On the odd occasion that I use a self spray wash place (usually only in the winter to remove road salt), I don't dry the car off. Spray washes don't remove all the grime, and wiping it around with the towel (even MF) is going to mar the paint to some degree.

Plus, most spray washes I've gone to hardly have any soap coming out...it's almost a total waste of time.

Regarding the touch-less automated washes, my pop uses them on occasion and the result is poor-to-fair...not worth the money, IMO. Properly hand washing it yourself (or by a professional) offers the best results.

For those who want to avoid doing a traditional hose wash, check out Optimum No-Rinse. When used properly, it cleans dirty cars safely. Heavy grime or debris should be rinsed with a hose or pressure washer before using ONR. There are plenty of threads on Autopia about using ONR properly. There are also some videos on youtube. No Rinse Wash and Shine

for drying after touchless washes i too agree that one would benefit using spray-on type car wash sprays while drying.
this provide the lubricity needed to lift remaining grit with minimal scratches.

i use Griot's SprayOn CarWash on my hobby cars as i rarely wash them with a bucket... (only drive on nice days).

in my experience, touchless washes are ok. its just important to use a 100% cotton towel afterwards to finish the drying job. if you buy a cheaper towel, chances are its not 100% cotton and has nylon weaving. The nylon can damage your clearcoat.

I've also used brushless car wash several times whenever I feel lazy and running out of time, and it worked fine, you just need to dry them with soft cloth afterwards cuz the air dryer is not gonna dry your car 100%, and try to wash your wheel before entering the car wash. :)

I've been taking my Z to an automatic "handwash" (i.e., "brushless") car wash every week for over 2 years. There's no damage to my paint, no staining on my rims.

Some of you guys worry too much...

I have been taking mine to an auto car wash nearly every day. I get a monthly unlimited for 40 bucks. The car wash uses "foamy fingers" which rub the car clean, not cut up jean material . I really haven't seen issue with the Z after doing so.
For me this is the best way to keep it clean since I daily drive. It ensures the road grime, bugs, dust, and salt stays off my car. The auto wash also cleans the undercarriage too. I have seen some swirls from it but I prevent most all of that by waxing and polishing my car.

Ultimately I think it comes down to your circumstances. For me, I think it is the best option since I drive a ton (2hrs a day). I'll get some pictures up so you can see what it does. Perhaps it might be an option for others if they are in the same situation as I am.

yah, most people i know think cars are to be washed at the car wash, not at home.
i dont think my wife has ever washed a car using a mitt and bucket method.

also most will probably damage the car more by using the wrong tools and techniques....and they realize washing a car takes some effort and time they dont have.

so nothing wrong with auto washes if it makes sense to them.

Ah, I do love waxing/polishing my car manually when time allows though.

More often times however the auto car washes quickly strip your wax much quicker than just washing the car yourself. Then you have to go back and spend just as much time applying more wax. It's really a personal preference though, and if it works for you then keep doing what you do.

doesn't matter. most normal people do not wax or use sealants on their cars. they dont see the point cause the car is shiny after a wash from the clearcoat.

I think most people that take their car to a car wash don't see the imperfections the same as someone who details their car. Where most people would just let minor swirl marks and light scratches go, it would bother me everytime I see it. I drive my car about 2 hours a day if not more and not finding the time to wash it myself is no excuse. It really doesn't take all that long if you have the know how and the right tools. I mean, when I use to take my car to the car wash, it could take about 30-45 minutes to get done, plus having to drive there. I understand how some people might not have a place to wash their car, but usually its just laziness. Nothing wrong with that. Why do something when you can pay someone right.

The car wash is located next door to my work. In and out in 8min. :tiphat: I honestly don't think what I do is lazy. However, I do handwash, wax, and polish every 2-3 weeks. :excited: I find it therapeutic.

I'd never put any of my vehicles (including my Frontier) through any kind of automatic car wash. Way too easy to get scratches and swirls even with brushless (can happen through those high powered streams of water).

Besides, summer is the easiest time of year to wash your car. Just take your time! :)

You give the good concealed carry civilians a bad name!

Anyone from the Buffalo, NY area use delta sonic, if so, any problems?...
i dont live in NY anymore, but just curious, i know from about nov-march u got no other choice but to use a car wash.

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.