[GreggC69]

Curious on others thoughts re the automatic car washes and the long term impact on a car paint's finish. Have been taking my new car to the car wash once a week for a year. (Those washes like Sweetwater or Mister Car Wash). Have been reading lately about the negative impact of those washes on a car's finish, from the "soft brushes" used by them and the strong chemicals in the soaps and detergents. Curious if others use the auto car washes often and any impacts you have seen or what others might do to protect the car's finish. Thanks in advance.

[CarlR33]

I only use the drive in hand wash bays as it’s good exercise and I enjoy it. I have not used a drive through car wash since I was up north and the constant winter salt dictated it. If you have been doing auto wash once a week for however long the damage has been done already. It’s a depreciating asset and when you sell it unless there is obvious damage I doubt it will make any difference.

[retiredguy123]

I use the touchless car wash at Sam's. The one on the right is touchless and the one on the left uses brushes. They both cost 7 dollars. It doesn't seem to affect my paint.

[Topspinmo]

Since I’ve in Florida my car rarely gets dirty enough for car wash. I use spray bottle and towel. Maybe drug the water hose out 3 times in 10 years here. My car looks like new outside, inside, under hood and underneath. 2012 Honda Not rust spot on it. 73K miles. I did have to recharge for second time this week, blows 38 degrees.

[dadspet]

Having lived in pa and my where salt, mud ice etc really gets cars dirty every week I could never understand why there where so many car washes here when cars never seem to get even remotely dirty. I prefer the do it yourself car wash when I get the urge which isn't often and perhaps a few times a year I'll splurge and use Sam's to keep my wife happy.

[Michael G.]

Own a black vehicle and tell me why you shouldn't use any auto car washing systems.
Black over time will show all the fine scratches that doesn't come with hand washing.

Another area where car washes are useless is road dirt from driving in rain
especially if it hasn't been waxed regularly.

Also ask yourself what happens to the water in those car wash units with
the price of water today.
Is it filtered or just recycled.

This is the one reason I'll only drive white cars.

[ladydi9060]

Does the Sam’s car wash provide you rags and vacuum so you can dry it yourself? We’ve always done that ourselves. If not, where can we take our car when this service? We’re new here.

[VillagesDude]

Big Dan’s Car Wash in Lady Lake has free vacuums, fresh towels, air hose, spray, mat cleaners. The best!

[Mrmean58]

Unless the car wash is "touch less", I would never take my car through a car wash. You will dull the paint in a short period of time.

[srswans]

Even the touchless washes have enough chemicals in the mix to eventually destroy your paint.

[DBChris]

Touch, touchless, it doesn’t matter. They will each harm the paint in different ways. I would like to see Gregg’s paint just to see what a years worth of car washes has done to his paint. I detail cars and see imperfections that others don’t see. If anyone has any detailing or paint questions, send me a message. It’s a topic I love talking about

[Rocksnap]

If I were to use a car wash. Nothing that spins at high speed, no bristle brushes, no ‘touch less’ high pressure water jets. Find one with the wide flat cloth curtains that just get moved back and forth.
I had my SUV paint corrected then ceramic coated. Stays a whole lot cleaner to begin with. Cleans a whole lot easier when I do wash, in my driveway. Then towel dry. My water softened water doesn’t leave any hard water spots, as a bonus!

[Bassdeer]

Doesn't matter, have you seen the price of used cars? Florida sun and heat are probably the worst. When the last time you went to buy or sell a used car and asked how many times has it been through a car wash?

[westernrider75]

Originally Posted by Rocksnap

If I were to use a car wash. Nothing that spins at high speed, no bristle brushes, no ‘touch less’ high pressure water jets. Find one with the wide flat cloth curtains that just get moved back and forth.
I had my SUV paint corrected then ceramic coated. Stays a whole lot cleaner to begin with. Cleans a whole lot easier when I do wash, in my driveway. Then towel dry. My water softened water doesn’t leave any hard water spots, as a bonus!

Curious about “paint corrected” and ceramic coated. What is this and who does it?

[debmc]

Big Dan’s on Rt 441 is the best! Provides drying rags, strong vacuums, window cleaning fluid,
Tire shine & more. I go once a week and paint seems fine.