PSA on Car Washes

[DickensCPA]

Not the Gladiator but my Wrangler - do not go thru those auto car washes. I've been a member of one for 5-6 years they KNEW I had a Jeep because I had to fill out the make, color and model to match my window sticker so the gate would open. The car wash malfunctioned and busted my windshield, dented the window frame, ripped of my roof rack and ruined my hardtop. So they took my $39.99/month knowing I had a Jeep.

No literature anywhere that said no Jeeps. The only literature was they were not responsible for wipers, antenna and mirrors. They took the stance that they were paying for nothing since Jeeps weren't allowed thru their car wash even though an attendant has let me thru for years and they take my money. So with $12k in damage I had to go thru my insurance and my insurance is suing them.

So their stance was they don't allow Wranglers and Gladiators. So beware if you use an auto car wash every now and then, if there's damage they'll probably try this on you as well.

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[yoda13]

To be honest, that sounds like an individually corrupt car wash and that your insurance company has a great case.

 

[kevman65]

Pretty much if it goes to court, they're going to lose.

By accepting payment and allowing your vehicle to enter for service provided by payment, they have entered into a contract with you.

 

[DickensCPA]

It was Take 5 Car Wash, I was under the impression they were a national chain. We have 3 of them where I live and the local one that damaged my Jeep apologized and said they'd take care of it. It was corporate and their insurance company, Fleet Response that hoo doo'd me.

 

[Erievon]

I'd add some extra to the lawsuit for emotional damage. Your baby got destroyed by a car wash.

If it's not posted, AND you told them what it was when you bought the memerbship, they have not a leg to stand on.

 

[Lunentucker]

I was today years old when I learned they have members only car washes.

 

[Zachanadandy]

They let ours through the local fast track wash even on 39s, and it's never damaged anything. They are liable after a malfunction, is just crap that you have to fight them for it. They'll pay eventually.

 

[Adriansolisito]

TO BE HONEST WITH YOU WHY WOULD U EVEN GO THROUGH A CAR WASH JUST WASH IT YOURSELF

 

[Mr._Bill]

What type of wash is it (touchless, brushes)?

What broke and caused the damage?

The local owner is taking care of it because the equipment broke and caused the damage. Either their insurance or the equipment manufacturer is going to pay.

Even though they took your money and let you in, if there was any type of notice that you should have seen, winning in court would be difficult. The law is not cut and dried common sense that many expect it to be.

 

[peterpilot379]

So to hear about your car wash headaches and I hope you get compensated. Having said that, I would never trust an automated car wash to safely wash my Gladiator. It’s an odd shaped vehicle to begin with and with any sort of external mods, especially roof racks, it’s probably not the best idea to allow a computer robot to safely wash your vehicle. Lesson learned. My advice, wash it yourself or pay someone to hand wash it from now on.

 

[WoolyKris]

TO BE HONEST WITH YOU WHY WOULD U EVEN GO THROUGH A CAR WASH JUST WASH IT YOURSELF

I’ll take this as sarcasm or trolling… most of us don’t have enough hours in the day to hand wash our trucks. Anywhom OP has a good leg to stand on, it will be just the usual back and forth with insurance.

 

[swtrailboss]

Had a 2000 Camaro SS that had damage inflicted upon it by an automatic car wash (obviously not a modified Jeep) and it was a battle to get the damage covered(6 months long). After that I swore I’d never use another automatic car wash! I never have!!!! So to all that say you don’t have time I can wash a lot of cars in 6 months! We do really have time. Time( hours and seconds) we don’t count but waste a lot of.

 

[ZeeJay]

Not the Gladiator but my Wrangler - do not go thru those auto car washes. I've been a member of one for 5-6 years they KNEW I had a Jeep because I had to fill out the make, color and model to match my window sticker so the gate would open. The car wash malfunctioned and busted my windshield, dented the window frame, ripped of my roof rack and ruined my hardtop. So they took my $39.99/month knowing I had a Jeep.

No literature anywhere that said no Jeeps. The only literature was they were not responsible for wipers, antenna and mirrors. They took the stance that they were paying for nothing since Jeeps weren't allowed thru their car wash even though an attendant has let me thru for years and they take my money. So with $12k in damage I had to go thru my insurance and my insurance is suing them.

So their stance was they don't allow Wranglers and Gladiators. So beware if you use an auto car wash every now and then, if there's damage they'll probably try this on you as well.

I’m confused Jeeps are allowed or not? You say no literature prohibiting Jeeps but somewhere they do?

 

[ZeeJay]

I never have run mine through one of those, the geometry is mind boggling with this truck and that kind of car wash. One can say Jeeps are lot of things streamlined would not be one of them.

 

[KevinM60]

My car wash has an option to not use the roller on the front and hood. They only run it when I request it which is not very often.
It’ll probably be never now.

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