Touchless or Brush type car wash--the best?

[Mafster]

I KNOW both automatic washes are NOT good for our babies (or 4runners ). It is my understanding the brushless types use a more harsh wash solution to soften the dirt (and maybe strip the wax?!) whereas the mop style can cause scratches and other damage.

My question is--which do you use and why?

Personally I'm going to stick to handwashing it for now. But I know the day will come when the girl is covered with salt spray and I'll need to clean it before I park it and would like to hear from all of your experiences & insight.

Thanks!

 

[DaveS]

I occasionally use a touchless in the winter - its better than "Death by salt" - but never a brush machine. I can reapply wax but I can't unapply scratches...

 

[Mafster]

That is my feeling too on re-applying wax.
I applied the Zaino treatment this weekend--Dawn soap (strip wax)--claybar--wash-zaino x3 (MY GOSH THAT KILLS MY ARMS) and then PS21 top coat. Looks grrrrreat and my right arm looks like Popeye now.

I had a brush type wash rip the antenna off my '93 4Runner when the attendant accidently turned on the stereo. I can't imagine that happening in a touchless wash!

 

[chunderboy]

IMHO.

I only get it hand washed. It costs maybe 2 dollars more, but they do the tires, wheels, and windows for like 12 dollars

Not to mention i kinda became friendly with the boys at the wash, so they get into every nook and crany with the mits, and the soft brushes

I would only give my girl the best. And that is a hand wash

 

[DaveS]

Only I handwash the 4Runner- dont know whats on somebody elses mits and cloths - you can do a lot of damage with a dirty sponge.

 

[iFORCE]

hand-wash with sheep skin and hand-dry with microfiber towels. Occasionally I would take it to the touchless in the winter.

 

[Mafster]

Do you think the solvents that are used in the touchless strip the wax at all? That is one of my concerns~especially in winter.

 

[rubberducky]

Do you think the solvents that are used in the touchless strip the wax at all? That is one of my concerns~especially in winter.

Not a chance. If you run through one and rub your finger across any panel (even windshield for that matter) you'll still see dirt on your fingertip. If it can't remove the dirt from on top of your wax coat, it certainly isn't stripping off the wax underneath the dirt.

 

[Mafster]

I guess I shouldn't towel dry it then after running through one since it leaves behind so much. I never felt the paint afterwards, but will now! Thanks!

 

[iFORCE]

I guess I shouldn't towel dry it then after running through one since it leaves behind so much. I never felt the paint afterwards, but will now! Thanks!

towel drying a dirty car = BAD! you need to make sure the car is CLEAN via hand-washing before drying... otherwise you'll be rubbing all that road grim with your towel onto the clearcoat.

 

[jeober]

good advice.

for me: silver color --> seldom wash.

 

[General Lee]

Do you think the solvents that are used in the touchless strip the wax at all? That is one of my concerns~especially in winter.

Some car washes may differ from solutions and detergents they use but some definitely use harsh detergents that will strip wax/sealants.