Washing at Self-service, coin operated, Car Wash (gulp!)
After watching the Junkman's videos I feel like a complete retard for ever doing this. However, I live in an apartment, do not have access to a garage, and the most convenient way to wash my ride is in these drive-up car-washes.
Is this a total no-no? On my defense, before I use the foaming brush I pressure wash it with soap. Any suggestions?? I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation...
Also, from watching Junkman's videos, it seems like the foaming you do before you scrub is almost the same thing as the Triple-Foam conditioner on these car washes? Is this correct? Or am I way off in left field?
Last question, is it important to use hot or warm water in your washes? or does that not matter? Because I'm thinking I could probably get a hold of a garden hose somewhere to do the two-bucket method, but it's probably just cold water (or room temperature, I live in Louisiana so it doesn't really get that cold down here).
Don't feel bad I'm in pretty much the same boat. I live in a studio so no covered parking and trees all around the car... No access to a garage or a place to hand wash it. All hand wash places around me use cloth to dry... All in all my car has the spider web effect going on. I'm to the point I may just end up dipping my car.
I use a pre-soak with the pressure wand and let that sit for a couple of minutes to loosen up the dirt. I'll then hit it with the high pressure wash, rinse it and finish it with a spot free rinse. Drying occurs on the 4 mile ride home on the highway (I basically go around the block using the highway). In 50-60 degree weather the car dries pretty much completely by the time I get it home. The only time I'm physically touching the car is if I wax it.
I'm not a detailer but it seems to me that the biggest evil in some of those coin operated wash bays is the foaming brush. I never use one since Jim Bob with his mudded up 4x4 has deposited tons of dirt in the brush that will easily scratch up my paint. Thankfully I don't have a finish that shows scratches easily. My wife's black Chally is a nightmare on the other hand since it doesn't even have a pearl coat to hide the most minute surface imperfections.
As far as water temp when doing it at home, I wouldn't worry too much. Whatever comes out of the tap should be OK. I'm sure Junkman will stop by and comment if there's anything that doesn't make sense.
Hahaha , at least you have a driveway... the garage is mostly just to keep all your gear. Sure wish I had a place I could hook up my own vacuum and all the washing accessories like the Junkman.
Doesn't bother me so much since at work I park at a covered garage, so most of the day the sun or other elements won't hit it.
I was in your shoes when I first bought my car I was in an apartment complex that had no access to a hose. So I went to my brother's house or my parent's to wash and detail my car, pain in the ass but beat having to rush around with $10 and get the car clean before the time runs out.
Hazmat, yes, you're absolutely right, I have only used that brush once on my white '13, but never again.
Yeah man. That thing is a scratch magnet waiting to happen. Considering how many people like to go four wheeling where I live, it's hard to even find a bay where you don't have to wash your car over three inches of caked mud.
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. However, I live in an apartment, do not have access to a garage, and the most convenient way to wash my ride is in these drive-up car-washes.
Hahaha , at least you have a driveway... the garage is mostly just to keep all your gear. Sure wish I had a place I could hook up my own vacuum and all the washing accessories like the Junkman.
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