Automatic car washes?
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Automatic car washes?
So far I have washed my new black F-150 only by hand. Last night we got 6" of snow and it looks like I may be forced into going the "automatic car wash" route. Black is very difficult to keep from scratching and I may ask the car wash to not towel it off. The guys use clean towels,however I see them wipe the door jams and then use the same towel to wipe the door. I don't want to leave it dirty for the entire Michigan winter but can't stand the thought of using a automatic car wash either! Any ideas?
Thanks, Fred from snow country
Thanks, Fred from snow country
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You could take it to the carwash. but use the self service section. Don't use the brushes. Just use the wand. Do it yourself. It works really well in the winter.
Last edited by powerman88; Dec 9, 2005 at 12:54 PM.
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How do you go to an automatic car wash if the temps never go above freezing? Here in Ill the temps are consistently below 20. My truck is still sitting in Atl because Im not going to bring it here and not be able to clean it, it'll be rusted out in no time.
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I am not sure what "Automated Car Washes" means if there are personnel present who wipe the vehicle. To me Auto means soap, water, and blow; no people.
No matter. When I lived in Wash DC the Car Washes had a policy of washing down to 15º, and doing the drying under closed doors.
The wand in a coin, self squirt and wash is your best bet. This will also allow you to wash the underframe for the road salts and grime. Bring your own towles and dry fast, very fast.
My friend owns a Fast Oil Change business with a coin drive through high velocity soap, squirt and blow. No people. I tried it as his first customer (free). Either the soap or the high velocity water caused my wax to run down the sides of my rig. Avoid.
No matter. When I lived in Wash DC the Car Washes had a policy of washing down to 15º, and doing the drying under closed doors.
The wand in a coin, self squirt and wash is your best bet. This will also allow you to wash the underframe for the road salts and grime. Bring your own towles and dry fast, very fast.
My friend owns a Fast Oil Change business with a coin drive through high velocity soap, squirt and blow. No people. I tried it as his first customer (free). Either the soap or the high velocity water caused my wax to run down the sides of my rig. Avoid.
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I agree with previous posts - here in Saskatchewan it gets might cold -- I use the coin wash religiously. I do use the foamy brush with no troubles. and then dry off the chrome with my own clean towels before I leave. The one trick when it is really, really cold (like 30 degrees below, etc.) is to open every door, and wipe down every door seal with one towel. Then the doors don't freeze shut.
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With black and the layutex (OEM) paint, I would definitely only use a touchless car wash and either bring my own towels for them to use or just let it drip dry. They likely use deionized water for the rinse which prevents 99% of any waterspots and then it is likely blown almost dry anyway.
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Originally Posted by Beechkid
With black and the layutex (OEM) paint, I would definitely only use a touchless car wash and either bring my own towels for them to use or just let it drip dry. They likely use deionized water for the rinse which prevents 99% of any waterspots and then it is likely blown almost dry anyway.
Thanks,that's the kind of advise I was looking for! Black is a real pain to care for and it can scratch even if you look at it the wrong way! I will check around and see if anyone has a touchless car wash and uses deionized water.
I alway use micro-fiber cloths to wipe it down.
Last edited by MrFred; Dec 11, 2005 at 09:21 AM.
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From: Eagle River, Alaska
Be mindful of pressurized, or jet, washers. If you drive through the washer and it has jets that spray overhead on a track, you will run the risk of having your rear window seal compromised. Water will leak in and you'll have to schedule an appointment to have it fixed. Pray that it doesn't rain between now and then because the rain WILL get in. Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt.
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Thanks, for the responses! I used a brushless car wash last week. I wiped the glass down and a few water drips with a micro-fiber cloth. I couldn't find any scratches,so far so good. The recessed areas around the bumpers,tailgate,and wheelwells didn't get cleaned very well. When the weather gets in the mid 40's I plan on doing a hand wash. In three years I be retiring and moving to a warmer climate! Then I won't have this problem!
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From: Dedham, MA
I use the do-it-yourself bays in the winter. The one I use has warm water from the hose and great "spot free" rinse setting, almost as good as the Mr. Clean system I use (only when i'm in a rush though, nothing beats hand drying). I bring my towels for the chrome and a squeegee for the windows. You can experiment with the brush there, but i would use the hose on full blast to wash any gunk out of the bristles. Usually i bring my own sponge/telescoping pole thingy with me, but they get crappy real quick with the winter grime.
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Originally Posted by AlpsCEO
I live in michigan as well - I have an all black lariat - I go to the automatic washes with the guys drying it - And I get it professionally waxed once a year - takes the swirls right out...