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.

Can you guys do real time videos of the car actually being dirty! then show us the paint up close?

I keep seeing all these companies promote waterless and rinseless washing on brand new cars.... rofl

Ryan, these kind of products aren't made to clean a really dirty car, and aren't marketed as such. I'd never use these to clean my truck after spending a day in the woods getting it dirty!

Since they don't use water and a foaming soap for lubricity, they do indeed have their limitations on what they can safely clean, and anyone that uses them needs to be aware of that line. If that line is crossed, then you will absolutely be creating some damage!

With the Rinseless Wash, specifically, it's incredibly slick, which is where the lubricity comes from, as opposed to the thick foaming lather from our Car Wash Shampoo.

For cars that only ever get lightly dusty and dirty, or for those who have to deal with water restrictions, it's a nice alternative to clean your vehicle safely without the use of a typical 2 bucket wash.

LOL he starts to wipe from the bottom of the door and works his way up. :icon14:

i mean if the car's just dirty from rain and on-road dd'ing, waterless will do just fine.

i use it all the time on my dd. use product liberally, only use the clean side of towel,
never make more than one pass in one direction with the clean side of the towel while
panel is dirty, etc.

just all common sense.

working from the bottom of the car up is fine. you use fresh towels each time anyway,
and you dont worry about your clothes rubbing against the lower panels while reaching
your roof, etc and swirling the lower panels.

Yeah, fair enough about using fresh towels all the time. Trouble I heard with dried rain is that it contains minute particles of sand, especially here in the tropical FL.

I think when I someday reach the level of details I am happy with, meaning my cars paintwork has some rids and swirls already on it - not a lot but they are there. I may try waterless on a few test panels to see how I get along.

The bottom of the car collects 90% of the dirt. Have you ever seen a Magnetic Black car after driving in the rain?

It is NEVER a good idea to start at the bottom. Washing the car correctly always start from the top and work your way down. Why would you want to contaminate your bucket from the start?

The art behind detailing is doing it the right way. There is no short cuts in taking care of the paint. I do realize water restrictions play a roll, I guess it really depends on how contaminated the paint surface is.

He's never seen it as he never drives his Z let alone in the rain. ;-)

I find mine even with stock mud flaps has rain and dirt splatter all the way up to and past the door handles.

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