[wheresmy5]

Been wrestling with this the last couple weeks as we approach cooler temperatures. I've taken all my previous cars to the automatic wash after the honeymoon period, at one point or another. Eventually, I'll have to take it through the wash in winter, as I figure washing off salt is more important than getting some swirl marks. Plus this is a lease, so I am less concerned with long term (over 3 yr) paint longevity, I'm also past the point where I make large purchases at detailed image... the most I do is hand wash and apply quick detailer as i dry and spray wax afterward. At the same time, this is one of the darker colors I've had (Mediterranean blue) and swirls do bother me.

Slow Saturday, but I am curious what others do who fall somewhere in the middle of the road regarding detailing/washing.

[Simple5]

Originally Posted by wheresmy5

Been wrestling with this the last couple weeks as we approach cooler temperatures. I've taken all my previous cars to the automatic wash after the honeymoon period, at one point or another. Eventually, I'll have to take it through the wash in winter, as I figure washing off salt is more important than getting some swirl marks. Plus this is a lease, so I am less concerned with long term (over 3 yr) paint longevity, I'm also past the point where I make large purchases at detailed image... the most I do is hand wash and apply quick detailer as i dry and spray wax afterward. At the same time, this is one of the darker colors I've had (Mediterranean blue) and swirls do bother me.

Slow Saturday, but I am curious what others do who fall somewhere in the middle of the road regarding detailing/washing.

This is my first dark colored car and historically I have purchased white/silver cars. I was a lazy ass and took my car to an automatic car wash once and afterwards notices a bunch of light swirl marks on my car from the damn "ultra soft plush" bristles that the car wash advertises. problem is that the dirt and grime from other cars are not completely washed off of those bristles and end up scratching up your cars paint.

I will NEVER use another automatic car wash ever again. Perhaps someone that deals with salty roads/snow can chime in on that part.

[wheresmy5]

Agreed. Auto car washes scratch paint, either via dirt or the bristles/cloths. But what do you guys do when there just isn't time to wash it yourself?

[peter91118]

Originally Posted by Simple3

I will NEVER use another automatic car wash ever again. Perhaps someone that deals with salty roads/snow can chime in on that part.

Salty roads here.. Did you go to a touchless? I have never had any marks from them. They do an ok job.

[Marzocchi]

I live in the Northwest USA. Winter = road salt and that is terrible for all car parts including paint. I never go to touch car washes but I do use touchless. Check in your area for washes that use modern touchless systems. They do an amazing job.

[Errowen]

Originally Posted by Marzocchi

I live in the Northwest USA. Winter = road salt and that is terrible for all car parts including paint. I never go to touch car washes but I do use touchless. Check in your area for washes that use modern touchless systems. They do an amazing job.

While I love a clean car, I'm not anal about it. Nevertheless, what I find truly "amazing" about touchless car washes is how dirty they leave the car. Wipe a microfiber cloth across the surface immediately after you go through the wash and air dryer: the cloth will come away black as coal dust.
What the touchless spray and coloured soaps leave behind is a layer of brake-dust/diesel particulates/industrial fall-out that is electrostatically bonded to the paint. Removing it requires more mechanical force than the high-pressure spray can produce (if the pressure was sufficient, it would probably blow through your door seals).
Once the car is through the dryer, I get this icky layer off by wiping the car down with dry microfiber towels, using straight strokes, turning every couple of strokes. Takes about 10 mins to do the whole car. Keep close watch for swirls - if they show up, quit, take the car home (or to a detailer) for a proper 2-bucket hand wash. Or face it that the car's going to get that dirty again in a single day in winter anyway, and wait for spring.

[Gpfarrell]

Wax it every two months and the paint will be well-protected and you can run it through most anything shy of a sandblaster.