What have people's experiences been with Automatic Car Washes? Even though I don't have a dually, i've been a bit hesitant to try and squeeze my rig into one. I usually just wash it on my driveway, but sometimes it's convenient in the winter time to get a quick automatic wash. I know they have automatic washes for semis and busses, but they probably cost a bit more.

 

It'll fit. Done it twice, probably won't again. Last time left some tiny scratches in the finish.

 

[quote author=bulabula link=board=17;threadid=21581;start=0#msg202121 date=1067279019]
It'll fit. Done it twice, probably won't again. Last time left some tiny scratches in the finish.
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Thanks for the info....I wasn't worried so much about squeezing it in there as I was about how close the brushes or spray nozzles would be to the paint on my truck.

 

[quote author=RamDan03 link=board=17;threadid=21581;start=0#msg202107 date=1067277185]
What have people's experiences been with Automatic Car Washes? Even though I don't have a dually, i've been a bit hesitant to try and squeeze my rig into one. I usually just wash it on my driveway, but sometimes it's convenient in the winter time to get a quick automatic wash. I know they have automatic washes for semis and busses, but they probably cost a bit more.
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I had my F-350 washed all the time at the local car wash. The only concern was the mirrors had to be folded in or I was pretty sure they would hit the equipment.

My Ram 3500 is a DRW, so no car washes for me. I would like to find a reasonably priced automatic truck wash.

Brian Elfert

 

I have done mine twice. Two different places and both just touched the mirrors, even folded in. There is one full - service place that it fits in good and it does'nt hurt anything.

 

Do it all the time when I get lazy. Fits with no problems, but make sure the mirrors are folded in or you'll be buying news ones. :'(

 

I run mine through the auto car wash about every 2nd or 3rd fillup. No problems so far. They have all been the brushless kind though....except for the last one which was a full run through auto one with all kinds of brushes (cost more but did a great job of cleaning the truck).

 

I always wash mine at home..I have always heard that the brushs can scratch the truck. But then again, I was washing my truck last weekend using an extension brush when the brush came off--left a huge scratch the entire length of the hood :'( :'( :'( Luckily, i was able to buff it immediately and it is not as noticable now.

 

I've run mine thru once and got a bent antenna. I'm going to stick with the brushless kind (doesn't clean as well) or just do it at home.

 

Guess I am luck, about 1/4 mile from my house is a car wash that my 4 door dually will fit right in 8)

I have been through it a bunch of times with no problems. It is just high pressure, no brushes, I don't do brush car washes >

 

I run mine through the touchless kind all the time. The ones around here don't require the mirrors to be folded in. Living in the salt belt I use them a lot more often in the winter. They do a pretty good job with no problems at all. What a wonderful invention. I refuse to use the scratchamatic kind.

 

No Brushes for me :'(

 

well I wrote a nice 3 paragraph answer to this question, and then tried to attach a file, which apparently has already been posted, and when I hit the back button, the whole post was erased > > > > I'll try again

 

First - if you MUST use an automatic car wash (youre lazy!) be sure to use a CLOTH one instead of one with brushes.

Secondly- decide how good you want your finish to look. If you are **** like some of us and want a perfect finish, do not EVER use an automatic car wash. They will cause major amounts of swirl marks to your paint's finish. So will the idiots at the end who 'dry' your vehicle off with rags/towels.

Most folks that will say they use an automatic wash do not understand what swirl marks are, or don't care about them. Swirl marks are the tiny spider web like scratches that you see when the sun shines directly on your paint, or you use a flashlight on your paint. They are caused by small dirt particles/sand being rubbed across your paint's finish. What the auto car washes do, is they have dirt/grit stuck in the brushes/cloth from the previous vehicle(inevitable) or use recycled water, and when that brush/cloth rubs across your paint with the grit, it's like sandpaper, making tons of tiny scratches/swirls.

Swirls also happens with inproper car washing in the driveway as well. It's imperative you wash with your mitt from the TOP DOWN, and after each little section you wash, RINSE THE MITT BEFORE PUTTING IT BACK IN THE BUCKET that contains your soap/carwash solution. I can't stress this enough. Otherwise the grit you just washed out will get into the soapy water you're using and you'll rub it right across your paint. It seems like an annoying extra step but is worth it. An easy way to do it is to have a mitt rinse bucket next to your soap bucket... Then with drying- use CLEAN terrycloth towels, and go from the top down. DO NOT wipe up your rocker panels or wheels and then wipe a few drips off your hood....you'll be wiping dirt from the panels across your paint..

Granted these procedures are a little more effort than the average joe car wash, they will ensure swirl free, beautiful paint. Some simply don't care that much, and that's of course fine too!

Some like a perfect shiny finish!

 

PS the touchless car washes won't hurt your finish but don't get the vehicle nearly as clean..