My car is dirty (mostly salt) from the snow storm here on the east coast. The temperature is a lofty 22 degrees. Would like opinions on using a car wash. I almost pulled in line yesterday but had second thoughts

 

Well - I have washed previous cars through a TOUCHLESS wash (none of those brushes and crap because they will put swirls and possibly damage your paint). But, because it is so cold, you will probably have to freeze and dry off yoru car immediately with a chammy or towels or something. You probably don't want the water freezing on yoru car.

 

Where on the east coast are you? Here in NY and NJ there are hand wash places that I frequent when I don't feel like washing my cars myself. They'll wash and dry your car for $12 (NJ) or $20 (NY).

I would never go through any sort of car wash be it brushless or even those self wash places.

Anyways, it's supposed to rain this Friday.. Saturday looks like it's going to be sunny and 36F, perfect day to wash the car!

 

Yeah, it's 19F here and there's no way I'm going to stand outside and put my hands in a bucket of water.... *shudder*

A touchless/brushless place that has a staff and will dry your car by hand should be fine, assuming you have a good hard coat of wax on the car (i.e., no zymöl... I think a stiff breeze will take that stuff off...) and it's a reputable outfit.

There's an independent car wash near me that will do a "touchless" wash and undercarraige spray (which is a must for removing road salt) with an interior wipe (damp cloth only, and they do the interior glass) for like $15.

I just have to remind them that I don't need "bubble gum" or "new car smell" and that no, I really don't want ArmorAll on my dashboard and wood.

 

Ugh, armorall, what junk! A nice and shiny dash to cause even more reflection onto the inside of the windshield. And the smell! Ugh. Since I got my GSX in '95 I've only used dry micro fiber towels to dust and light dish soapy water to clean when needed. Keeps the plastic in tip-top shape.

 

Anyone want to post NJ locations?

I live in Central NJ and though I hand wash my
car in the Summer, I am forced to take my car
to an upscale car wash outlet, <b>Butch's CarWash</b>
in Shrewsbury.

The cost of the wash is $12. The car goes on a conveyer
through what appears to be a brush system, though I am
guessing the brushes are very soft for what they are charging
and the clientel that shows up there (Jaguar, Porsche, BMW).

They hand dry the car after the wash is completed.

 

Here are a few that I can recommend in NJ or lower Westchester County, NY.

In Northern Jersey, I'd recommend two places - First is in edgewater, across the street from mitsuwa on river rd. Second is on Ft Lee Rd in Leonia, right off of 80 (down the street from Dent Wizards). Both charge $10 and is 100% hand wash. No brushes, only lambswool mits.

In Westchester, there are two places that I like. The first is on rt9 in Irvington (around the corner from my house) and the second is on rt119 in Elmsford. Both are 100% hand wash and charge $20. The one on 119 is the better of the two, and if you go, I'm sure you'd see a few exotics receiving details and/or a bath.

I also have one mobile detailer that I'll use on occasion. He and his crew of 3 will come anywhere you wish and wash/wax/detail/interior/leather conditioning for $150. Clay bar and Zaino (or any wax of your choice - he has 5 different brands to choose from) $50 extra. This may sound expensive, but his work is top notch, and his prices are very competitive to other non-mobile detailers. 2 week reservation in advance needed as he'll have to fit you in between his corporate customers.

But of course, the best wash is the wash you get when you do it yourself.

 

My thoughts exactly as the snow get deeper and the salt starts spreading.
I've actually been avoiding driving it and driving my other car to save the finish - stupid becuase I bought it for the AWD!

Anyone know of a non-damaging handwash with underspray here in Michigan?

 

I don't know of any, I couldn't find anything.

 

Watch out for the Hand Car wash on Maple ave in fairlawn.
It stinks...
They left my windows worse than when I came in...

 

glassermike you are in MI also?

 

I use a touchless carwash to basically rinse off the salt, but the "wax" that they use leaves a cloudy film on the car. Unfortunately there is no way to get a rinse without the "bonus" liquid wax rinse. I use a hand wash place or a detailing service for proper carwashes but when the sanding trucks are out, I feel the need to rinse off the RL at least once a week. Trying to find a good carwash is like trying to find an Acura dealer with an excellent service department - both are so dependent on the quality of their staff and good staff is sooooooo hard to find.

 

True!