The $3 Car Wash v. Self-Serve Car Washes - Page 2

ybajwa · 03-09-06, 01:00

In winter, my usual routine is to go to coin-op wash and just rinse vehicle thoroughly. Its minimum $3.00 CAN where I live, and gives about 5 minutes. If I have a sealant on instead of wax, I'll use their soap as well as I don't think it strips it off.

Its close enough to home, that I can drive back and just use a QD and wipe down car carefully, same with tires but just using disposable towels.

nighttraingirl · 03-09-06, 09:56

This sounds like a good plan. I still won't use the carwash brushes on my glass, though. I have some *nasty windshield and side glass scratches from that, and yes, I rinsed the brush first.

tailwind · 03-09-06, 10:41

I do the same thing occasionally during the winter when the buildup on the car gets bad. The salt and grime gets to the point where QEW or something similar isn't enough for the job.

I bring a large bucket, a mitt, some car wash, and two waffle weaves. Toss some money in to start it up, and pressure rinse the whole car off first. I then use their soap and brush to clean the wheels (I run the 16" painted stockers in winter, no damage done) and tires, then fill my bucket with their water and wash by hand. I'll throw another buck or two in afterward to rinse off, then if it's busy I pack it up and pull out of the bay into the shade to dry, or if there's nobody else there, just dry it off in the bay, starting and rocking the car back and forth once or twice to shake the excess out of the cracks.

Intel486 · 03-10-06, 02:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by nighttraingirl

This sounds like a good plan. I still won't use the carwash brushes on my glass, though. I have some *nasty windshield and side glass scratches from that, and yes, I rinsed the brush first.

Really? I didn' t think glass would scratch that easily. I've often used those bug sponges on windshields to get bugs off and never saw any damage.

The one at the wash place I use looks like a synthetic boars hair type material. It's not stiff plastic bristles.

need2speed75 · 03-11-06, 02:28

Thanks for the tip! Not to hijack, but in my case, the local DIY will not let me use a bucket...so, I have to travel about 20 mins away to the next one. My ? is if i wash my car there/then drive 20 min back to my apts for wax, specifically Zaino, will that be a problem?r

White95Max · 03-11-06, 04:36

Yes that is a problem. You should QD when you get home to remove the dust/dirt from the drive home.

Intel486 · 03-11-06, 07:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by need2speed75

Thanks for the tip! Not to hijack, but in my case, the local DIY will not let me use a bucket...so, I have to travel about 20 mins away to the next one. My ? is if i wash my car there/then drive 20 min back to my apts for wax, specifically Zaino, will that be a problem?r

Agree with White95Max. You'll want to quick detail before you start waxing again. Never know what you picked up on the drive.

Accumulator · 03-12-06, 08:40

Intel486- Interesting write-up. Glad to see you've developed an approach that'll work with your current situation and this oughta be helpful to people in similar circumstances.

On the glass-marring thing, it's almost certainly a matter of the wash media being contaminated with something abrasive. Really no way to tell until it's too late. I'm pretty careful about what I touch the glass with since it's usually not fixable.

Oh, and you're sure keeping the F-150 nice with this approach