Car Washes

[TrustWonUSA]

I was wondering if anyone else has the same observations.
When going through the automated car washes, my steering wheel constantly gets pushed around by the brushes sometimes causing the Jeep to jump the track. Also the Jeep gets pushed back and forth, which has prompted me to ask for additional space between my Jeep and others. Lastly when the big brush that rolls across the rear of the Jeep goes past it feels like it is going to rip the spare tire right off.

just curious

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[2nd 392]

Jump the track ! This should not be. Look around and try to find a hand wash, I have to go about 15mi and they do a typically near detail job outside and inside. But not cheap $50. If you can’t find one the next best is one with horsehair brushes. Good luck.

 

[NWJeepr]

I've taken a Wrangler through an automated wash...mostly for these reasons. I suggest washing it yourself or finding a good hand-wash outfit near you.

 

[Spacenut]

Find a brushless car wash and hand dry. No sense grinding other peoples dirt into your paint. Just my pet peeve ...sorry :o).

 

[BXFXJeep]

I stopped using the car wash a long time ago, found it doesn't really do a good job, waste of time and money.

I use Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray coating, seems to work.

I applied this 2 coats when I bought the Wrangler, every spring and fall I'll apply a coat.

For the most part, all I do now is go to a coin wash and power wash it for $2-$3, some places it's $2 to start.

About every 6 weeks I'll go late at night power wash, then use the hybrid solution wash and wax to bucket wash it, then power wash it down, then I'll dry it with Hybrid solutions wet wax, it's a drying aid of sorts. $3 x 2

All these turtle wax things are about $13 usd.

https://www.turtlewax.com/collections/hybrid-solutions-ceramics


https://www.turtlewax.com/products/hybrid-solutions-ceramic-wax-spray-coating-16-fl-oz

 

[WannFly]

I handwash when I can, or use touch less. no way I am using those rotary brushes on my paint. I dont care about pinstripes from trail, but those scratches and swirl marks from car washes will drive me bonkers

 

[RatZero]

I've noticed that my tires don't really fit in the rails for the automatic car washes at most places. So, anytime there's a connector on the rail it'll jump a bit but I've never gone off the rails.

I stopped using the automatic ones a while ago. Warmer months I power wash it with a decent foam gun, soap, etc. Winter months, either a DIY wash bag or touchless every now and then since they really like to use the salt on the roads around here.

Honestly, at the prices of car washes these days a power washer pays for itself pretty quick. Now, the good cleaning products on the other hand are ridiculous.

 

[Nokones]

It's best to hand wash with a low PH soap like Mother's Gold Car Wash Soap . Also, have it ceramic coated every year to prevent swirl marks.

 

[rickinAZ]

It's often too hot here to hand wash (dries too quickly) so I use the automatic carwashes almost exclusively. If your local Costco has a car wash, try it out. For $7.99 they offer the traditional wash, wax, wheels, and under carriage. There are no add-ons. Somehow the process seems to get to all of the nooks and crannies on a Wrangler. Their drivethru is longer and has more washing stations than any other carwash I've used. But...like most carwashes, the drying is not foolproof, so bring a towel. https://www.costco.com/car-wash-service.html

I've always owned a high-powered power washer at home. My experience is, they are good for a dusty car, but if you've driven through rain/snow all bets are off. A film will be left behind. Same with a touchless carwash - which is basically an automated power washer..

I've never had problems with paint or damaged antenna/mirrors/wipers/etc in a lifetime of using the autowashers. I don't doubt that it can happen, but I've never seen it. I think the possibility lies somewhere between urban legend and remote possibility.

 

[JKJ]

It’s a bit of a ride for you from Texas. But rumor has it that there is a wash connected to a Mexican restaurant with a liquor license in Livingston, CA. Worth the ride in my opinion. Planning my retirement around it.

 

[jellis4148]

First and foremost stop taking it to a carwash with brushes. Might as well get a Brillo pad and wash it yourself. Same outcome on the paint.

 

[TrustWonUSA]

I am good with drive thru car wash I use, as far as the washing/wax they use. My question was more about the odd issues I am having going through. I have a membership and can go as much as I please, which is one to two times a week. Been doing this with my vehicles for sometime now. I use to worry about every swirl and How I would spend a weekend polishing and how good it would look afterwards. Too old for that $hit now.

 

[JayJay]

My question was more about the odd issues I am having going through.

I use an automated car wash with brushes several times a month and don't have any of the problems that you mentioned.

 

[SC Notary]

I always hand wash, unless there are some college girls doing a car was to raise money.

 

[Wbino]

I was wondering if anyone else has the same observations.
When going through the automated car washes, my steering wheel constantly gets pushed around by the brushes sometimes causing the Jeep to jump the track. Also the Jeep gets pushed back and forth, which has prompted me to ask for additional space between my Jeep and others. Lastly when the big brush that rolls across the rear of the Jeep goes past it feels like it is going to rip the spare tire right off.

just curious

This seems to be a talk to the manager type of issue.

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