Carwash experience?

[Vpower10]

Does anyone here drive their Emira through a car wash? Have never done this before, always washed by hand. Are there those who dare to do that and what is your experience, do it or not do it?

 

[Beachbum]

Not a chance
Wash it myself, spent a fair bit on new kit, just to be certain that the old stuff didnt damge it
First time I have washed a car in 15 or so years. Still hate doing it, but needs to be done

 

[Nick Sticks]

Manual says no.

Handwashing
Lotus recommends that your vehicle is
only washed by hand.
CAUTION: Automatic car washers
and jet washers may damage the
paint finish. Damage caused by
using them will not be covered
under the terms of the vehicle
warranty.
CAUTION: Never use a jet washer
to clean the engine bay area or
direct the jet nozzle or hoses
directly into any air vents as this
can result in damage to sensitive
engine components and potential
engine failure, which will not be
covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty.

I actually like washing my car and take at least an hour or two.

 

[harleyujoe]

Wow ..Would never ever think of washing any car at commercial wash...
But sure people living in apartments and town houses need this.
But No Way would I allow a Lotus go through a Commercial Car Wash..

 

[Nova]

I have not been to an automatic car wash in at least 10 years. The Lotus, any Lotus, is definite not dishwasher safe.

 

[DJManc]

Unless you drive a shitbox and/or dont give a crap about your car, then automatic car wash should be out of the question!

 

[Bilbao-Emira]

Does anyone here drive their Emira through a car wash? Have never done this before, always washed by hand. Are there those who dare to do that and what is your experience, do it or not do it?

View attachment 55801

Admins might kick you out of this Forum for asking this question !

 

[seriously]

I use a touchless car wash on my other cars. Given the water challenges with the emira I would not consider it. Hand wash only. Use as little water as possible.

 

[harleyujoe]

Since my Cars are most garage queens and get driven approx 1000 miles a year for 100 mile day rides they
never get that dirty ...So I usually use power washer with spray suds sprayer and power wash off and
use leaf blower to dry mostly than hand dry with towel ....And for any touch up using Dr Paint squeegee repairs..

 

[Carig5A]

Admins might kick you out of this Forum for asking this question !

It elicits a number of responses, elevates status of OP ( joke)

 

[Enut]

Hand wash only please! If you value your Emira don't take it anywhere near a car wash or the local scratch and shine merchants. Car detailing is a bit of a rabbit hole to go down, but well worth it.

Just to point out that it's one of the hardest cars I've ever owned to keep clean (just thinking about driving it seems to get the rear end dirty!) and also not an easy car to hand wash either, there's no straight panels, just gorgeous curves.

 

[Jump_Ace]

Good question, I'd also like to know if having a complete PPF cover installed, would going to a touchless car wash be okay?


Jerome

 

[allenyao09]

Good question, I'd also like to know if having a complete PPF cover installed, would going to a touchless car wash be okay?


Jerome

I think although touchless car wash doesn't scratch the paint, stronger chemicals are being used to clean the car. It might shorten the lifespan of the ppf.

 

[harleyujoe]

That is a lot of air velocity in those car washes..
Sure would tell you if PPF has a loose edge for air to catch.

 

[allenyao09]

My cars have whole car ppf. During the winter rain season, it's very difficult to keep the car clean for long, so my RS6 goes through the automatic carwash from time to time just to keep it clean for a few days. I'm pondering if I should send the Emira through the carwash, but still worried about the water ingress... Also my wheels and calipers are ceramic coated, so probably not a good idea to go through the auto carwash.

 

[T6061]

I have full PPF and use AeroCosmetics Wash & Wax All without water (you can use it on a wet car as well) probably 3 times a week to wipe down the car (going on seven months and 8200 miles). So far so good. I do note that Xpel sells their own waterless wash and wax solution so if you're concerned about your PPF, stick with whatever the PPF film manufacturer recommends. Certainly avoid automatic or so called touches car washes.

 

[Blackthought_]

NO automatic car washes and NO touchless washes! As you can see from the forum, these cars (plus any other Lotus car) are sensitive to water ingress in the window seals and trunk area. Take time to do a proper hand wash as the manual recommends.

 

[Pegasi]

I would be concerned about the side air intakes. The manual specifically says do not spray water in those. I wouldn't even try and touch less on these cars. I am always careful not to spray into the openings when I hand wash mine.

 

[Carig5A]

Definitely all hand washes for all my cars, let alone the Emira. Even that I’m like a hawk making sure the guys don’t mess up my cars

 

[Jump_Ace]

I've only owned 'regular' cars like Civics, Outbacks and Accords over the years. I haven't ever really washed my own car by hand. I do have a power washer and a regular hose I could use, should I just use the hose since it's more gentle? Or should I consider using a waterless wash and wax (I had no idea that was a thing)? I'll have the Bellevue Lotus shop install the PPF when I get it, but also wondering if you guys can recommend items to buy for washing and interior up-keep too?


Jerome