Carwash experience?

[idleuser]

I wash my car by hand once every 2 weeks inside my garage. No need to bust out a hose. The key is to get rid of the bugs before they stay caked on to the bumper. *Note* I've already ceramic coated my car but the process is the same.

1) Use ONR rinseless carwash and then use a towel to dry the section
2) Top it off with Griots speed shine

 

[4N MISSL]

they’re convenient, but you have to think of what other muddy cars/trucks went thru that before you. So ALLLL those Little Rocks are on those bristles just beating the crap out of your paint and scratching it. Just take the time to do it by hand, or hire a mobile detailer. It’ll save you the heartache and money to get the scratches fixed

 

[Tomwa]

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

Depending on the kind of pressure your unit produces it could be fine. You can get lost in a YouTube hole because people who detail their cars are about as obsessive as audiophiles.

I would recommend a trip to Griots in Tacoma. They have foam cannons, drying towels, soaps, and should be able to help you with interior products.

Probably best thing you can do for interior though is having a small cordless vacuum that is easy to use and get into corners.

If your car is particularly dirty that a good foam and a gentle pressure wash won't solve. A good mitt and the two bucket system is best.

Folks at Griots can help. They will be pricey there, but it's better than products you'd find on Amazon and their knowledge is priceless. Or again, lots of stuff on YouTube.

 

[Carig5A]

they’re convenient, but you have to think of what other muddy cars/trucks went thru that before you. So ALLLL those Little Rocks are on those bristles just beating the crap out of your paint and scratching it. Just take the time to do it by hand, or hire a mobile detailer. It’ll save you the heartache and money to get the scratches fixed

Mobile detailer it is !

 

[Foxy87]

I wash my car by hand once every 2 weeks inside my garage. No need to bust out a hose. The key is to get rid of the bugs before they stay caked on to the bumper. *Note* I've already ceramic coated my car but the process is the same.

1) Use ONR rinseless carwash and then use a towel to dry the section
2) Top it off with Griots speed shine

Okay, but not everyone lives in sunny california. That car in the vid is not even THAT dirty… I mean if you daily your Emira in harsh weather and or in (switzerland) winter, I dont think you will be able to „wash“ your car without water in your garage… plus there is dirt/grime/salt and a lot more caught in the wheelarches and underbody that you might as well want to clean too.

 

[NorCalEmira]

There’s nothing better than gentle handwashing but I haven’t had any issues with my local touchless carwash. No brushes, no automatic conveyor track. Just detergent and pressurized water.

 

[idleuser]

Okay, but not everyone lives in sunny california. That car in the vid is not even THAT dirty… I mean if you daily your Emira in harsh weather and or in (switzerland) winter, I dont think you will be able to „wash“ your car without water in your garage… plus there is dirt/grime/salt and a lot more caught in the wheelarches and underbody that you might as well want to clean too.

I mean, there are many ways to skin a cat. You can pressure wash most the car and then use a sponge and cleaning solution to wipe the rest of the car. OR you can just run it through a car wash and roll the dice.

 

[jimshadow]

Reverse osmosis set up. Friend makes these. Best garage item EVER!!!!!!!

 

[Tomwa]

Okay, but not everyone lives in sunny california. That car in the vid is not even THAT dirty… I mean if you daily your Emira in harsh weather and or in (switzerland) winter, I dont think you will be able to „wash“ your car without water in your garage… plus there is dirt/grime/salt and a lot more caught in the wheelarches and underbody that you might as well want to clean too.

They make "roll over" underbody washers. Just saying.

Not as convenient as a drive through car wash, but it is a solvable problem

 

[Beachbum]

Reverse osmosis set up. Friend makes these. Best garage item EVER!!!!!!!

Do you use the bottled water to clean it too

 

[MoBoost]

Reverse osmosis set up. Friend makes these. Best garage item EVER!!!!!!!

Tell me more about where to find this, please.

 

[jimshadow]

Do you use the bottled water to clean it too

LOL!! Nope, that's funny though.

 

[jimshadow]

Tell me more about where to find this, please.

checking with my buddy who makes them. I'll PM you if he has any available.

 

[ebarke]

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 own a car wash...3 self serve bays and a touch free automatic. I would never run any of my lotuses in the automatic, but I do run all my standard cars thru it. It shouldn't harm the PPF, but the water volume on the car and the openness of it would be the issue. It would probably get a lot of water in the engine bay and potentially cause issues. I only wash mine in the SS bays and I'm careful around the venting on the engine side.

 

[Man.v.Cars]

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

What kind of masochist are you.

 

[Subw00er]

Word of warning.... at the spray booth, DO NOT USE the pink tri foam stuff on your wheels. It stained my yellow calipers and it was a pita to remove.

 

[ebarke]

Word of warning.... at the spray booth, DO NOT USE the pink tri foam stuff on your wheels. It stained my yellow calipers and it was a pita to remove.

Stick with the basics, HP Saop/rinse, spot free, and dryer, if they have it. Maybe some tire/engine cleaner on the wheels, but test it first to make sure it doesn't damage them, it is usually the strongest chem and depending on the wheel, (painted surface should be ok) it may pit bare metal/aluminum depending on the chemical the site uses. (ie if it contains potash, I would avoid it).

 

[meenboli]

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

I have 3 words of advice.

1. Don't
2. Do
3. It

That's it.

 

[crestima]

And here's four words...

JUST DON'T DO IT.

 

[Vpower10]

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