Car wash?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 76
From: Portland OR
I wash mine at the coin-op self wash because I am cheap and I like it to be clean. My girlfriend took it through the wash and it did a sub-par job. Not sure a vert would make a difference, guess it would be a good leak down test, though. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall TX
Ha, that's funny! Hand wash only, and, while black is beautiful, they are hard to keep clean. I've owned a few black cars, and really just live with knowing that when I did get around to cleaning them they looked great ( for a short while).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Yuma CO
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
I once told a buddy of mine that 'Vettes are dream cars for many who never get to own one and that black 'Vettes are dream cars among dream cars for many.......so he should quit his whining about how hard it is to keep it clean and just enjoy being able to have one.
However.....now that I am in my late fifties and am much less flexible and energetic than in years past, I am starting to feel some of that pain!!
Mine is black also, and even though keeping it in a garage now has made a big difference, it's everything I can do to keep it looking right. I wouldn't give it up for the world, though!!!!
Black is not so much a color choice as it is a career choice!! 
DSTURBD
However.....now that I am in my late fifties and am much less flexible and energetic than in years past, I am starting to feel some of that pain!!
Mine is black also, and even though keeping it in a garage now has made a big difference, it's everything I can do to keep it looking right. I wouldn't give it up for the world, though!!!!Black is not so much a color choice as it is a career choice!!
DSTURBD
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 416
Likes: 2
I've owned many black cars. 3 in Arizona. My Vette will never see an automatic car wash. I limit the time required washing by regularly using quick detail spray. Regular investment knocking the dust off and a great coat of wax help keep wash time to a minimum.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 859
Likes: 1
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 15
From: Richardson TX
I normally wash the car by hand, but I was late for a very important date. Automatic car washes really do create swirl marks. Washing the car with soft hand mits is the way to go.
Last edited by PhysicsDude55; Mar 3, 2014 at 06:40 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 2
From: New Orleans
I took mine in one time. Black coupe. The high pressure wash was shooting water in through the windows. I was soaking wet after. My car doesn't leak in the rain btw. It also popped both my parking bulbs. Hot bulbs hitting cold water POP.
So I'm one and done with the vette with the car wash.
So I'm one and done with the vette with the car wash.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 2
From: The heartbreaking shame of pink stars Kentucky
taking the easy way out now will lead to a bunch more work later
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 181
From: Pueblo, CO
When I first got mine, I used to hand-wash it every week.
But, I got tired of the amount of dust that would build up between washes.
So, I bought a California Car Duster and a California Wheel Duster and started dusting it off every morning while I'm enjoying my first cup of coffee.
After dusting, I clean off any bug juice or bird poop with Zaino Z-6 and a micro-fiber towel.
This routine only takes about 15 minutes and the car always has that freshly washed look.
Now, I only wash it after a rain storm, which in these parts, is thankfully, rare.
But, I got tired of the amount of dust that would build up between washes.
So, I bought a California Car Duster and a California Wheel Duster and started dusting it off every morning while I'm enjoying my first cup of coffee.
After dusting, I clean off any bug juice or bird poop with Zaino Z-6 and a micro-fiber towel.
This routine only takes about 15 minutes and the car always has that freshly washed look.
Now, I only wash it after a rain storm, which in these parts, is thankfully, rare.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 3
From: Calgary AB
I prefer hand wash.
I do, from time to time, use the touchless car washes. Nothing touches the car except water and various cleaning agents. I have not had anm iossue with them. Hey, they don't do the full job but they get the majority of road dirt off. You won't win the show'n shine but it does keep your dress pants cleaner !
I do, from time to time, use the touchless car washes. Nothing touches the car except water and various cleaning agents. I have not had anm iossue with them. Hey, they don't do the full job but they get the majority of road dirt off. You won't win the show'n shine but it does keep your dress pants cleaner !
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 19,514
Likes: 520
From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
I've NEVER taken a 'Vette I've owned through an automatic car wash, especially a black one. That's just inviting problems down the road for paint correction.
4X4 is another story but, still a rarity.
4X4 is another story but, still a rarity.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
After too many days of leaving the cover off because of the brine dust and other abrasives that have settled on my black Z due to use in our weather, I decided to seek out a hand wash place. Found one with excellent reviews a 1/2 hour away. (which of course meant I could drive my car...yay!) it was worth the trip. They did a great job and blew out the body gaps with compressed air. There were no automatic machines, and I got to cover her properly.