C5 Convertible and Car Washes
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 2
From: Knoxville TN
C5 Convertible and Car Washes
Is it ok to run my new to me C5 convertible through a carwash? There is a new high tech wash near me that does a fantastic job on my truck and wife's Maxima. Wash through one tunnel and then wax/polish in the next. I think the top on this car is only about a couple of months old.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,758
Likes: 1,211
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
Is it ok to run my new to me C5 convertible through a carwash? There is a new high tech wash near me that does a fantastic job on my truck and wife's Maxima. Wash through one tunnel and then wax/polish in the next. I think the top on this car is only about a couple of months old.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Touchless?
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,522
Likes: 24,823
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I would never take my Corvette through an automatic car wash. The car sits very low and I'd be worried about some damage from the track system used in most auto car washes. You would also have to ensure the wide wheels will work with their system without any damage to them.
I do take mine to a self serve car wash and use the wand. Works well for me.
I do take mine to a self serve car wash and use the wand. Works well for me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 203
From: Edmonton Alberta, Canada
Easy answer I would "NEVER" auto wash my convertible. Even when I hand wash I rarely wash the rag roof on my vert unless real dirty (rather vacuum it with a shop vac) Hand washing is one of the joys of owning a Corvette IMHO (since you asked)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 343
From: Chicagoland
St. Jude Donor '16
I dont have a convertible, but I would never take my coupe thru an automatic car wash.. i dont even take my DD thru those.. I prefer to hand wash, 2 bucket, grit guard, foam gun..etc or usually just use chadwicks triple play on my C5..
Just my 0.02
Just my 0.02
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,671
Likes: 273
From: Jax, Fl
I would never take my Corvette through an automatic car wash. The car sits very low and I'd be worried about some damage from the track system used in most auto car washes. You would also have to ensure the wide wheels will work with their system without any damage to them.
I do take mine to a self serve car wash and use the wand. Works well for me.
I do take mine to a self serve car wash and use the wand. Works well for me.
good advice! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 455
From: Stella, North Carolina
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 139
From: Surprise AZ
In the video that came with my car from Chevrolet it specifically said that it was not recommended and that you should check with the wash owner first as the corvette would not fit in many washes. I know mine won't fit, my rear tires are too fat. I would also worry about clearance.
Last edited by Nyt_Muves; Mar 4, 2016 at 01:36 AM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 251
Likes: 7
From: Winston-Salem NC
Only time I use automatic washes is to get rid of road salt underneath my truck during winter months.The water is recycled except for the final rinse which is a fine mist and sometimes it seems like the truck is dirtier after I go through a wash.
AND I ONLY USE THE TOUCH LESS CAR WASHES.
AND I ONLY USE THE TOUCH LESS CAR WASHES.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 505
Likes: 4
From: Colfax WI
I have done it with no issues out of desperation, parked in a spot that covered the car with some kind of tree sap and wanted it off ASAP. It was fine, but it was touchless also, also because the car is small, it tended to be further away from the nozzles so it reduced some of the high pressure impact and maybe that car wash was not as powerful as others.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 312
Likes: 49
Now if you physically can't do the work, find a reputable detailer.
2008 Taurus - I'll run it through any car wash.....
2015 F150 - Touchfree only during winter....
Vette - Handwash, 2 bucket grit guard, blowdry.
