Self Service car wash?

[LostSouthernStar]

Hello all,


I was wondering if it is better to wash your vehicle at a self service car wash (the drive in slots with the sprayer hose, foam brush and vacuum center where you insert coins for so much allotted time) instead of handwashing at home?


The reason I ask is we have hard water with lots of rust, calcium and mineral deposits and we even have a water softener.


I do not mind handwashing but I do not want the water to ruin my car's exterior. I used to use the drive-in automatic car washes but they just never do a great job at cleaning properly.



What proper washing procedures should I take while at a self service car wash? And, would it be smart to use other cleaning products such as Meguiar's after washing it there?



Thanks!

[CTB727]

The stuff provided at the self-service car wash are crap. The brush usually has so much grit and dirt, that it swirls up your car with micro-scratches. Not to mention that the quality of the brush is usually rather poor. Their soap products usually aren't that good either.

If you're worried about water spots, you could invest in a water de-ionizing system like one of these. They completely remove any contaminants from water and prevent water spotting. Expensive system, but worth the money.

If you must use a self service car wash, the only thing I would use is their water. First, check with the owner of the car wash to see if it's okay for your to use your own products. Often times they will say no and they want you to use their own crap. But it doesn't hurt to ask. Meguiar's certainly makes good car wash products. Also look into brands such as Detailers Pro Series, Griots, Mother's, Wolfgang, Chemical Guys, and Four Star.

You should also check out a waterless wash, or a rinseless wash system. Watch the video or info on using a rinseless system. http://www.autogeek.net/waterless-ca...-products.html

You Tube

You Tube

[LostSouthernStar]

Thanks, but I have hard water as we do not use city water. Plus, the area I live is very dusty due to the extreme drought here in Texas. Any thoughts on how I can wash my car effectively and keep it clean???

A car cover is all I can think of, I park my Camry beneath a car port.





Thanks!

Originally Posted by CTB727

The stuff provided at the self-service car wash are crap. The brush usually has so much grit and dirt, that it swirls up your car with micro-scratches. Not to mention that the quality of the brush is usually rather poor. Their soap products usually aren't that good either.

If you're worried about water spots, you could invest in a water de-ionizing system like one of these. They completely remove any contaminants from water and prevent water spotting. Expensive system, but worth the money.

If you must use a self service car wash, the only thing I would use is their water. First, check with the owner of the car wash to see if it's okay for your to use your own products. Often times they will say no and they want you to use their own crap. But it doesn't hurt to ask. Meguiar's certainly makes good car wash products. Also look into brands such as Detailers Pro Series, Griots, Mother's, Wolfgang, Chemical Guys, and Four Star.

You should also check out a waterless wash, or a rinseless wash system. Watch the video or info on using a rinseless system. http://www.autogeek.net/waterless-ca...-products.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2i0Y...layer_embedded

[Zembonez]

I use the hand held washes frequently. The one near my house works great. As others have said - skip the brush for sure! I like the ability to clean under the car and inside the fenderwells. My truck is 4 years old, looks like brand new, and has been to the carwash exclusively. It has never been and will never be hand washed.

YUK!

I do not hand wash anything that I own. Don't believe in it.

[LostSouthernStar]

Thanks Zembonez, but may I ask why no to hand washing? I like the hand held washers myself......I'm just wondering if I should bring my own products there to wash.

It costs $.50 for 5 minutes and I'm not sure how pure the water is either.



So, should I keep using the self service or start handwashing???

Originally Posted by Zembonez

I use the hand held washes frequently. The one near my house works great. As others have said - skip the brush for sure! I like the ability to clean under the car and inside the fenderwells. My truck is 4 years old, looks like brand new, and has been to the carwash exclusively. It has never been and will never be hand washed.

YUK!

I do not hand wash anything that I own. Don't believe in it.

[CTB727]

I'm on a detailing forum as well, and 99.9% of people on there, including professionals recommend handwashing. There's nothing wrong with the handheld sprayer, but nothing will ever clean as well as a proper hand wash.

If you want to keep the car clean, then do a weekly wash with a rinseless wash or a waterless wash. All you need is two buckets, one with clean water, and one with your water and soap solution. You can wash it under your car port as well. A car cover works, but only if the car is clean. Otherwise you'll swirl it up.

This is a good rinseless wash: ONR

[Zembonez]

I've never handwashed any of my vehicles in 30 plus years. When I go to sell or trade, my vehicles are always as shiny or more so than they were new.

ANYTHING placed on the surface of the vehicle will scratch it as it pulls the surface contaminants across the finish as soon as it is moved. These microfine scratches are 100% unavoidable when handwashing... regardless of the fact that many consider handwashing a religion (or whether you use 2 or 200 buckets). The scratches don't come from a contaminated bucket, they are caused by the item touching the paint.

I refuse to get into one of those long drawn out forum nazi arguments over this, but my side and your side have been stated.

Have fun waxing out the micro-scratches.

[CTB727]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

I've never handwashed any of my vehicles in 30 plus years. When I go to sell or trade, my vehicles are always as shiny or more so than they were new.

ANYTHING placed on the surface of the vehicle will scratch it as it pulls the surface contaminants across the finish as soon as it is moved. These microfine scratches are 100% unavoidable when handwashing... regardless of the fact that many consider handwashing a religion (or whether you use 2 or 200 buckets). The scratches don't come from a contaminated bucket, they are caused by the item touching the paint.

I refuse to get into one of those long drawn out forum nazi arguments over this, but my side and your side have been stated.

Have fun waxing out the micro-scratches.

You're right, anything touching the paint can and will scratch it. However, using careful technique it is still possible to wash a car without inducing swirl marks that are noticeable. My car still looks great even though it is 12 years old. Looks better than 90% of cars at my school.

Everyone has their own technique that works for them.

[LostSouthernStar]

Thanks guys! I truly appreciate both of your tips and comments. I shall try both ways and see which works better for my living environment and budget as it is extremely dusty out here on the outskirts of town.