Automated Car Wash?
07-08-2009, 03:49 AM
#16
Instructor
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sunny CA
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
These cars are designed to run in some pretty extreme climates, and weather conditions, I seriously doubt 60 seconds in a car wash could be that bad. But hey, to each his own right? 
P.S. -> The cartoon characters are from Aqua Teen Hunger Force, I photoshopped them in to my car
P.S. -> The cartoon characters are from Aqua Teen Hunger Force, I photoshopped them in to my car
07-08-2009, 08:44 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
Okay guys, my big question is do you think the forced water of the auto car wash might hurt the engine? I'm afraid to even aim the hose anywhere near the louvres (spelling?) for fear that I'll damage something. I'm just saying, if I'm on the road somewhere, is it SAFE to use the auto car wash? I was hoping to go up to Deal's Gap in September. You just KNOW the car will have tons of buggies on it.
Alas, I've set the alarm clock an hour early to wash the beautiful blue beast in the driveway. I'm sure he will enjoy his visit to the 'day spa.' Maybe I will even clean his 'fur' too.
Alas, I've set the alarm clock an hour early to wash the beautiful blue beast in the driveway. I'm sure he will enjoy his visit to the 'day spa.' Maybe I will even clean his 'fur' too.
07-08-2009, 09:17 AM
#18
Rennlist Member
When I first bought my Audi allroad-took it thru a local car wash-it spotted all the Aluminum exterior parts-Audi did replace all the parts-free of charge but I will never be that lazy. Your car is worth a hand wash every time. My 993 has always been hand washed and waxed-hence a 15 year old excellent paint exterior-plus a nice garage to go to sleep at night.
07-08-2009, 10:41 AM
#19
Boost Junkie
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Plymouth MN and Scottsdale AZ
Posts: 2,534
Received 42 Likes
on
34 Posts
I try to drive my car as long in the fall as possible (until the salt comes out) before putting it to sleep for the winter. It is usually cold enough in the last few weeks that we have to drain the outside pipes so for those last few washes, I run through a touchless which, while not perfect, does a decent job. Before I lowered the car, I ran it through a local automated wash that has given good service for our other cars. When possible, though, hand washing is preferred.
07-08-2009, 12:01 PM
#20
Moderator and 993 whisperer
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Thread Starter
Okay, you all . . . I just washed the car. Now I am going to apply the first coat of polish and wait for a while (being as it's humid, it takes longer for it to dry). Then later I'll probably add a second polish coat, just for torture . . . err . . . just for good measure, then I'll put the wax coat on. While that's drying I think I'll shampoo the carpets, as I bet they've never been done. I have the cup rims so they should be easy to clean. I will post pics later, after I lose ten or so pounds of water weight in the garage.
Thanks for all of the advice!
Thanks for all of the advice!
07-08-2009, 12:32 PM
#21
Race Director
aside from the possible damage to the paint, you guys are over thinking this miserably. The car can go through an automated car wash a thousand times and there should be no damage to your engine.
I tend not to use them, but if I needed a clean car and really didn't feel like handwashing, I'd use one.
I tend not to use them, but if I needed a clean car and really didn't feel like handwashing, I'd use one.
07-08-2009, 12:40 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
I used to go to a automated car wash in late fall (when it was a bit chilly to do it outside) where the car was stationary and the water jets circled the car. It did a pretty good job with no ill effects. Unfortunately that car wash was razed and replaced with a bank.
07-09-2009, 09:47 AM
#23
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flyoverland - Central, Ohio
Posts: 3,226
Received 247 Likes
on
176 Posts
Be gentle or genteel
I assume we are talking about touch-less only, cannot imagine using a brush / mop auto car wash ever on a 993. And if you are asking (in the 993 forum), then concourse qualities are off the table too. 
To release the dirt in the touch-less car washes, they use some strong solvents that will weaken / remove the wax too. So best to avoid if possible on a 993 or any car you really care about.
To release the dirt in the touch-less car washes, they use some strong solvents that will weaken / remove the wax too. So best to avoid if possible on a 993 or any car you really care about.
07-09-2009, 02:33 PM
#25
Moderator and 993 whisperer
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Thread Starter
Well folks, I washed, waxed, shampooed, treated the leather, polished the rims, and Blupurr looked GREAT yesterday. Then early this AM we got just enough rain to make it look like crud again. I can't win! Ha! I'll post some pics later. Right now I'm off to get a massage. I need one after all that work!
