Automated car wash
#16
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Originally Posted by bdmason
my 2005 997 cab was taken through an automated car wash (without my approval) . The right rear wheel rubed against the guide scraping paint chips off the wheel ,no dents just scrapes.Keep this story in mind the next time you think of an automatic carwash.
I've seen more than I'd like to see on this issue, not only Porsche, but Z06 Vettes, Lambo, AMG Benz, etc.
Just use caution when looking into autowashing your Porsche. Always ask first if it can go through the tunnel due to the size of the wheels
Deanski
#17
Originally Posted by Deanski
Go to a self-serve and bring along Optimum ONR (Optimum No Rinse), a small bucket and mitt, and wash it with that. Blast off as much dirt as possible, then use the ONR mix. No need rinse!!i
For extra dirty areas, you can mix it up in detail spray strength and apply it with a pesticide sprayer.
#18
Rennlist Member
I think we should stop this thread before my friend Ben has a heart attack reading it !!!!
I say NO on the car wash. When I first got my car, I ran it through some of those mechanical washes that do not have tracks for the car (i.e. the equipment moves around your car). Didn't screw up my paint BUT it did destroy a side view mirror after I had flicked it inwards pre-wash (thank God for warranties).
The power spray washes are a good way to go - just carry a nice MF towel or sheepskin mitt in your boot to scrub off the dirt. I did this for a while with good results.
Then, as Deanski said above, I went with the ONR 'rinseless' stuff which works great. You can wash your car right in your garage spot and only make tiny puddles on the floor with no contamination of neighbor's cars (if this is a consideration):
How to wash your car in your garage...
I say NO on the car wash. When I first got my car, I ran it through some of those mechanical washes that do not have tracks for the car (i.e. the equipment moves around your car). Didn't screw up my paint BUT it did destroy a side view mirror after I had flicked it inwards pre-wash (thank God for warranties).
The power spray washes are a good way to go - just carry a nice MF towel or sheepskin mitt in your boot to scrub off the dirt. I did this for a while with good results.
Then, as Deanski said above, I went with the ONR 'rinseless' stuff which works great. You can wash your car right in your garage spot and only make tiny puddles on the floor with no contamination of neighbor's cars (if this is a consideration):
How to wash your car in your garage...
#19
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Azurro_California_911
Do you take your car through a automated car wash? Every had any problems / damage? During winter its sometimes just to cold to want to hand wash.
JFS
JFS
I just went to a local "No-touch" car wash to get the winter grime off it and they did an amazing job for $12. It does use a track, but the owner modified it with a teflon/vinyl cover to eliminate any wheel damage. I asked if it could take an 11" wide wheel and they said no problem as they've had Lambos, Ferrari and P-cars go through with no problems. They have 5-6 guys at the end who wipe off any excess water from the sills and such after it's gone through the dryer. Try to find that kind of set-up in your area and make sure that they let you drive it onto the tracks yourself.
#20
Instructor
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Join Date: Jan 2006
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Originally Posted by Sprintrider
Hey Azurro,
Since you have left the land of excessive taxes and liberalism, I think a name change is in order
Try Azurro_Nevada_911"
Welcome to Nevaaaada
Since you have left the land of excessive taxes and liberalism, I think a name change is in order
Try Azurro_Nevada_911"
Welcome to Nevaaaada
#21
Rennlist Member
We have a fancy automated touchless car wash here, and they definitely do a thorough job, but I have to wonder about the chemicals they use to eat through all the dirt/grime on the car. They hand-dry after each wash, and I worry about swirls from residual dirt on the towels.
Tough chemicals + dirty towels = close my eyes and hope they don't ruin anything
Tough chemicals + dirty towels = close my eyes and hope they don't ruin anything
#22
Rennlist Member
The biggest danger to our cars from "pull/push-through" car washes is not to your paint - although that's certainly at risk in that situation (ever seen a detail guy clean your wheel, then rub your paint with the same rag? Arrrrgh!)
The real risk is to your wheels. As pointed out by Dan and bdmason, the channel through which cars are guided are often not wide enough for our wide wheels. You'll find the inside rims of your driver's side wheels will get scratched, scraped, and maybe even bent.
Most car washes will wash your car "outside the line" for a slightly higher fee. Just watch those guys with the rags doing the detail work...
The real risk is to your wheels. As pointed out by Dan and bdmason, the channel through which cars are guided are often not wide enough for our wide wheels. You'll find the inside rims of your driver's side wheels will get scratched, scraped, and maybe even bent.
Most car washes will wash your car "outside the line" for a slightly higher fee. Just watch those guys with the rags doing the detail work...
#23
Intermediate
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Agoura Hills, CA
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IMHO, now that I am older and don't have enough free time to do the things I want to do, it is a waste of my time to just wash my car (by the time I'm done with it, it takes hours since I halfway thru it I automatically shift into 'detail' mode). But, I will gladly DRIVE (I want to spend time driving) 15 miles each way to a car wash facility that I know does lots of high-end cars and therefore is set up for wide wheels, lowered cars, no brushes, etc. Have had hit & miss luck with car wash guys that bring a van to you....
#24
Race Car
Originally Posted by Coochas
I think we should stop this thread before my friend Ben has a heart attack reading it !!!!
I say NO on the car wash. When I first got my car, I ran it through some of those mechanical washes that do not have tracks for the car (i.e. the equipment moves around your car). Didn't screw up my paint BUT it did destroy a side view mirror after I had flicked it inwards pre-wash (thank God for warranties).
The power spray washes are a good way to go - just carry a nice MF towel or sheepskin mitt in your boot to scrub off the dirt. I did this for a while with good results.
Then, as Deanski said above, I went with the ONR 'rinseless' stuff which works great. You can wash your car right in your garage spot and only make tiny puddles on the floor with no contamination of neighbor's cars (if this is a consideration):
How to wash your car in your garage...
I say NO on the car wash. When I first got my car, I ran it through some of those mechanical washes that do not have tracks for the car (i.e. the equipment moves around your car). Didn't screw up my paint BUT it did destroy a side view mirror after I had flicked it inwards pre-wash (thank God for warranties).
The power spray washes are a good way to go - just carry a nice MF towel or sheepskin mitt in your boot to scrub off the dirt. I did this for a while with good results.
Then, as Deanski said above, I went with the ONR 'rinseless' stuff which works great. You can wash your car right in your garage spot and only make tiny puddles on the floor with no contamination of neighbor's cars (if this is a consideration):
How to wash your car in your garage...
#25
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Originally Posted by Coochas
I think we should stop this thread before my friend Ben has a heart attack reading it !!!!
I say NO on the car wash....
I say NO on the car wash....
#26
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by gota911
Dave it's already waaaay too late for that! He probably passed out and keeled over when he read the just the TITLE of the thread!
#27
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Holli82
I'm giving Ben CPR right now
#30
Rennlist Member
If you're going to use one, may I stress frequenting one that has padding (usually a blue foamlike substance) covering the wheel rails. It is a horrible feeling watching your car come out the other side with chewed up wheel edges.