1st Jeep wash

[TheNewGuy]

I go though washes all the time, both touch and touchless ones without issue. Ive also not removed the antenna. The dealer that services mine has a brushed wash they send everything through so if they feel it’s good enough to run new vehicles through I’d guess it’s considered safe to do.

The thing is, the dealer sends your vehicle through only when you come in for service. What's that? Once maybe twice a year?
My wife had a red Acura TSX that she ran through a tunnel wash 3-4 times a month. Something I rarely did with my cars. After a couple of years, the paint looked like somebody took fine grit sandpaper to it. She was shocked when I pointed it out to her. My 2017 Ridgeline never saw a automatic tunnel wash (sold it in '21) unless it was touchless and that was maybe a couple of times during the Winter strictly for the undercarriage spray. The JL has enough ground clearance to get to the undercarriage with a hose. I may send it thru a touchless in the Spring once the roads are clean again. Otherwise, if its above freezing, I hand wash it

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[R3TRO]

...what about spare tire with cover on, can this go through the tunnel and being washed while attached?

Take that thing off permanently! No self respecting Jeep owner drives around with a spare tire cover! I know, my body Jeep, my choice! :P

Just go to one of those self service spray booths. For $7 you can power wash it including hitting the undercarriage and they usually have one of those heavy duty brushes for tires/wheels and a softer one for the body. The one I go to has a spotless rinse and blow dryer too. Then park and vacuum for $1 and hit your tires with some ArmorAll and you're good to go! I literally do this for about a year until I have a professional detailer do his magic with a buff and wax.

 

[eureka]

I have no problem going through a car wash with hardtop, but only do that if I absolutely have to (we have very salty roads in winter). I also have a very short, stubby antenna installed. I would remove the stock metal antenna at the very least.

Do you know how to remove the antenna?

 

[AzScorpion]

Do you know how to remove the antenna?

10mm wrench. You'll see the slot for it right where the top part of the base meets the antenna.

 

[Hearhear]

I only wash it like they did in ‘44, by hand :

Or I might let them do it:

But seriously, my Jeep is new and I want to keep it looking that way. Those automatic brush washes you see in gas stations don’t work right half the time. And you have no idea what soap they use (probably VERY harsh) or what’s in that nasty recycled water. Eventually those brushes could loosen exterior parts or body panels, even touchless ones can eventually strip your wax or clearcoat. Just get a good quality gentle soap, a sponge, and your Jeep will thank you for years to come. If you have a good quality wax or ceramic coating, most times soap won’t even be necessary. Just rinse and dry.

 

[rickinAZ]

I go through the drive-thru "as is". Never/ever an issue. Removing all of that stuff is fine if it makes you feel more comfortable, but it's not necessary. Sit outside your local car wash and you'll see countless Wranglers go through without incident.

In the "winter" I hand (or pressure) wash, but in the summer I sometimes get lazy (or said another way, realistic about 116° weather).

My daughter has a monthly pass. She probably takes her Wrangler through 50-100 times per year. And...she doesn't remove anything and would give me an eyeroll if I suggested it.

The carwash designers have been doing this a long time. If their washes regularly damaged vehicles, they'd be out of business. All of that said, make sure you go to a ultra-modern facility. We have a shit-ton to choose from.

 

[TheBirdie72]

10mm wrench. You'll see the slot for it right where the top part of the base meets the antenna.

Lefty loosey righty tighty

 

[OBD]

I handwash only and blow off with a leaf blower.Follow with a cotton towel. I would never use a public brush type car wash.I do have the luxury of a warm garage.

 

[Chile1]

in the winter it goes through the auto brushless car wash and during the summer it gets detailed, buffed and washed by hand…

 

[rickinAZ]

I handwash only and blow off with a leaf blower.Follow with a cotton towel. I would never use a public brush type car wash.I do have the luxury of a warm garage.

If you like your leaf blower approach, you might check out the Masterblaster. Uses filtered/heated air. Very sturdy and especially good for motorcycles.

 

[SnowyJeep]

I once went through a drive thru car wash without removing the aerial. It got beat around like crazy and suddenly I couldn't see it. I figured it had snapped off, but it just got tucked into the passenger window frame. I don't plan on doing that again.

I've never had a problem with touchless automatic carwashes with my hard top Jeep.

 

[mwc3116]

If you like your leaf blower approach, you might check out the Masterblaster. Uses filtered/heated air. Very sturdy and especially good for motorcycles.

I also use the Metrovac Masterblaster... works great !!

 

[ViperJon]

Lets review. You daily drive your heep all week then go offroading on the weekend. But your concerned a touch less car wash will strip the wax. Because we all live in Arizona and can hand wash it all the time. Check.

 

[longfiredragon]

Automatic car wash what's that.

 

[EXPFDR]

Cant answer about the spare tire cover, or antenna, my first mod was getting a flexible stubby antenna. I take my Jeep at least once a week through a brushed auto wash. NY loves to put salt on the roads. I check the Jeep for scratches, loose fenders and leaks around the Sunrider all the time. Nothing so far. But cannot wait for warmer weather to start hand washing it again.

Everyone has there own opinion or recommendations, continue to ask and gather info and choose. thats the one thing I enjoy about this forum.

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