Is 2010 Prius safe at a car wash?

I won't even let my dealer wash my car. When I bring it in for service I make it very clear that they are NOT to wash it! I'll do that myself with my Zaino wash bucket and sheepskin mit. I would never take it through a car wash!

 

I only hand wash my car. That's why I do it myself. I washed it today and it looks great.

 

I didn't know they still had car washes with brushes and anyone that uses one is not a car guy.
I like others here use the two bucket system, cotton or microfiber towels. The only time I use a car wash is in the winter and it is a brushless no touch system and pick the cheapest wash that has an undercarriage was to get off the salt and grim from underneath my cars.
I always wipe down the engine compartment when I wash my cars and when it starts to get a little grimy I spray it with Fantastic cleaner [A trick a Mercedes dealer told me about, Fantastic will not harm auto paint so is safe to use,] and then turn the hose on it, does a great job. Don't know if this is advisable on a Prius or not, would check it out with someone at Toyota before I put a water hose to the engine compartment of a Prius.

 

Maybe that's why they want to shorten the accelerator pedal--so it doesn't get wet.

 

hand car wash is always best!

 

Gentlemen: These auto car washes are used by everyone. When someone with a very dirty vehicle goes through, the brushes fill with nasty gritty dirt. Several of my cars have the paint damaged, even worn through. Even car washes without the brushes, just water nozzles, often have an attendent with a broom who brushes it off.

Keep 100 feet away from these auto washes. Use a hose and even avoid the rag. Never wipe dry paint.

Avoid my pain of a scratched paint job.