Gladiator through a car wash? Experiences?

[Gvsukids]

I have found small scratches on the side of the Gladiator.

I've found more from the trails.

I haven’t had any leaks with mine, but we ran it through a tidal wave car wash last week and it bent the antenna.

That's why I went with a short antenna.

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[ByrdEngr]

I have a subscription to a Brand called Mister Car Wash. It does a decent job at getting winter raod grime off. There are times though, that their brushes don't touch the passenger side of my Gladiator. Its almost as if a wider vehicle is in front of me, the spinning brush doesn't get back to my truck before I pass it by.

 

[PBCounty]

Thanks everyone.

I should clarify there is no machine interference causing the dents. The 23-24 Colorado has roof tin so thin that just the dryer blower would cause oil canning and damage. It was enough of an issue that GM put out a TSB on it to reinforce the roof. I think later years have the reinforcement braces from the factory. I always hand washed it for that reason.

I usually hand wash using either a foam cannon or aircraft spray and wipe cleaner, first using an electric pressure washer to remove any dirt, dust, debris or mud. Sometimes in the winter though that is not an option or I'm just too lazy.

Thanks again folks. I feel better about an occasional trip through the car wash.

Man....and to think in the 90's we could sit multiple people on the roofs of our S-10's and Rangers while drinking beer in the woods.

 

[Sbro2021]

The only issue I've had, my rig doesn't fit and has broken two auto washes so far so I don't go to them anymore ( asked both times before they sent me through). Each time it broke something related to the tire shine that was not requested, which resulted in that stuff in many more places than just my tires. Undercarriage, axles, paint all much shiny!

 

[Zachanadandy]

The only issue I've had, my rig doesn't fit and has broken two auto washes so far so I don't go to them anymore ( asked both times before they sent me through). Each time it broke something related to the tire shine that was not requested, which resulted in that stuff in many more places than just my tires. Undercarriage, axles, paint all much shiny!

What are the specs on your rig? My JT with 3.5" lift and 37x12.50r17s has been through dozens of car washes from Costco to misters to fast track to quick quack without issues. Same for the wife's JLUR on 39x12.50s. Really wide tires? Lots of gear hanging off the outside (overland build)? Seems weird that they send it and it breaks things.

 

[VentureDan]

I use the stationary touchless automatic car wash - the time I tried the drive through, didn't go so well with my 35" tires and about got it derailed and stuck - fortunately no damage, but never did attempt that again.

 

[MPMB]

I usually do a self-washer. Done a drive-thru wash a few times. No problem. Accidentally did a touchy car wash with my half-rack on my roof. Probably not the best for their equipment.

But no problems, other than missed spots that happen at all car washes.

 

[Rcoe]

What are the specs on your rig? My JT with 3.5" lift and 37x12.50r17s has been through dozens of car washes from Costco to misters to fast track to quick quack without issues. Same for the wife's JLUR on 39x12.50s. Really wide tires? Lots of gear hanging off the outside (overland build)? Seems weird that they send it and it breaks things.

I wanting to try to send mine thru a Tommy's, they seem wide enough and I run my F350 thru with no problems. The 60's on my Jeep make just and inch wider, we'll see this spring.

 

[Sbro2021]

What are the specs on your rig? My JT with 3.5" lift and 37x12.50r17s has been through dozens of car washes from Costco to misters to fast track to quick quack without issues. Same for the wife's JLUR on 39x12.50s. Really wide tires? Lots of gear hanging off the outside (overland build)? Seems weird that they send it and it breaks things.

Nope, nothing crazy, 42x13.5 on 8.5 702's 4.75"-5" backspace( can't remember) and 2" wheel spacers. Stick out isn't crazy at all. Doesn't fit into the teardrop car profile at all. Thank goodness!

 

[MPMB]

Nope, nothing crazy, 42x13.5 on 8.5 702's 4.75"-5" backspace( can't remember) and 2" wheel spacers. Stick out isn't crazy at all. Doesn't fit into the teardrop car profile at all. Thank goodness!

I wouldn't doubt the electronic eyes in car washes would have a hard time computing [distance to tire sidewall] and [distance to body] measurements and maybe freaking out over that.

Since most vehicles don't have 42" tires, that could also be outside the machine's parameters. I'm not up on car wash tech to know, but that could be possible.

If car washes are programmed to accept 98% of vehicles (or whatever), congrats! You have a super rare vehicle!

 

[tom.mary.glad]

I didn't have any major problems just not getting clean when mine was stock. But I've heard of rear taillights getting knocked off.
Now with the lift and 37 x 12.5 tires, local car washes won't let me in.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Every time I have been through an auto car wash in mine, a little bit of water makes it past the bottom door seal on the front doors, so you feel a tiny bit of spray on your ankles.

No issue otherwise.

 

[hpva]

Every time I have been through an auto car wash in mine, a little bit of water makes it past the bottom door seal on the front doors, so you feel a tiny bit of spray on your ankles.

No issue otherwise.

That would happen to me also until I installed the Jeepfixleak weatherstripping kit.It gives you an extra seal on the door opening. So worth it.

 

[Stan H]

That would happen to me also until I installed the Jeepfixleak weatherstripping kit.It gives you an extra seal on the door opening. So worth it.

I didn't know anyone sold such a weather stripping kit . But recently my door is leaking at the top and got to looking and my seal just looks all squished. I figure its where I have got in and out of the truck 1,237,456 times in the last five years.

 

[Sbro2021]

I wouldn't doubt the electronic eyes in car washes would have a hard time computing [distance to tire sidewall] and [distance to body] measurements and maybe freaking out over that.

Since most vehicles don't have 42" tires, that could also be outside the machine's parameters. I'm not up on car wash tech to know, but that could be possible.

If car washes are programmed to accept 98% of vehicles (or whatever), congrats! You have a super rare vehicle!

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