Moms_spaghetti

Your 911 will definitely be compromised after an automated car wash. It'll loosen the IMS bearings, leading to engine failure for sure

MPawelek

I had the IMS bearings removed and replaced with Oilite bushings. No problems here….

huntflyer

Went on a 3,000 mile road trip last year to somewhere I used to live. There is an excellent automated car wash there, but I had never been there in the 911. The track pinched my right rear wheel and marked it up. Actually having it repaired this week, finally. Since then, if I'm on a trip, touch free, track free washes only.

Atheist

I see handwashing my car as a labor of love. I'm 68 and it does make the back a bit sore but if I could no longer do it, I'd have it hand washed by a local. FWIW I think washing the car is one thing and pretty easy / two bucket method, but drying it properly to protect the paint and ensuring no water spots or streaks means using special synthetic chamois, followed up by a super soft highly absorbent two sided terry/ microfiber drying towel. Shine Products sells great ones that make all the difference in the end result.

huntflyer

100% agree - it's one of the most cathartic things I do.

MPawelek

I’ll be 70 in a few months and I used to be able to keep up with all my toys but I have 12 in the stable and hand washing is no longer a option for all of them. My F250 pickup in particular sits high enough it takes a 5’ ladder moved many times to wash the hood and roof. I will still hand wash the 911 after the comments I have received so far….

Jack F

Yay for the 911 hand wash. It’s such a small car and quite easy to wash. Sounds like you a quality mobile wash guy or gal to come and keep you sorted.

Atheist

Yes I hand wash my wife's MBZ AMG and my 911, but my Cayenne is black and too tall to do without moving a ladder a bunch. Combine that with the heat where I live it dries too fast and is to large so that one gets done by someone else or a carwash. Also it has become my surf/beach/cargo vehicle so I am not as fussy anymore. It's my Porsche scorned for a newer hotter model.

timothymoffat

I'm currently 53 and though some years off, retirement is at least on the distant horizon. I hope to have this problem at 70. Live and enjoy!

rensoyka

I kind of do half and half. wash it when I'm in the mood, touchless wash when I'm not. I had to wash/power wash it last week as I got caught in a crappy work zone on a road trip, the lower half of the car and wheel wells were caked in dried mud when I got home. later this week it's back to the touchless. just drive in, shut the car off and wait for the process to finish, the dryer that they use is pretty good, just pull forward real slow, you have 90 seconds.

B Russ

I use the DYI power wash booth most of the time, I rarely go to ones that touch the car or use that track. But then again its just a car and will get scratches and dents, then Ill get a new one. Rinse and repeat

WJGreer

I'm terrified of car wash tracks with the big rear wheels on my 991.1, because if they don't fit I will find out in a situation that will be terrible in many ways. For that reason only I don't take the 911 through track car washes.

As for the general debate. Our paint experiences as much or more damage over time from sun, chemicals, road debris, and various experiences of living in the world, as it would from an occasional trip through a car wash. Fight me.

barncobob

I have a mobile detail guy come out.He has full on van with water,power,vacuum,etc. takes 2 of them 1.5 hours.does a mini detail and tops it off with P&S Bead Maker..$100+20 tip.
im 75 and wellworth it to me. Does a much better job than Im capable of.

Highyo

sounds like someone who needs to be gifted the metro vac MASTER BLASTER

Atheist

I do use my leaf blower after drying to remove water trapped in brake rotors, calipers, wheels, door handles, side view mirrors, where body panels come together and other crevices where it gets trapped to keep it from leaking out as I drive. At $500 it seems like an expensive blower. Please tell me how it differs as doesn't air at high speed do the same thing regardless of the source? Also if water remains trapped, as you blow it out it tends to leave trails and marks unless I again take the drying rag and remove it after is freed from where it gets pushed out on to the paint. Oh by the way my birthday is.....