The search functions here are weak. I know that I have seen this discussion, but I can't find it.

I took delivery of my Carpathian Grey D90S last night around 6, got it properly dirty following 9 miles of trails right off the Blue Ridge Parkway near where I live.

Now I want to get it sweet again, but I remember that there is a gotcha when you try to put it through an automated / rolling car wash. ??

Pix will follow the wife and I going to the Great Smokies shortly.

 

Get it ceramic coated by a high quality detailing shop. Then wash it yourself and remove excess water with a leaf blower. This way you can avoid scratches and swirls from an automatic car wash and only have proper scratches from trees and brush.

 

I think it had something to do with the auto hold but I don't recall exactly. I'll echo what has been said, avoid touch car washes. You're whipping your truck with dirty rags and you will damage the paint. Sometimes light swirl marks and others deep scratches. You're an adult and can do what you choose but search out a touchless car wash if you're not going to do it yourself or pay someone to do it.

 

Hi Ratledge,
Sent you a message....I totally agree with PaulLR. Get it ceramic coated and maybe some PPF on front bumper.

 

I don't do automated washes that touch the car, but I do run my Deefer thru automatic touchless wash between hand washes. Here's my protocol I keep in Apple notes to avoid.. the embarrassment:DEFENDER CAR WASH



Wipers off

Lower & lock suspension

Enhanced hill hold off (main settings screen w gear - on right)

Auto start/stop off (by climate controls)

Emergency braking off (vehicle settings)

Automatic parking aid off

HVAC on recirculate

Then - Neutral / don’t step on brake, & leave seat belt on / latched (or it will go into Park)

 

Oh, 100% with touchless. It's hard to keep mine purty since I live beside the Big Tom Wilson Bear Preserve near Mt Mitchell. If I don't take the fun way in (4.2 miles unpaved, picking my way to the ridge top - gravel) I still have about ½ mile between the pavement and home.

OK, promised pix: it seems that National Park Service made "Roaring Fork offroad" loop into a completely paved deal now? Hmmm... Too many Mo's and Ron's getting stuck without proper 4WD maybe?

There were plenty of Mo's today, Ron was there, too.




Yes, I know. As wifey says, "my hippie is showing". Heck, I am retired DoJ, can't hurt my feelings.


By the way, it was 102° at 2pm just outside the Smokies. Jeez...

>Mike<

 

Great pics!

 

Lovely vehicle!

 

When you have it ceramic coated, do you not get water spots? Does it dry quicker?

 

Congrats