If you needed yet another reason to avoid drive-thru car washes...
 

Just a quick backstory:

Had to run to the local home improvement store this past weekend. Stopped to get gas when I was leaving, and the station had one of the drive-thru washes that so many of them have. As I filled up and was driving away, I couldn't help but notice the somewhat startling condition of the brushes in the wash bay:


http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...pskiwrmxqv.jpg


Of course, the first thought that crossed my mind, and I'm sure the same as all of you, was "STAY AWAY!!!"

However, I have some prototype goods at home that need some testing. Because of this, I made a sacrifice for the greater good, and $8, much gnashing of teeth, and about 90 seconds of tears later, here is what my paint looked like in the bright sun later that day:


http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps6tcgy1x2.jpg


And the following morning in different light:


http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...psl5xrdpaz.jpg


http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/p...pspgeaxp8k.jpg


In the interest of full disclosure, my paint was not perfect before hand, but I'd say 95%+. Since the last correction, I've done 2 2-bucket washes and 3 Rinseless Washes on it. Being black, there was a light amount of wash damage that could be seen. However, the amount of damage that this single wash inflicted upon it was pretty shocking, wouldn't you agree?!?

Auto washes are like using a tooth brush that was used by a stranger.. :ugh:

Or steel wool to brush your teeth.

Think about it this way. Your car actually came out clean.

I've gone to the brushless ones and my car was just as dirty as when it went in... literally nothing changed (wonder if there was some other factor).

I can't believe that happened from one wash, but then again the color is probably also contributing to it.

or a used one to clean your arse :eekdance:

I'd rather use a cheese grator on my happy sack than go through one of those.

Just say "NO" to automatic car washes. Friend don't let friends drive with narled up paint.

i don't use them very often but when i do i use what's called a laser wash around here...no wheel track, no brushes...you just drive in and sit there while this laser-controlled sprayer does the work...it's not perfect but will do in a pinch...and very nice for my winter vehicle when it's too cold to hand wash

They won't get your car anywhere near as clean as I'd like, but I agree that they work well if you're not in a position to wash it by hand or just need an emergency cleaning.
I haven't noticed any paint damage from them either.
The one's I've been to cost about $10 for the complete wash with the waxes, and I think about $7 for a more general soap, spray, and blow dry.

I just moved into an apartment for college and trying to find a place where I can just use water with my detailing stuff is a struggle. Im about to fill up buckets in the sink and run back and forth to avoid this :ugh2:

you sound too old skool for a college kid. use waterless wash :tup:

Waterless washing causes marring. I could be rather technical if you need me to be but waterless washing is such a bad idea!

I would rather not wash my car.

Rinseless Wash is your friend my man!!

if you dont know how to use it correctly, i suppose. same goes with a hose wash with wrong tools and techniques though.

waterless ftw! :tup:

Its not just a matter of technique... Chemicals inside a foaming formula are far different then in these waterless washes that mimic quick detailers.

A lot of people like waterless washing because you dont see the damage you are causing right away. BUT I PROMISE YOU, do a few waterless washes then take your car out in direct sunlight and enjoy the millions of sand paper swirls you caused.