Tunnel (Automatic) Car Washes

[Gladiator2919]

Anyone here have any thoughts on Drive Thru car washes?

I've never given it a lot of thought and never noticed any issues, but I did watch this:

I know a Jeep should wear scratches like a badge of pride, but mine is 700 miles old and if I can avoid largescale problems with the entire finish of the thing, I will, but the video claims that one trip through the car wash can damage the clear coat -- is that dated / hysterical information or is it really something to avoid?

I'm fully aware that a handwash beats a machine wash any day, but if you're just looking to get a quick wash in, is it really that likely to mess up the finish?

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[Deleted member 47279]

i have washed mine twice a week in automatic washes. for sure the clear coat is trashed. its got so many swirls, but all the racing stripes from wheelin help it blend in. if you have a pavement princess do not use automatic washes.

 

[Shadowmaker]

My Jeeps keep ending up like porcupines. Brushed washes push them all over the place.

I have been happy with a brushless drive-thru to knock off the big chunks, do some underbody sprays and hit the wheels.

Different than a hand wash that becomes necessary.

 

[Burghardphotography]

I’ve been to Jeep meets where guys will egg you for not wanting trail pin stripes, but in the same breath swear against ever using automatic washes.

All I’m saying is if you’re worried about damage from automatic washes, probably don’t want to be pinstriped on a trail either.

That being said, I just wish I could fit in an automatic wash now days!

 

[Gladiator2919]

I’ve been to Jeep meets where guys will egg you for not wanting trail pin stripes, but in the same breath swear against ever using automatic washes.

All I’m saying is if you’re worried about damage from automatic washes, probably don’t want to be pinstriped on a trail either.

That being said, I just wish I could fit in an automatic wash now days!

You totally bring up a good point -- I'm about 2 paychecks from being too big for it to be an issue.... Thanks for the reply!

 

[mx5red]

I go through Soapy Joe’s washes and I haven’t noticed anything. I agree if you’re going to be staring at reflections in the finish of your baby then you hand wash or whatever.
I don’t have time for that, and I have some trail pinstripes as well. I’d rather drive through a car wash then spend more time on it.

 

[starrskream]

A couple years ago I did paint correction, polish then a wax on my KL. Took around 10 hours with a buffer. This was not my first time.

I used a tunnel wash for years after. Their “beaters” were a very soft material. They also spray water on them as they spin to keep the contaminants off them. The cars are also pre sprayed before entering. They also apply some kind of ceramic coating, clearly temporary,just before the rinse and dry.
I washed it 2-3 times a week. Never saw a scratch on it. I did see soap build up that smeared and it wiped right off.
Clearly touchless is the best. I’ve had very good luck with my wash. I did inspect the wash and ask questions before driving through. Additionally, this was is owned and run by my car dealer. I’m sure if they mess it up they can and will fix it.
the video above and the photo below are about a year apart

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