Car wash options

GHO$T · 10-19-2023, 07:05 PM

Are modern car washes pretty safe for paint these days ?
Anyone with good knowledge on the Subject ...

I know hand washing is always better, but the newer type automatic washes that i'm seeing in the area that i live look like they have softer material that just agitate back and forth rather than the old style of spinning drums with the harder plastic looking material.

M2 CCO · 10-19-2023, 07:25 PM

Personally I would never use an automatic wash that contacted the paint. They are just swirl factories.

Agree hand wash is preferred but in a pinch an non-contact automatic wash is okay here and there. They use pretty harsh chemicals so may degrade any coatings faster potentially.

M_Power Rob · 10-19-2023, 08:13 PM

Hand wash by trusted source, and important to know what is being used on the car. This is even more important if your car is ceramic coated.

I personally prefer Adam's products.

AZG87 · 10-19-2023, 08:53 PM

Meguiar's D11001 Hyper-Wash Foaming Car Wash Lifts Off Dirt and Leaves a Rich Shine - 1 Gallon Container https://a.co/d/5jjhx4W

The Rag Company - Eagle Edgeless 500 (4-Pack) Professional Korean 70/30 Blend Super Plush Microfiber Detailing Towels, 500GSM, 16in x 16in, Mixed Colors https://a.co/d/2Zit10B

Chemical Guys MIC_493 Chenille Microfiber Premium Scratch-Free Wash Mitt, Lime Green https://a.co/d/34yxxBT

Trusted the above for multiple cars. Originally got from my ppf / ceramic shop as recommendations. Add to it your choice of foam Canon or bucket and you're good to go.

GHO$T · 10-19-2023, 10:00 PM

Thanks for the Tips !

stashstein · 10-19-2023, 10:13 PM

Meguiar's gold class, a ryobi power washer,a foam cannon, and two buckets.

Chem guys wash mitts and drying towel. Mix of microfiber towels from chem guys and gyeon. gyeon ceramic detailing spray.

middyM · 10-19-2023, 10:22 PM

Are you guys letting your dealer clean it during PDI?

M_Power Rob · 10-19-2023, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by middyM

Are you guys letting your dealer clean it during PDI?

Nooooo...tell them not to wash and keep the buffer way away. Take it straight from the dealership to shop for painr correction, ppf and ceramic (may need two different shops). You may be without it for a week. After that, then on to tint.

I had my car picked up from the dealership in an enclosed trailer.

Searay55555 · 10-20-2023, 12:18 AM

I just did this. Well worth it. It was another 4 days away from the car, but the results are well worth the wait.

RockCrusher · 10-20-2023, 07:37 AM

Agree with M2 CCO. Automatic car washes with anything that touches the car are swirl factories.

I've also heard horror stories from others with M2 level of "exotic" cars having wheels damaged by the wheel guides. In one case a co-worker with his new Corvette got it hung up some how in pulling it into the car wash and its vehicle guiding hardware.

My auto body shop buddy told me automatic car washes use hard wax.

Most often my car washes consist of using a DIY car wash and just using the soap, rinse, no spot rinse settings for the wash wand. No use of the brush.

However, there are some areas of the M2 from which the wand spray just can't remove the dirt -- from behind the front wheels -- and once (so far) I've used the brush but only after spraying it with the wand set to soap to remove any grit/grime from the brush. And did not use much force with the brush.

At some point I'll hand wash the car using a proper automobile soap -- wax friendly -- and soft wash mitt. But I'll first wash the car at the local car wash using the spray settings to blast as much dirt from the car as possible.

Have to mention it is important to drive the car after the wash and use the brakes enough to ensure they are completely dry. While one might shudder at driving a nice clean car after getting it that way putting the car away with wet brakes is the lesser of two evils...

J-RO · 10-20-2023, 07:57 AM

The best car wash is the one you did not go to.

Buketz · 10-20-2023, 08:03 AM

ALWAYS hand wash. 2 bucket method with pressure washer and good quality products. This is the way.

M_Power Rob · 10-20-2023, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buketz

ALWAYS hand wash. 2 bucket method with pressure washer and good quality products. This is the way.

For those of us in Florida, be very careful of the sand.

M2PDX · 10-20-2023, 09:30 AM

I have never once taken any of my M cars through a car wash.

A friend of mine owned several car washes (and made a small fortune) and said:

The fabric and/or brushes pick up and hold on to at least some of the sand, rocks, grease, asphalt dust, leafs, etc. that they've taken off the 100 cars in front of you and that's what comes into contact with your paint.

Plus, most of today's car washes use the same water over and over and over, running it through filters that are often weeks beyond their useful life.

No thanks.

Hand wash only.

murderspice · 10-20-2023, 09:41 AM

We have no-touch, high pressure sprayer washers with no tire tracts in my area. $11 per wash, but highly convenient. Dont use their wax, and it even sprays out the bottom of your car!

Carefree · 10-20-2023, 09:42 AM

Hand wash.
End of post.

AZG87 · 10-20-2023, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M_Power Rob

Nooooo...tell them not to wash and keep the buffer way away. Take it straight from the dealership to shop for painr correction, ppf and ceramic (may need two different shops). You may be without it for a week. After that, then on to tint.

I had my car picked up from the dealership in an enclosed trailer.

Yep this. Though I was able to do ppf, ceramic and tint all at the same shop so less down time / hassle.

AZG87 · 10-20-2023, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockCrusher

Agree with M2 CCO. Automatic car washes with anything that touches the car are swirl factories.

I've also heard horror stories from others with M2 level of "exotic" cars having wheels damaged by the wheel guides. In one case a co-worker with his new Corvette got it hung up some how in pulling it into the car wash and its vehicle guiding hardware.

My auto body shop buddy told me automatic car washes use hard wax.

Most often my car washes consist of using a DIY car wash and just using the soap, rinse, no spot rinse settings for the wash wand. No use of the brush.

However, there are some areas of the M2 from which the wand spray just can't remove the dirt — from behind the front wheels — and once (so far) I've used the brush but only after spraying it with the wand set to soap to remove any grit/grime from the brush. And did not use much force with the brush.

At some point I'll hand wash the car using a proper automobile soap — wax friendly — and soft wash mitt. But I'll first wash the car at the local car wash using the spray settings to blast as much dirt from the car as possible.

Have to mention it is important to drive the car after the wash and use the brakes enough to ensure they are completely dry. While one might shudder at driving a nice clean car after getting it that way putting the car away with wet brakes is the lesser of two evils...

I'd be leary of those DIY places as well. Many use reclaimed water with plenty of debris. Also wouldn't recommend the spot free rinse since many of those have chemical enhanced sprays that aren't great from clear coat or ceramic.

Just hand wash and you know exactly what is being used and what is touching your car.

Tag · 10-20-2023, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by middyM

Are you guys letting your dealer clean it during PDI?

I tape a note on my steering wheel when taking my car in for service that says...

DO NOT WASH

LOWERED SUSPENSION
(PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN PUTTING ON LIFT)

middyM · 10-20-2023, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tag

I tape a note on my steering wheel when taking my car in for service that says...

DO NOT WASH

LOWERED SUSPENSION
(PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN PUTTING ON LIFT)

Haha nice I need to do this especially going with BSM.

Ravenseal · 10-20-2023, 10:30 AM

1000% no.

PPF + Ceramic Coating + Hand Wash Only.

apez · 10-20-2023, 10:54 AM

I have had really good luck with using a car wash diy wand wash bay to just rinse off the worst using the high pressure water only then using ONR pre soak and wash in the garage at home.

I use hot water during winter and it is nice to be able to hand wash the car year round.

10-19-2023, 07:05 PM	#1
GHO$T New Member 20 Rep 29 Posts Drives: BMW-M2 Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Idaho iTrader: (0)	Car wash options Are modern car washes pretty safe for paint these days ? Anyone with good knowledge on the Subject ... I know hand washing is always better, but the newer type automatic washes that i'm seeing in the area that i live look like they have softer material that just agitate back and forth rather than the old style of spinning drums with the harder plastic looking material.
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10-19-2023, 07:25 PM	#2
M2 CCO Lieutenant 1100 Rep 596 Posts Drives: 2024 M2 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW M2 [8.75]	Personally I would never use an automatic wash that contacted the paint. They are just swirl factories. Agree hand wash is preferred but in a pinch an non-contact automatic wash is okay here and there. They use pretty harsh chemicals so may degrade any coatings faster potentially.
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10-19-2023, 08:13 PM	#3
M_Power Rob Brigadier General 3739 Rep 3,020 Posts Drives: '23 M240 and '23 M2 Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Hand wash by trusted source, and important to know what is being used on the car. This is even more important if your car is ceramic coated. I personally prefer Adam's products.
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10-19-2023, 08:53 PM	#4
AZG87 Captain 985 Rep 856 Posts Drives: G87, 2018 Mustang GT traded in Join Date: May 2023 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	Meguiar's D11001 Hyper-Wash Foaming Car Wash Lifts Off Dirt and Leaves a Rich Shine - 1 Gallon Container https://a.co/d/5jjhx4W The Rag Company - Eagle Edgeless 500 (4-Pack) Professional Korean 70/30 Blend Super Plush Microfiber Detailing Towels, 500GSM, 16in x 16in, Mixed Colors https://a.co/d/2Zit10B Chemical Guys MIC_493 Chenille Microfiber Premium Scratch-Free Wash Mitt, Lime Green https://a.co/d/34yxxBT Trusted the above for multiple cars. Originally got from my ppf / ceramic shop as recommendations. Add to it your choice of foam Canon or bucket and you're good to go.
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10-19-2023, 10:00 PM	#5
GHO$T New Member 20 Rep 29 Posts Drives: BMW-M2 Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Idaho iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the Tips !
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10-19-2023, 10:13 PM	#6
stashstein Private First Class 210 Rep 178 Posts Drives: Mazda MX5 Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Meguiar's gold class, a ryobi power washer,a foam cannon, and two buckets. Chem guys wash mitts and drying towel. Mix of microfiber towels from chem guys and gyeon. gyeon ceramic detailing spray.
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10-19-2023, 10:22 PM	#7
middyM Private 114 Rep 90 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	Are you guys letting your dealer clean it during PDI?
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10-20-2023, 12:18 AM	#9
Searay55555 Lieutenant 376 Rep 450 Posts Drives: 2012 335is Convertible Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	I just did this. Well worth it. It was another 4 days away from the car, but the results are well worth the wait.
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10-20-2023, 07:37 AM	#10
RockCrusher Major 1236 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: BMW 2023 ZB M2 6-speed Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Benton County, AR iTrader: (0)	Agree with M2 CCO. Automatic car washes with anything that touches the car are swirl factories. I've also heard horror stories from others with M2 level of "exotic" cars having wheels damaged by the wheel guides. In one case a co-worker with his new Corvette got it hung up some how in pulling it into the car wash and its vehicle guiding hardware. My auto body shop buddy told me automatic car washes use hard wax. Most often my car washes consist of using a DIY car wash and just using the soap, rinse, no spot rinse settings for the wash wand. No use of the brush. However, there are some areas of the M2 from which the wand spray just can't remove the dirt -- from behind the front wheels -- and once (so far) I've used the brush but only after spraying it with the wand set to soap to remove any grit/grime from the brush. And did not use much force with the brush. At some point I'll hand wash the car using a proper automobile soap -- wax friendly -- and soft wash mitt. But I'll first wash the car at the local car wash using the spray settings to blast as much dirt from the car as possible. Have to mention it is important to drive the car after the wash and use the brakes enough to ensure they are completely dry. While one might shudder at driving a nice clean car after getting it that way putting the car away with wet brakes is the lesser of two evils...
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10-20-2023, 07:57 AM	#11
J-RO Lieutenant Colonel 2099 Rep 1,866 Posts Drives: BMW M240ix Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: A Place I Like To Call “You’ll See” iTrader: (0)	The best car wash is the one you did not go to.
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10-20-2023, 08:03 AM	#12
Buketz Private 130 Rep 71 Posts Drives: m2 Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 528 [0.00] 2023 BMW M2 [0.00]	ALWAYS hand wash. 2 bucket method with pressure washer and good quality products. This is the way.
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10-20-2023, 09:30 AM	#14
M2PDX Lieutenant Colonel 2963 Rep 1,620 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	I have never once taken any of my M cars through a car wash. A friend of mine owned several car washes (and made a small fortune) and said: The fabric and/or brushes pick up and hold on to at least some of the sand, rocks, grease, asphalt dust, leafs, etc. that they've taken off the 100 cars in front of you and that's what comes into contact with your paint. Plus, most of today's car washes use the same water over and over and over, running it through filters that are often weeks beyond their useful life. No thanks. Hand wash only.
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10-20-2023, 09:41 AM	#15
murderspice Lieutenant 652 Rep 461 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Up in your dms iTrader: (0)	We have no-touch, high pressure sprayer washers with no tire tracts in my area. $11 per wash, but highly convenient. Dont use their wax, and it even sprays out the bottom of your car! __________________ Dégouté
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10-20-2023, 09:42 AM	#16
Carefree Major 1720 Rep 1,119 Posts Drives: M240i, M2 Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Arizona, New York iTrader: (0)	Hand wash. End of post.
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10-20-2023, 10:30 AM	#21
Ravenseal Lieutenant Colonel 2855 Rep 1,793 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	1000% no. PPF + Ceramic Coating + Hand Wash Only. __________________ 2023 G87 M2 - Toronto Red \| 6MT \| M HAS \| CF Roof \| BMW 826M Forged Wheels \| Mishimoto Skid Plate \| Active Autowerks Single Midpipe Retired: 2022 M240i xDrive \| 2021 Audi RS5 \| 2019 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT \| 2016 428i GC \| 2011 BMW 335is
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10-20-2023, 10:54 AM	#22
apez Lieutenant 650 Rep 432 Posts Drives: BMW G87 M2, F25 X3 Join Date: May 2022 Location: VERMONT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW M2 [7.62] 2015 BMW X3 [7.25]	I have had really good luck with using a car wash diy wand wash bay to just rinse off the worst using the high pressure water only then using ONR pre soak and wash in the garage at home. I use hot water during winter and it is nice to be able to hand wash the car year round.
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