Will pressure washers @ self serves strip off wax?

[LS1JAY]

Will the pressure type washers at those self serve places strip off wax? I go there on occasion, and it always seems like it shows swirl marks worse after a trip. I was wondering if it could be stripping off my wax? It always looks better after a good old fashion hand wash.

 

[biglatka]

Will the pressure type washers at those self serve places strip off wax? I go there on occasion, and it always seems like it shows swirl marks worse after a trip. I was wondering if it could be stripping off my wax? It always looks better after a good old fashion hand wash.

I'd stay away from car washes if at all possible, and if not, definitely stay away from pressure washers, especially with a black color.

 

[dingo]

It always looks better after a good old fashion hand wash.

True that, and it is not that agressive. It's always looks better by hand, especially after washing, claying, paint cleaning, polishing, and 2-3 coats of NXT wax. Kills your entire day though.

 

[OUTRNNR]

I'd stay away from car washes if at all possible, and if not, definitely stay away from pressure washers, especially with a black color.

I disagree...

As long as you are not within a foot of your car with the pressure washer it will be fine. A small amount of wax may be stripped off, but if you choose the wax option at the end of the cycle it will introduce a wax preserver, and you will be able to see the water bead off after it is applied.

Any kind of wash where you physically touch the car is going to be the worst kind of wash for the wax and clearcoat, even though I will agree it looks better. If using a sponge or brush (at the DIY wash) is necessary, make sure you get the car as clean as possible with the pressure sprayer beforehand, especially with a black car, and check the sponge/brush to make sure its clean and not filled with dirt.

I use the brush on my car only once a month and use touchless every other time I wash. :biggrin2: