I've heard people say the touchless car wash damages your paint before. I want to see the data. Every time I go to the one in my town it's full of German luxury cars. I find it hard to believe that a car wash would use "chemicals" that they know damage the paint of millions of dollars worth of car every month.

 

I have used touchless as well and have yet to see any damage in over 5 yrs of fairly regular use, esp in the winter---if anybody has data please share, because my neighbor takes his Lexus there all the time, and I am sure he wouldn't continue if it was getting messed up---

also, if they did mess cars up, they would not be able to continue in business due to lawsuits---they are everywhere, so I doubt much damage could be done---

 

I thought this page was pretty interesting. The take home message is basically that if you aren't careful, it's more likely that you will mess up your paint hand washing than in a touchless wash. It's written by a car wash association so it's probably biased to some degree. Most of you won't see anything new here but it makes some good points about those old rags/towels/chamois you are using, and how poor water pressure can leave more chemicals on your truck than the touchless washer does. I'd be interested in reading the Univeristy of Texas paper they refer to. Take it or leave it I guess.

 

I guess I should have rephrased my statement about the chemicals added to touchless car washes with (According to articles I have read in the past ........). I think the owners manual of my '04 even mentions it in the cleaning your vehicle section. I have not seen first hand, any damage caused by these washes. I do use a touchless wash ocassionaly, when it is too cold to wash it myself at home. I just feel more comfortable washing the truck myself to make sure I get all the nooks and crannys clean, plus it gets me outside with a beer and some music.

 

I'll drink to that *gulp* ahhhhhh

 

I've also used the touchless car washes on my black FX4 and haven't noticed any real damage, just some minor swirl marks. But I prefer to wash it myself whenever possible.
I would suggest using MF towels for washing/drying your vehicles, these are really soft on the paint. If you wax your car I would also suggest you look into buying a good soap that will not strip the wax.

 

You guys/gals that hand wash your vehicles need to get a California Water Blade.

You will never use a chamois or towels again.

I've been using one for about 4 years and I can completely dry a pickup in about 3 minutes. Takes a little practice, but once you get it down its the greatest thing since sliced bread. Especially on warm days where water spotting can be a problem.

http://www.autosportcatalog.com/inde...=560&sc=a60047

Try one, you'll like it.

My only beef about touchless car washes with the F150 is the guys aren't real good at thoroughly drying/cleaning the roof slats and when I hand washed it last week there was a bunch of residue building up in them.

I've been using touchless in the winter here for years on all my vehicles, including my $47K M3 and I've never had a problem with damage.

Just keep the vehicle waxed properly and you are good to go.

 

HA!

I've always wondered what that fat squegee thing was. My wife has one sitting in our garage. I never considered using it on the paint, I thought it was for windows only. I'll give it a whirl next time.

 

They work well.

Don't tell your wife she knew something you didn't about cars, you'll never live that one down.

 

From the myford website:

Grease is the word
Bugs, bird droppings and other sticky little situations can tarnish the appearance of your vehicle. When your ride becomes soiled, wipe it clean as soon as possible. If you don't catch the mess before it dries, try removing the dirt with a soft cotton cloth and a bit of cooking oil or grease. Afterward, clean your car with soap and water to remove the oil.

Anyone ever tried this?

 

On the California Water Blade, I'll add a second, or third to that. They are great. Just make sure it is stored in an area where it stays clean (dust, dirt etc.) or wipe it down before you use it again. Works fantastic. I have been using one now for 4 years also.