Prinsu roof rack and touchless car wash. Crossbar discolored.

[3s1kill]

I went to a touchless car wash today. A few hours later I was staring out at my roof rack from upstairs and noticed some discoloration on the cross bars. WTF happened to it? I went out there with a damp microfiber towel and wiped them down. They would look clean and then get discolored again after it dried off.

 

[Tuco Ramirez]

Cheap garbage detergent used in those automatic car washes. Probably didn’t get it all off and some dried on.
Always hand wash your car.

 

[macscac]

who is looking at the top of the crossbars anyhow?

 

[SlickTRD]

Touchless car wash soap is very corrosive in order to clean your car without physically touching it. It's also possible the high pressure cleaning also damaged the finish. Just take them off and rattle can it.

 

[osugsxr]

who is looking at the top of the crossbars anyhow?

everyone now :shocked: , it looks horrible toss it out or donate it

 

[mcarey86]

Try using some white vinegar to strip whatever that shit is off. May work.

 

[Magnetic-T4R]

I kinda agree with most of the above. However, I've been lazy on an unnamed number of occasions and hit these types of car washes. No issues. What chain was this so I know not to go. I'd even go back and complain, most likely won't do much though I'm afraid.

I think these cross bars are used on more than one brand of roof racks, looks like powder coated aluminum maybe? Pull em, and drop them off at your local powder coat shop and don't go to that car wash again.

I figure mine will look worse than yours after a few years in the Florida sun, I'll just hit them with a decent rattle can, as long as the integrity is there I'm happy.

 

[ravens_wood]

Cheap garbage detergent used in those automatic car washes. Probably didn’t get it all off and some dried on.
Always hand wash your car.

Ideal. But unrealistic for many of us who experience winter.

 

[3s1kill]

Ideal. But unrealistic for many of us who experience winter.

We have October through May we have snow on the ground. I usually handwash, clay, polish/wax in the summertime but I've been slammed at work.

 

[3s1kill]

who is looking at the top of the crossbars anyhow?

I am the only one apparently:hello: I just installed the rack a few days ago so been admiring it.

 

[GripT4R]

looks like the anodizing is stained.

Try rubbing it with a little oil and see if the black comes back?

 

[3s1kill]

I kinda agree with both of the above. However, I've been lazy on an unnamed number of occasions and hit these types of car washes. No issues. What chain was this so I know not to go. I'd even go back and complain, most likely won't do much though I'm afraid.

I think these cross bars are used on more than one brand of roof racks, looks like powder coated aluminum maybe? Pull em, and drop them off at your local powder coat shop and don't go to that car wash again.

I figure mine will look worse than yours after a few years in the Florida sun, I'll just hit them with a decent rattle can, as long as the integrity is there I'm happy.

Here's the wash I used. The top one with Armor-All and Rain-x. I guess it's not a big deal as long as it doesn't get worse which is what I'm afraid of since I frequent these washes in our 7-8mo winters.

I thought about complaining to the wash company but they're not gonna do squat.

 

[3s1kill]

looks like the anodizing is stained.

Try rubbing it with a little oil and see if the black comes back?

I used 50/50 rubbing alcohol but that didn't do anything. I read online about Hard Water causing a similar affect and to use vinegar? It's weird the bars look burned which is why I ran outside to investigate. Like when you burn a piece of metal and it gets soot on it.

 

[CavPro]

This kind of seems like an issue with the racks finish since the rest of the vehicle seems fine.

 

[3s1kill]

This kind of seems like an issue with the racks finish since the rest of the vehicle seems fine.

This was my thought. These bars should be able to take more abuse then my paint.

 

[ayeyothisiskyle]

This was my thought. These bars should be able to take more abuse then my paint.

pretty sure prinsu is made in china stuff. CBI bought them around a year ago and exported production. From what I heard and from why my buddy's garage says, theyre not that "quality." I'd contact prinsu/cbi to see if they can send out a new one. If not, just rattlecan it with bed liner.

 

[3s1kill]

pretty sure prinsu is made in china stuff. CBI bought them around a year ago and exported production. From what I heard and from why my buddy's garage says, theyre not that "quality." I'd contact prinsu/cbi to see if they can send out a new one. If not, just rattlecan it with bed liner.

I already have an open ticket with them regarding the powder coating on my rails and one crossbar I can't put screws into. I replied back too them with this issue last night.

 

[GripT4R]

have you tried rubbing oil on it?

These are cheap aluminum extrusions used for all kinds of hobbies, they can be purchased in raw aluminum, or anodized black.

Most likely all made in china.

 

[3s1kill]

have you tried rubbing oil on it?

These are cheap aluminum extrusions used for all kinds of hobbies, they can be purchased in raw aluminum, or anodized black.

Most likely all made in china.

I'll try rubbing oil on it tonight.

 

[MossJenks]

This kind of seems like an issue with the racks finish since the rest of the vehicle seems fine.

For sure. If a touchless car wash ruined the finish, what's gonna happen in the winter when it gets covered in mag chloride and/or salt? What if a bird poops on it?