car wash

[fab]

New owner, 2000 porsche boxster. Love it!!!
I was wondering can I go through a car wash or one of those self bays with laser jets that washes your car? If not, then I can I get a undercarriage wash?

TIA
Fab

[Stryke]

Hand wash only or live with swirl marks and damaged rims!!!

[Brucelee]

Yes pls stay out of the car washes. Personally, I have a pressure washer which helps avoid much of the dreaded swirl mark issue.

[Stryke]

I own a hand wash/detailing center. Never use force when washing. If the dirt does not come off then use a more effective means such as clay or mild solvents. Do not use more pressure as a wash mitt can act like sandpaper on your clearcoat. I also reiterate, do not go through a tunnel wash!!!

[YellowJacket]

What about those tunnel washes that don't use brushes?

In the sub-freezing weather, I had to get the salt off of my car, so I took it to one of those tunnels that uses strips of felt hanging instead of brushes. I watched the car through the entire process and the contact between the soap, water, sponge with the car was comparable to what it receives when I wash it.

Even the wheel washers were felt pads instead of brushes.

[Perfectlap]

I go to the coin operated car washes. Wheels first, then from the top down. I bring my own soap, chennile wash mit, OXO feather tip brushes (one for wheels, one for top), and I use microfiber fiber waffle weave towels to dry the car. Basically I'm paying for water because I don't use the brush that's usually lying on the floor full of rocks. I can do it in five minutes and its costs $3.00 in quaters

The high pressure is good for the top, as I only rinse it mostly. But if it gets soiled(birds) I spray in Ragg Topp clenaser, lather it up with the OXO brush and rinse. Blot dry with waffle weave towels and later on I'll reapply the Ragg Topp protectant in an indoor parking garage. You know its working well when the water beads after rinsing.