too tight for the wheels and others are a little too high for bottom clearance.
I also rush in to not let undercarriage wash hit the engine compartment and shut it off while it's being washed because it runs like crap sucking water in.
I also rush in to not let undercarriage wash hit the engine compartment and shut it off while it's being washed because it runs like crap sucking water in.
