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Car Wash

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by RJ Primw, Jan 10, 2017.

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  1. RJ Primw

    RJ Primw Member

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    So, I have weathered my first northeast storm with the Prime. Temperatures in the teens and six inches of snow. The car has done as expected. Behaved well on some slippery streets, lower mpg, but not terrible.

    Of course, the aftermath means enough salt on the car to turn any of the great lakes into the one in Utah. The manual is filled with warnings about car washes, particularly about the rear window and spoiler.

    Has anyone run there Prime through a car wash yet? Any negative results?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 RJ Primw, Jan 10, 2017
  2. Prius Maximus

    Prius Maximus Senior Member

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    I don't have a prime so i can't help there, but I stay away from the hanging wash strip ones and use the washes with only spray cleaning.
     
    #2 Prius Maximus, Jan 10, 2017
    My first EV likes this.
  3. priuscatprimeguy

    priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

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    Yup, once so far, and so far no issues:cool:
     
    #3 priuscatprimeguy, Jan 10, 2017
  4. huskers

    huskers Senior Member

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    Why... when I was a kid we washed our own cars...and liked it.
     
    #4 huskers, Jan 10, 2017
    jerrymildred likes this.
  5. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    In 30 degree weather?

    I don't mind it in the summer.
     
    #5 Lee Jay, Jan 10, 2017
    RJ Primw likes this.
  6. RJ Primw

    RJ Primw Member

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    Come Spring, that's an option, but not a fan of washing the car when the high temperature is 28 degrees.
     
    #6 RJ Primw, Jan 10, 2017
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I'm waiting for a chance to hand wash ours too. Just too damn cold right now. I've got some car wash coupons from our dealership, might break down and use them. Still, it's the wheel wells and underbody I'm more concerned about, and car washes are ineffectual in those areas I think.
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Jan 10, 2017
  8. inferno

    inferno Senior Member

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    What's the warning with car washes here? lol. Weird.....
     
    #8 inferno, Jan 11, 2017
  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I would guess this from the manual.
    upload_2017-1-11_7-59-55.png
     
    #9 Prodigyplace, Jan 11, 2017
  10. Stl22js

    Stl22js New Member

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    That's pretty standard cover your butt language in all manuals.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #10 Stl22js, Jan 11, 2017
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  11. inferno

    inferno Senior Member

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    Yeah but this one bothers me: "Rear spoiler may not be washable in some automatic car washes."

    This is vague. What's going on here? Would a high wind tunnel damage it? Is this double wave more of a problem than we think? Surely one of Toyota's tests must be putting the car through carwashes...What did they see to write this?
     
    #11 inferno, Jan 11, 2017
  12. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    I've never had a car wash do any sort of job washing under a spoiler.
     
    #12 Lee Jay, Jan 11, 2017
  13. inferno

    inferno Senior Member

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    Warning doesn't say anything about "Under". It's just vague. Is that how you read it though?
     
    #13 inferno, Jan 11, 2017
  14. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    That about "there may be increased risk of damage to vehicle" ? :eek: :cry:
     
    #14 Prodigyplace, Jan 11, 2017
  15. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    I read it as it might not get clean in a car wash because of its shape and location.
     
    #15 Lee Jay, Jan 11, 2017
  16. Stl22js

    Stl22js New Member

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    That's the way I read it to.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #16 Stl22js, Jan 11, 2017
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yeah it's standard stuff. They're assuming the automatic car wash uses brushes or those things that flap and hit your car. I prefer touchless. Yes there's a chance it'll embed the dirt into the pain but I claybar the car anyway.

    It's good enough until it's warm enough to do a proper hand wash.
     
    #17 Tideland Prius, Jan 12, 2017
  18. Since2002

    Since2002 Senior Lurker

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    This can happen:

    car-wash-door-break.gif
     
    #18 Since2002, Jan 12, 2017
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  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    It's supposed to get warmer here next week. I'll be out in the driveway, with hose and bucket.
     
    #19 Mendel Leisk, Jan 12, 2017
    priuscatprimeguy likes this.
  20. My first EV

    My first EV Junior Member

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    I’m an adult. Of all the cars I owned I’ve always hand wash them!
     
    #20 My first EV, Jan 20, 2019
    Mendel Leisk and bisco like this.
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