Keeping your car clean auto vs hand wash

[Superdad]

I have a black 2016 RS7. Trying to keep it clean has been a real challenge. Garden state car wash convinced me that their car wash is safe and effective because they use foam material in the car wash and fresh damp towels to dry. After several months I found surface scratches in several places on my car that was a real pain for the detail doctor to get out when i got my car detailed. Taking the car to the detail shop for a true car wash is time consuming and expensive and I am not sure if the scratches came from the car wash. Does anyone have any perspective?

[Usa]

I'll give you my thoughts.

Every time the car's paint comes into contact with any type of tool, there will be micro scratches that will be introduced. Regardless of the product, a brand new lambs wool wash mit or a basic shop rag that most of those car washes use.

Unless the carwash is touchless, and I mean 100% touchless then I wouldn't recommend going to one. You can use the touchless, then park your car and hand dry it with some clean, approved towels using appropriate methods of overlapping the towel and starting at clean to dirty (top to bottom). Although the "fresh damp towels" may seem harmless, the actual material that the towels used and how many times they are using that same towel before retiring it and what part of the car they start drying first/last are all important factors.

The only caveat off that is I use a carwash during the winter that involves a process that definitely gives me micro swirls in my paint however I own a dual orbital polisher that I use on the car every summer season opener to remove some of the abuse that the car saw over the winter.

tl;dr - Buy some products you are comfortable with your car coming into contact with, Adam's great white microfiber drying towels are great quality and the waffle weave holds a lot of water.

[MSMITTY]

^^agreed above with the 100% touchless.....I hand wash both my wife's car and mine once per week....living in the North East, as long as its around 30 I'm out there in the driveway...for the occasional snow/salt, I will go to a car wash....I have an orbital as well & do a true detail to both cars twice a year (spring & fall)

good luck, love the RS7


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[vwblackb5]

OP, not sure where you're located, but would recommend just finding self-serve car wash bay and 2-bucket wash there. Granted we've had an unseasonably warm winter here in NorthEast but it's better than going to swirl city automated ones.

[boogie610]

I have a moonlight blue S4 and was experiencing the same issue. The car was beautiful for the first 5 months without any issues. Not too long after I started to see swirl marks and small scratches. I used the same hand car wash and followed the 2 bucket rule when I did it. I got upset and spent $150 to get her detailed . The car looked like I just picked it up from the dealer when it was done. That same week i got the car wrapped. I will have to say the best money I spent. Its been a year and no issues. No waxing or detailing needed. The wrap still looks fantastic. I can take it to any wash ( machine, hand, self ) with no worries. At times I just hose her down no soap. I have also left the car wet to dry on its own. It dries without leaving water marks. This is something that has worked for me.

One downside is you must be careful with the tire shine you use because it will stain the wrap.

[AudiS4SD]

I have a black 2016 RS7. Trying to keep it clean has been a real challenge. Garden state car wash convinced me that their car wash is safe and effective because they use foam material in the car wash and fresh damp towels to dry. After several months I found surface scratches in several places on my car that was a real pain for the detail doctor to get out when i got my car detailed. Taking the car to the detail shop for a true car wash is time consuming and expensive and I am not sure if the scratches came from the car wash. Does anyone have any perspective?

Middletown or Howell?

[Superdad]

Middletown or Howell?

The wash in Middletown but both are owned by the same guy. I appreciate the advice from you all. My problem is that I have a really cranky back that will not allow me to hand wash any more. I guess i will have to suck it up and go to the detail shop weekly or get it wrapped which the dealer i bought my car from advocated. I bought my car right off the floor because it had the package i really wanted including comfort seats and the B and O stereo which is incredible but i really regret getting it in black. As far as the RS7 goes its the muscle car i always wanted dressed up in a tuxedo...............

[DannyDeez]

I have a moonlight blue S4 and was experiencing the same issue. The car was beautiful for the first 5 months without any issues. Not too long after I started to see swirl marks and small scratches. I used the same hand car wash and followed the 2 bucket rule when I did it. I got upset and spent $150 to get her detailed . The car looked like I just picked it up from the dealer when it was done. That same week i got the car wrapped. I will have to say the best money I spent. Its been a year and no issues. No waxing or detailing needed. The wrap still looks fantastic. I can take it to any wash ( machine, hand, self ) with no worries. At times I just hose her down no soap. I have also left the car wet to dry on its own. It dries without leaving water marks. This is something that has worked for me.

One downside is you must be careful with the tire shine you use because it will stain the wrap.

Who did the wrap for you and how much was it? Also what color did you go with?

[sandman00]

I have a black 2016 RS7. Trying to keep it clean has been a real challenge. Garden state car wash convinced me that their car wash is safe and effective because they use foam material in the car wash and fresh damp towels to dry. After several months I found surface scratches in several places on my car that was a real pain for the detail doctor to get out when i got my car detailed. Taking the car to the detail shop for a true car wash is time consuming and expensive and I am not sure if the scratches came from the car wash. Does anyone have any perspective?

I understand how you feel I too have done it all, wash the myself with the two bucket system but takes to long , pay high-end car wash done by hand that use great towels but over time do get scratches. I took to my to Endless shine detailing
http://instagram.com/endlessshinedetailing
and had the ceramic pro done to my car and it's the best money ever spent.. Washing the car is a breeze, drying the car breeze and don't have to wax the car for cause it always looks like it did the day u got the car coated And now I can take to the car wash knowing by the time it comes out 90% is dry by the blowers check out there videos
Best of luck

[AudiS4SD]

The wash in Middletown but both are owned by the same guy. I appreciate the advice from you all. My problem is that I have a really cranky back that will not allow me to hand wash any more. I guess i will have to suck it up and go to the detail shop weekly or get it wrapped which the dealer i bought my car from advocated. I bought my car right off the floor because it had the package i really wanted including comfort seats and the B and O stereo which is incredible but i really regret getting it in black. As far as the RS7 goes its the muscle car i always wanted dressed up in a tuxedo...............

Yea, I use the one in Middletown as well. Nice people and I think they do a good job. I guess you'll never get the perfect automatic wash unless you hand wash, like everyone as said.

If you don't mind, how much does a weekly detail cost you? I wonder if there are any good wash bays in the area.

[boogie610]

Who did the wrap for you and how much was it? Also what color did you go with?

The wrap was done at JLC graphics in the bronx. I went with premium matte gray paper. It was $2500....

[DannyDeez]

The wrap was done at JLC graphics in the bronx. I went with premium matte gray paper. It was $2500....

Thanks for the reply!

[Superdad]

Yea, I use the one in Middletown as well. Nice people and I think they do a good job. I guess you'll never get the perfect automatic wash unless you hand wash, like everyone as said.

If you don't mind, how much does a weekly detail cost you? I wonder if there are any good wash bays in the area.

Yes, the folks at Garden State are really nice but I highly suspect them of causing multiple surface scratches on my car that is four months old. The detail doctor in Shrewsbury wants $47.00 per wash and polish if you buy a 52 week package, but its 45 minutes if there is no wait. I guess I will consider the wrap as well.

[FastEddie]

Xpel Ultimate clear bra is amazing. Worth every penny. I got my entire front end done. Now as far as washing you will ALWAYS get surface scuffs on the clear coat. Its minimizing them as much as possible is the key. As others have said. Two bucket method with a blower (i have the little sidekick blower works great) and clean towels is key. I try to wash my car once a week. I dont know what products your detailing guy is using but if you get a good detail then he should be using some kind of sealant after his detail which should hold everything for a good 4 months which makes washing SUPER EASY. Adams polishes website has a great two bucket method video to watch if you interested.

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

Yes, the folks at Garden State are really nice but I highly suspect them of causing multiple surface scratches on my car that is four months old. The detail doctor in Shrewsbury wants $47.00 per wash and polish if you buy a 52 week package, but its 45 minutes if there is no wait. I guess I will consider the wrap as well.

Where are you located?

try these guys... they mostly do full details but can cater to your needs.

Optimumautospa.com