Automatic car washes?

[bowbyeal]

I have been the proud owner of an '05 Boxster since February and I feel it represents about the most fun you can have on four wheels.

I live in a condo without access to a garden hose which raises the question about the advisablity of running the Boxster (with its convertible top) through a car wash. The dealer suggests it's not a good idea.

I have been driving the car to a friend's house and washing it there but that won't work when the weather turns cold here in Toronto.

What do you think about using an automatic car wash?

Thanks.

[kabel]

Hmmm, good question.... If I were in your situation I would likely go to one of the self-serve bays with the high pressure wand, but bring your own bucket and wash mitt and try not to use the full force of the high pressure water, it can find it's way into tiny cracks and freeze...

or seriously consider buying a hardtop for the winter months.

[ekam]

There are self-serve indoor car washes you can go to that charges by the minute, there's one by my area which I will go to.

Or else just pay a detailing shop to detail your car.

It's not a question of getting a hardtop or not. No car enthusiasts will take their car to an automatic car wash...

[Paul]

I have no issue with running my cars through a no touch car wash such as a Laser 4000 when the hardtop is in place.

[blue2000s]

I've never had a problem with the top leaking, the top and windows are really tightly sealed on my car, so I don't think the pressure would be a problem. Just make sure the top is protected with Ragg Top or another such product that will keep the soap on the surface.

I would never run my car through an automatic car wash that uses brushes. That's just asking for surface scratches. The brushless washes, which don't do such a great job of getting the car really clean at least won't mar the finish, provided they don't use a strong detergent to clean the car. If they do use a detergent, it will strip the wax off the car, in which case, you'll have to wash and wax it again after getting it washed. Either way, it's not the best way to treat your Porsche.

The best solution is to find a water spigot near the house and wash it in the street/driveway with 2 buckets, a dedicated car wash solution and a nice, soft wash mitt.

[FTD]

I think my Owners Manual states to not use high pressure washes, and something is telling me why, but I am afraid to say it because I am not sure why I am thinking it. ha ha But anyway, there are reasons not to. I have used coin ops for a quickie to get dust or sap rinsed off, and I keep a distance with the wand so that the water is not high force when it meets the paint. You might like the coin op, if one is available to you, when it is really cold and you just want to freshen up the exterior.