I know there are a lot of older threads on this, but what are the key issues, if any, with automatic car washes? Antenna? No worries?
No problems here and I've probably been through 10 or so automated washes. I try to hand wash at home when I can. If you are worried about the antenna, it only takes about 5 seconds to unscrew and remove it while you go through the wash and another 5 sec to replace it.
the key word is touchless. touchless car washes. dont use those old fashioned car washes where big strips of material hit against your car. talk about a good way to get fine scratches or what not. wash your car yourself when you can during spring, summer, and fall. when you do not have time use touchless washes you drive through. during winter.. wash often if you live where they use road salt. tis my plan. i also wax the car every 2-3 months it seems during the seasons i can. i am a new owner so waxing is still somewhat enjoyable.. (not). but i do it. i want it ready for winter.
Simple answer, touchless if any. They can easily and usually do instill small scratches and/or swirls in your paint.
if you have a dark colored car try to avoid them if you can, really will beat that paint up. For Ant it shouldnt be a problem, it's a whip ant and is flexible..I removed mine anyway and still can bring in FM/AM fine. Listen to sirus anyway try to hand wash if you can, obviously in the cold months this isn't ideal and only the true masochist will wash in the winter. find a all hand wash with no brush system, which is super rare therse days, lucky we still have two in town if you have a white car, just find a good auto and keep it waxed
The problems with an automatic car wash are twofold: 1. Abrasiveness, the wash systems are rarely cleaned and oftentimes will induce marring into the paint, actually a lot of the marring is created when the towel guys dry the car at the end, the rags are dirty and abrasive. That said I do have a good automatic wash here I run my cars through from time to time, high end wash mechanism that is cleaned daily, lots of soap used (cuts down the scratching potential) and microfiber towels used to dry. Its EXPENSIVE though, and a trip through will run you $35. 2. Harsh soaps, this is a problem with touchless washes too. The soaps are harsh and will strip wax and dry out seals and unpainted plastic trim peices over time.
My plan is to apply a coat of paint sealant (Ultima Paint Guard) every 3 months and use the touchless car wash as needed.
Car washes used to be a lot of fun in my Uncle's '55 Chevy, trying to plug the leaks with towels so the interior didn't get soaked. But I've yet to take my four year old Prius through one - the soap is too harsh, the water too dirty, and the towels too scratchy. Hand washing with two buckets, special car shampoo, and microfibre towels is the way to go.
