Automated Washing
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
I have taken my last two trucks through the local car wash. Before that I use to be a drive in bay wand cleaner guy and was always disappointed at how poorly they cleaned. If I had black paint I might reconsider but the automatic is so convenient and does a great job no way would I go back to the wand.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,698
Likes: 12,825
From: Wyoming
I use a synthetic wax/sealant from Adam's Polishes that I can put on with a machine polisher. I despise carnauba based waxes. They may look great but they're just too much work. For a dark paint you'll probably need some actual polish eventually to eliminate the swirl marks. My wife's Hyundai Santa Fe needed polish before it had 20,000 miles. I had her help so could understand why I don't like dark color vehicles.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
I've ran my 2019 thru the brush wash a couple of times now. 1st time the factory running boards weren't cleaned at all. learned I must brush them with the prewash prior to running it thru the tunnel. 2nd time I had replaced the radio antenna with an 8in stubby one so it wasn't trying to yank it out. 3rd time down the tunnel I noticed that the brush missed the middle of the tailgate completely. gotta remember to pull the hitch next time.
Every time I've gone thru, as we're exiting the tunnel after all the blowers have dried the truck there is a ton of water run off the roof across the windshield, foamy soap, wax and all. it usually smears the windshield after that. I asked about this in the "do I need a level kit" post. Am I the only on who notices all the drainage off the roof comes over the windshield?
Every time I've gone thru, as we're exiting the tunnel after all the blowers have dried the truck there is a ton of water run off the roof across the windshield, foamy soap, wax and all. it usually smears the windshield after that. I asked about this in the "do I need a level kit" post. Am I the only on who notices all the drainage off the roof comes over the windshield?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 13
Mine is the same. I have to chamois the side mirrors though.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 247
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
I have a monthly membership at a local carwash. It's the type that it runs through a tunnel wash & then a bunch of guys/gals hand dry, polish and wipe down the interior/exterior. For me, the time savings of hand washing myself is worth it alone.
I wax my truck every 6 months or so. I usually clay bar it, and then wax it. Takes a solid day to clay and then wax the beast, but worth it to keep her looking good.
I love being able to run it through as often as I'd like. Truck always looks good!
I wax my truck every 6 months or so. I usually clay bar it, and then wax it. Takes a solid day to clay and then wax the beast, but worth it to keep her looking good.
I love being able to run it through as often as I'd like. Truck always looks good!
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New User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Automated Washings
I do the same as Donjamer had mentioned, I have my own brush that I clean before and after use and store in a breathable clean bag. We just go a new Rocket Wash and they said my truck may not fit, but I could proceed at my own risk. I have had two previous trucks damaged by automated washers and don't want the hassle. Living in the snow and salt belt is tough on a nice vehicle. I put a good 1-2 coats of wax on in the late fall and then use my brush at self service wash stations when they are not busy. Spring and summer I wash and wax again. I agree with what most are saying in that the automated touchless washes don't really clean everything off, you still have a 'salt shadow' left over. Also, I like to spray the underside, as Ford did not do the best job of rush proofing. Yes, the body is aluminium, but drivetrain and fasteners will corrode rather quickly.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 9
I just use a pressure washer with de-ionized water - with a foam sprayer. Give it a quick rub down after foam is applied, rinse, hit the big drops with my blower and let air dry the rest. Takes me more time to setup (bring pressure washer out, DI system, etc) than it does to actually wash my truck. In the end setup to clean up is about 15-20 minutes of my time since it doesn't need to be hand dried.
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