Coin-op wand wash, just rinse or rinse and soap?

wifehatescar · 01-27-04, 12:32

With it being in the 20's here, I've been using the $1 wand wash to keep the salt off instead of QEW.

I'm try to decide to spend $1 to just rinse with water or spend $2 to wash with whatever soap they use first then rinse with water.
There's pros/cons to each so what's your vote?

The soap obviously cleans better but could be too harsh??? btw, my car is wearing Zaino for the winter...

kgb · 01-27-04, 12:39

If you can find a touchless wash up there in Belleville I would use that. I use the touchlesses by me all the time and they rock! I always make sure to get the underbody sprays as well.

TOGWT · 01-27-04, 12:47

Quote: Coin-op wand wash, just rinse or rinse and soap?

~One man’s opinion /observations~

As long as the temp is below freezing the salt/chemicals are basically inert (its only by adding water does salt become acidic) so as long as you use plenty of water to get the salt off (+ soap your choice) Just remember that most car-wash places re-circulate the washing water, point is you could be taking off salt but adding a salt solution (food for thought)

~Hope this helps~

Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/

justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*

kgb · 01-27-04, 12:52

Some recycle the water?

Good thing I know the three owners of the three car washes around me and was there while they were gettign built! I know their water goes to the drain and then out to the sewers.

wifehatescar · 01-27-04, 12:58

TOGWT-
I asked and the coin-op place I use does NOT recycle water. They pointed to a 10' diameter metal cover on the ground I assume is their drain or whatever.

2001civicex-
Also, the touchless is $6 with a blow dry and undercoat spray, kinda pricey since I clean my car off every week. Plus they probably DO recycle water, thus another reason not to go there.

My main question is if the soap they use there will contribute to stripping of Zaino (or clearcoat off my wheels!).

kgb · 01-27-04, 01:05

You should have no problem with it stripping clearcoat or wax. However, I have never used Zaino so I don't know.

I take my cars to them all the time with no problems. Even in the summer I take my cars there when I am feelign lazy and no problems.

wifehatescar · 01-27-04, 01:18

I'm just nervous cause the last car I bought had clearcoat failure on the wheels and someone said it could be due to too many car washes or harsh chemicals...

I guess there are 2 schools of thought:

-the soap is real harsh so "regular people" successfully get their car clean easily or
-the soap is mild so there are no alligations their soap caused long term damage to any cars that develop paint issues

kgb · 01-27-04, 01:37

Your wheels probably had crappy quality. I know Konig's are the worst wheels when it comes to clear failure. Ford wheels are about the same.

What type of wheels?

And if you are affraid of the soap being to harsh here is a little secret....most places add less product to the soap/water ratio to save on the cost of product.

wifehatescar · 01-27-04, 01:42

They were aftermarket ROH five spokes 17x9.5 on my old 94 Mustang. They were damaged when I bought the car so the cause of the failure is only speculation on my part.
Unless anyone else says the soap is potentially harmful, I guess I'll use soap and then rinse well.

I'm so cheap, I put in $1 and it runs for 3 minutes.
I'll run the soap for 1 minute, turn the knob, and then rinse for 2 minutes

kgb · 01-27-04, 01:46

See, you are cheap and I hate the cold, that is why I use the touchless.....plus it dries it off for me too.

GoodnClean · 01-27-04, 01:56

See it costs $2.50 to run the wand for 3 minutes here

The soaps in those are similar to the soaps in a touchless wash, and they MAY be harsh and they MAY strip the Zaino. IMO soaping the surface without touching it will do little for the dirt, I'd just rinse it.

GoodnClean · 01-27-04, 01:57

Quote:

Originally posted by GoodnClean
See it costs $2.50 to run the wand for 3 minutes here

The soaps in those are similar to the soaps in a touchless wash, and they MAY be harsh and they MAY strip the Zaino OVER TIME. One wash isn't going to do it but in my experience it cuts the longevity in half when done regularly. IMO soaping the surface without touching it will do little for the dirt, I'd just rinse it.