Automatic Car Wash - Are any OK?

[sschwar2]

Greetings-

It is not practical for me to wash my car living in Brooklyn so I'm trying to figure out the best solution to keep my Black A6 clean. It is parked outside, so it tends to get dirty rather quickly - especially this time of year with the pollen. There is a hand wash right near me that does a fantastic job - just a bit pricey to do it regularly.

Are any 'automatic' car washes safe? There are a ton in my area - many of them are brushless. From looking inside the washer it appears some have what appears to be massive towels that wash the car. Will these types of washes ruin the finish on the car?

Thanks!

[helix139]

Greetings-

It is not practical for me to wash my car living in Brooklyn so I'm trying to figure out the best solution to keep my Black A6 clean. It is parked outside, so it tends to get dirty rather quickly - especially this time of year with the pollen. There is a hand wash right near me that does a fantastic job - just a bit pricey to do it regularly.

Are any 'automatic' car washes safe? There are a ton in my area - many of them are brushless. From looking inside the washer it appears some have what appears to be massive towels that wash the car. Will these types of washes ruin the finish on the car?

Thanks!

Any car wash that has those massive "towels" is not safe. They will leave swirls and marring on your clearcoat, especially with a black car. The touch-free auto washes are better as long as they don't recycle their water. However, I would even avoid these. Since they don't touch your car, they get it clean by using harsh and acidic detergents. The problem is those detergents will strip any waxes or sealants you've applied and will dull your finish if used often.

IMO, hand washing is the only way to go, especially with a black car. Use a quality car shampoo and good washing technique combined with a good sealant every couple of months and your clearcoat will be clear and swirl-free for years.

[VroomVroom]

^ ^ That. Across the board, but especially with a black car. Avoid those places like the plague.

[Dad A3]

This came from NE Regional tri-state forum
http://www.birdiesautospa.com/
Check it out.

[sschwar2]

Looks like a good deal but a bit far from Brooklyn. The hand-wash place down the block from me is about $38 - which adds up quick with tip. Thanks for your feedback - staying away from auto washers :)

[VroomVroom]

Optimum No Rinse (or similar) might be the perfect solution for you - assuming the vehicle didn't just cruise past an erupting volcano or sit under a maple tree for a few summer days. Two buckets, a fair number of MF towels, a coupla' trips back in the house for fresh water (i.e. do the wheels, wells, and tires first) and you can complete a safe and thorough wash in surprisingly little time. I've done on-street washes like this numerous times. Finish with a coat or two of a good sealant, and subsequent efforts will be even easier. Good luck...

[Liquid Smoke]

you can see if there's any self wash areas and just use them for their washing bay, water hose, etc. and just bring your own sponges, towels, cleaning products.

[CHEROHALA]

There is a hand car wash on Bay19th and Bath Ave. 25bucks

[hoppy6698]

I recommend a waterless wash/detail, something like this if you can't actually use water and buckets:
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Waterless_Detailing_Waterless_Car_Wash_System_p/wac_707ru.htm

I have used that for touch ups during the week. Cut it with distilled water and use liberally to lift dirt up. Don't reuse MF towels repeatedly if they actually get dirty, then you're just scrubbing it back on the paint. If you can get a great detail once, with a durable sealant (like Collinite), then something like this will help maintain very easily.

[-yz-]

What about the Auto Washes that just mist and spray water on the car without the brushes? I've got about 5" of pollen on my hood already, a day after detail.

[VroomVroom]

What about the Auto Washes that just mist and spray water on the car without the brushes? I've got about 5" of pollen on my hood already, a day after detail.
At the risk of being immodest, I'll quote myself.

Optimum No Rinse (or similar) might be the perfect solution for you - assuming the vehicle didn't just cruise past an erupting volcano or sit under a maple tree for a few summer days. Two buckets, a fair number of MF towels, a coupla' trips back in the house for fresh water (i.e. do the wheels, wells, and tires first) and you can complete a safe and thorough wash in surprisingly little time. I've done on-street washes like this numerous times. Finish with a coat or two of a good sealant, and subsequent efforts will be even easier. Good luck...
If you genuinely care about your car's finish, this is the only alternative to a good foam/two-bucket wash. It's easy, effective, and when done properly is perfectly safe.

[helix139]

What about the Auto Washes that just mist and spray water on the car without the brushes? I've got about 5" of pollen on my hood already, a day after detail.

See my first post in this thread