I have a 2005 F150 and was wondering if it is safe to take my truck to an automatic car wash? I have a billet grille installed and a bug deflector which is screwed to the hood and was wondering if would damage anything? What are your thoughts on this? Thanks for the info.

Andrew

 

I had a bugshield on my 05 along with vent visors and I used to take it thru auto car washes all the time.Also, they are not screwed to the hood, they are clamped between the hood and the grill surround.

 

You'll be fine.

 

be carefull if it has one of those automatic dryers. theyll blow that crap right off

 

Don't get the undercarriage wash package cause they will wash all the grease out of your muffler bearings. That's what I was told anyway... Word on the street I guess.

 

Yes, and the steering monitor is water sensitive as well. Caution is advised.

 

Take the antenna off, some auto washes will turn it into origami.

 

ive never had that problem. but i do hate when drying my truck people always move the damn mirrors.... i will be switching to power mirrors soon.

 

or how about when the short legged high school kids jump in your truck and move your steering wheel and move the seat up closer and out of it's setting at the car wash? I think they do this just to **** people off!

 

I've been using brushless car washes, with the high pressure under carriage wash every time, since the last millenium on every car I've owned .. .. and have NEVER had a problem!

Knock yourself out.

 

Automatic car washes may (or may not) be safe for the accessories on your truck, but they're definately not safe for your paint! If it is a 100% touchless, then you may be ok to do it every now & then, but be sure to apply plenty of (hand) wax in between. But if it's one of those that have brushes (no matter what they're made of), they'll wreak havoc on your clear coat.

If you're looking for "oh yeah, go ahead, no problem", then do NOT read the detailing forum... If you're looking for honest advise from people who really care about the finish of their trucks, then definately read some of those posts.

 

i went through an automatic car wash and my antenna came out looking like a ballon animal. the clear coat looked like it had been washed with gojo.

 

just wash your truck on your own...take some PRIDE

 

dont just pick any car wash, i will only use one car wash in the whole city and it isnt a touchless either but it uses shammys and they are very well maintained, they use the best wax, get your under carriage and also spray your car or truck down with a pressure washer to get anything that might scratch the paint off when they are done. but even though i know this is a very good car wash i still take my truck home every other time i use them and put a paint cleaner on it and then follow up with wax.

 

*cringes*