Trouble in car wash
TReK
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 3,631
From: Kirkland WA
well not to be to snarky but I find that on the internet/facebook whenever a new model of a car comes out and all the enthusiasts show up and get one, they're always saying hand wash only the spinny things will strip the paint off in one go.
I enjoy handwashing, on a nice day. It can be very zen. The rest of the time I want the salt spray from the ocean, the ice melt, or road surface tar/patching goo, or the other crap off and in a hurry. Sure paint has gotten a bit less robust over the years as we take the things that kill us out of the paint but it's not THAT bad. I'm not driving a show car, I'm pretty sure I'm going to destroy something the second or third time I take it off road. Whether it's a tree branch or a rock or me backing up too bast into a tree. So uh, the paint is not my priority. I don't just use the random wash at a gas station but I will use non-touchless ones. Our last car everyone said it'd strip the paint if you drove it through (Tesla Model X) it never did, and looked great coming out. Maybe if you own a rare and high value car, sure, but other than tips like 'turn off auto hold' (which honestly, should be off if it's in neutral, that's what N is for, disengage all transmission components) and turn off auto windshield wipers, etc. the dirt and gunk on the car is worse than the things washing it. you could always take your hose to it and spray off the big chunks if you're really worried.
But again, I'm not really into 'it must look new forever' type of car ownership, I drive it like I stole it until I get bored and find another one.
I enjoy handwashing, on a nice day. It can be very zen. The rest of the time I want the salt spray from the ocean, the ice melt, or road surface tar/patching goo, or the other crap off and in a hurry. Sure paint has gotten a bit less robust over the years as we take the things that kill us out of the paint but it's not THAT bad. I'm not driving a show car, I'm pretty sure I'm going to destroy something the second or third time I take it off road. Whether it's a tree branch or a rock or me backing up too bast into a tree. So uh, the paint is not my priority. I don't just use the random wash at a gas station but I will use non-touchless ones. Our last car everyone said it'd strip the paint if you drove it through (Tesla Model X) it never did, and looked great coming out. Maybe if you own a rare and high value car, sure, but other than tips like 'turn off auto hold' (which honestly, should be off if it's in neutral, that's what N is for, disengage all transmission components) and turn off auto windshield wipers, etc. the dirt and gunk on the car is worse than the things washing it. you could always take your hose to it and spray off the big chunks if you're really worried.
But again, I'm not really into 'it must look new forever' type of car ownership, I drive it like I stole it until I get bored and find another one.
Couldn't agree more. Worrying about the odd paint swirl or blemish is not on my radar. I have enough other stuff that keeps me awake. These are fun cars to play in. A little blemish here and there is par for the course. If I had a wrap or a PPF/ceramic job I'd undoubtedly bork it up at some point. It would be wasted on me.
Three Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 64
Likes: 76
From: Charlotte, NC
Testify!
Couldn't agree more. Worrying about the odd paint swirl or blemish is not on my radar. I have enough other stuff that keeps me awake. These are fun cars to play in. A little blemish here and there is par for the course. If I had a wrap or a PPF/ceramic job I'd undoubtedly bork it up at some point. It would be wasted on me.
Couldn't agree more. Worrying about the odd paint swirl or blemish is not on my radar. I have enough other stuff that keeps me awake. These are fun cars to play in. A little blemish here and there is par for the course. If I had a wrap or a PPF/ceramic job I'd undoubtedly bork it up at some point. It would be wasted on me.
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Edinurgh
Sorry to hear about your trouble at the car wash. I've heard of this happening before, and it's usually because the vehicle's tires don't have enough traction on the conveyor belt. Did you try putting some sandbags or heavy objects in the trunk to add weight to the back of the car? This can help improve traction and prevent the tires from slipping. Alternatively, you might want to consider going to a touchless car wash or even trying out a commercial pressure washing service. Both can be gentler on your car and avoid any potential issues with the conveyor belt. Good luck, and stay warm in NY!
Last edited by williamssttebbins; Feb 28, 2023 at 02:18 AM.
Mudding
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 241
Likes: 301
From: CA
In case this hasn’t already been solved:
To get the vehicle through the car wash without anyone inside, do the following:
1) fasten seatbelt behind driver
2) start vehicle
3) set transmission to neutral
4) open door. The transmission will go into park and the parking brake will engage
5) with the door open, put the transmission back into neutral, and manually release the parking brake
6) exit the vehicle. The engine should remain on with the transmission in neutral and the parking brake off. (and auto start-stop should be disabled)
good luck!
To get the vehicle through the car wash without anyone inside, do the following:
1) fasten seatbelt behind driver
2) start vehicle
3) set transmission to neutral
4) open door. The transmission will go into park and the parking brake will engage
5) with the door open, put the transmission back into neutral, and manually release the parking brake
6) exit the vehicle. The engine should remain on with the transmission in neutral and the parking brake off. (and auto start-stop should be disabled)
good luck!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post