automatic car wash...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 681
Likes: 11
From: Carson City MI
It probably won't hurt the top, but it will find leaks you never thought you had. The high pressure will seperate the windows from the weather strip. If you go, take lots of towels to clean up the mess in your interior.
Been there, done that, never again..
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15,560
Likes: 166
From: Long Island NY
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 43
From: Scottsdale Az
Why risk any machine near your vette?
I can wash both my C5s outside in 45min for free. Buy a water blade and some micro fiber towels and a little QD. I do this once a week to both my C5s.
I can wash both my C5s outside in 45min for free. Buy a water blade and some micro fiber towels and a little QD. I do this once a week to both my C5s.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15,560
Likes: 166
From: Long Island NY
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
well as for me i can explain having a bad back and aching knees, and the vette being low, well you get my point, but i allready have the remedy in my fridge a 12 pack of Heinekens, the verte will be washed this Sunday
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 681
Likes: 11
From: Carson City MI
So the temptation is always there to go to the car wash. I take it to the wash bay and hand wash it, but will not go through the power wash.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 4
From: EXTON PA
The new technology used in a "new car wash" does provide a level of safety that will allow cars to be washed without concern. I use a self clean power wash from time to time to get the loose dust and dirt from the air pollution. I don't use the form brush, wax spray, etc., just soap and rinse. All water is recycled at these car washes thur filters that need maintence attention to be effective. If you see alot of off road vehicles being washed at a location and mud is everywhere I would have second thoughts about using their services. Operations tend to streach most required maintence based on the success-$$$$ of the location. This does not replace my washing, waxing, and detailing of the car at my home. Your ability to use any other auto car wash is limit my the car's clearence and tires if you are trying to use a tracked car wash.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 30,770
Likes: 41
From: Down the Shore New Jersey, Elev.3 feet
St. Jude Donor '17
I prefer to wash mine myself but it is not always an option. My 2nd choice is a local "hand wash" and my third choice is an automatic wash which I have used around 6 times. No major leaks at all and it does a pretty good job. I love my vette but come on its not made out of tissue paper .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
Nope, I take mine through the car wash at least once a week. Contrary to popular opinion here, Corvettes are just cars. They are designed to be driven under normal weather conditions, and they are not too fragile to withstand rain and car washes. I've been taking my Corvettes through the car wash for 40 years and have yet had one melt or have the paint disintegrate and when I detail my car it looks as good as any on this forum.
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I never took mine through one of the automatic washes, but I did use the self-serve wash all the time. Did a great job on the car and never harmed anything.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 30,770
Likes: 41
From: Down the Shore New Jersey, Elev.3 feet
St. Jude Donor '17
Nope, I take mine through the car wash at least once a week. Contrary to popular opinion here, Corvettes are just cars. They are designed to be driven under normal weather conditions, and they are not too fragile to withstand rain and car washes. I've been taking my Corvettes through the car wash for 40 years and have yet had one melt or have the paint disintegrate and when I detail my car it looks as good as any on this forum.
Amen...
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON TX
I kid you not, I get people asking me daily what I use on my car, or they will compliment me on how shiny it is!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 652
Likes: 5
From: Tampa Florida
I had to replace the top on my vert after my car detailer pushed it in. Regardless, the shop where I had it replaced only does convertible top repair and replacement. They advised me to never put soap on it, (unless it is really dirty), just rinse it off. Put a good protectant on it (like Ragg top) and never put it down when wet. (will encourage the mildew). I take my car to the carwash every week BUT I have them hand wash it, bypassing the top. AND never let them spray the wheel cleaner on your wheels...eats the coatings and will hasten rust.