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Wondering why you would think the aluminum would be a problem. It's an alloy and a pretty tough one to boot. Have you seen this? THIS
I agree, it's tough. When I first saw one of these trucks in person, the first thing I did was sort of press on the side of the bed to see how much it moved. Well it hardly moved at all. My 2007 would have had a dent from that. The only reason I asked the question in the first place is that I did actually see a picture where someones antenna was ripped right out of the truck, (we're talking base and all) leaving a large gaping hole in the aluminum. That kind of plants a big "what if" in my mind. Of course, I don't know the circumstances behind what happened there, just the end result. I watched as the truck went thru the wash and I doubt I will have any problems in the future. It's not something I plan to do a lot, just when there is no better option available. The wash did a pretty good job for a quickie. I just wish I could find an automatic that gets the tail gate a little better. Apparently that's a tough spot to get, even on our Escape.
That's not true at all. I've washed at least at least a couple of dozen late model and classic cars that way and never scratched the paint on any of them including my Chevelle. Do you see any scratches on it?
On the rare occasion that I have used these do it yourself places, I spray the brush off with the high pressure nozzle before scrubbing. Never a problem for me.
I had my car Ceramic Coated with OptiCoat Plus this lets me just use Spray Nozzle at self wash bay. First High Pressure Rinse, Second High Pressure Soap, Third Rinse. After my car got Ceramic Coated I noticed dirt that sticks to it cam be removed to perfect shine without need of brushes just with High Pressure Nozzle. Great investment and the coating that I picked lasts about 5 years with proper care. Besides I would never take any of my cars thru one of those high traffic Automatic Car washes with BRUSHES. Nothing but scratches and swirl marks afterwards.
If you must use an automatic car wash, use a touchless one. It's a crap shoot as to the pH of the soap and whether or not it will remove your wax or sealant but at least the scrubbing material won't scratch your finish.
Take a stack of microfiber drying cloths. Give them to the people who will be doing the drying. Ask them to switch towels after drying some dirty spot, like a door sill or hinge area, so they don't use the same towel on exposed paint. When they do it right, tip well so they remember the vehicle.
Oh—remove the antenna. Consider permanently replacing it with a rubber duck variety.
How can anyone looking at that pic of your car, which you`re so proud of because you`re always posting it, can see if there are any scratches on it because if you get close enough and under the proper lighting, there will be micro scratches on it and i`m sure some of those scratches were caused by the brushes in the car wash that you said don`t scratch the paint.
I stand behind what I said about the brushes in a car wash but so if you or anyone else don`t believe they do scratch the paint, even micro scratches, then i`d say keep enjoying running your vehicle through the car wash of your choice.
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Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.
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