Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post

Methodical4u · 07-13-2011, 12:15 AM

Most people that wash their cars are never going to notice the damage that these type of washes do until someone pulls their car into a dark garage and puts a halogen up to it... you will then likely see A LOT of swirls, scratches, etc on the finish. IMO the best way to wash your car is to learn proper technique to wash and dry if nothing else. You don't have to become a detailing expert... just take it to someone when you want it polished and waxed.

Here are some reasons why a car wash is bad...

1. As mentioned earlier, the chemicals themselves are VERY harsh on your car's finish and IF you do have any wax on your car, chances are it will be gone after once or twice running through one of those things.
2. High pressure water can damage a car itself... but not for reasons you may think. Think about it like this... you pull your dirty car into a car wash, the high pressure starts and while it's doing it's job.. the dirt that's on your car is getting pressure washed across your paint... basically it amounts to sandblasting your finish. Many pro detailers on here use a foam gun that they just soak the car in before doing anything other than rinising it with a low pressure hose. The foam sitting on the car breaks the dirt down and a properly mixed car wash solution is very slick and basically slides off of the car on itself, minimizing marring to the paint.
3. No matter how efficent a car wash might be... particles of dirt will ALWAYS remain trapped in the "fingers" as someone put it... but no matter what type of brushes or whatever are used, it's GOING to mar your paint if only slightly. The very best way to wash a car is with 2 buckets, washing one panel at a time and then rinising your sponge, mitt, whatever your using (don't forget your grit guard in your buckets) and then drying the car with a gentle drying towel, but get most of it using an electric leaf blower first.

I know this all sounds like a lot of trouble and some people are ok with using a car wash and getting their car detailed and polished later on. Remember though that taking your car to a detailer after YOU have properly washed it for years or however long is going to cost you a lot less than a car that has been run strictly through a car wash for a year or more.

For a 3 step correction your looking at 300-500.00 vs maybe a 1 or 2 step for a few hundred less... at least that's what I would charge.

Hope some of this helps and isn't discouraging.

07-13-2011, 12:15 AM	#56 (permalink)
Methodical4u A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,393 Drives: 11 370 6mt pw w/sp Rep Power: 16	Most people that wash their cars are never going to notice the damage that these type of washes do until someone pulls their car into a dark garage and puts a halogen up to it... you will then likely see A LOT of swirls, scratches, etc on the finish. IMO the best way to wash your car is to learn proper technique to wash and dry if nothing else. You don't have to become a detailing expert... just take it to someone when you want it polished and waxed. Here are some reasons why a car wash is bad... 1. As mentioned earlier, the chemicals themselves are VERY harsh on your car's finish and IF you do have any wax on your car, chances are it will be gone after once or twice running through one of those things. 2. High pressure water can damage a car itself... but not for reasons you may think. Think about it like this... you pull your dirty car into a car wash, the high pressure starts and while it's doing it's job.. the dirt that's on your car is getting pressure washed across your paint... basically it amounts to sandblasting your finish. Many pro detailers on here use a foam gun that they just soak the car in before doing anything other than rinising it with a low pressure hose. The foam sitting on the car breaks the dirt down and a properly mixed car wash solution is very slick and basically slides off of the car on itself, minimizing marring to the paint. 3. No matter how efficent a car wash might be... particles of dirt will ALWAYS remain trapped in the "fingers" as someone put it... but no matter what type of brushes or whatever are used, it's GOING to mar your paint if only slightly. The very best way to wash a car is with 2 buckets, washing one panel at a time and then rinising your sponge, mitt, whatever your using (don't forget your grit guard in your buckets) and then drying the car with a gentle drying towel, but get most of it using an electric leaf blower first. I know this all sounds like a lot of trouble and some people are ok with using a car wash and getting their car detailed and polished later on. Remember though that taking your car to a detailer after YOU have properly washed it for years or however long is going to cost you a lot less than a car that has been run strictly through a car wash for a year or more. For a 3 step correction your looking at 300-500.00 vs maybe a 1 or 2 step for a few hundred less... at least that's what I would charge. Hope some of this helps and isn't discouraging.