Car Washes vs VE

[jbray1984]

Hey guys,
This may have been touched on before...
But I've been noticing a few people complain about using AutoWashes for their cars.
I use one now and then because I don't have the time to wash it but I want it to shine all the time..

Is it a bad thing to use these auto washes?
And why?
Which type would be the safest one to use? The Touchless Water one or the ones with the Plastic Flipper things?

[Gravity]

Some of them are poorly maintained, do the flipping brushes get particles in them which then micro-scratch your car.
Some have scratchy material in the flippers in the first place.

The Holden user manual recommends only touch less or hand wash.

However, if you can live with some gradual deterioration, and are too busy, what alternative is there eh.

[jbray1984]

Well as it stands, I'm living in a unit and it's not possible for me to get a hose anywhere near my car due to the placement of the carparks etc. I'm moving next week so should be fine after that and should be able to wash it by hand each weekend.
Any recommendations on what I should wash with etc? Haven't really looked at Car Products since my old VT, and back then I just used whatever was on special.

[Bravotwozero]

Buy one of these:

Then fill it with your wash solution and head on down to your local car wash place. Even though most of them don't allow bucket washing, if you go after about 7PM you won't have any issues. $1 to blast off loose dirt then $1 to rinse off wash solution. Dry with a WWDT then you're done!

I don't think CCP sell the bucket but it wouldn't hurt to ask. I did have a quick look at their site but couldn't find anything.

[Munz]

yep I always used to hit up the local car lovers and bucket wash my car after a night shift...water restrictions applied at the time

[MacD]

Ya never use a auto car wash (scratch). Like the idea of the bucket
(two bucket method is best rather then the grit guard) at the self car wash if you have no room to wash at home.
On a different note thinking of going to a detailer to give my car a once over,
has any one been to Spotless detailing in Adelaide and what do you think.

[Jonno]

i think u should be safe to use the DIY ones, but dont use the brushes. they just built two new car washes in my area, (melb)
and they have attendants on monday-saturday and their really well maintianed,
try take a sponge, do the soap and sponge away then rinse etc

[jbray1984]

Thanks all for the advice
Sounds like a plan, use a bucket, sponge wash and spray down.

[toey@carfx]

better still instead of a sponge use a micro fibre wash mitt and 2 buckets. its the best you will get going to the car wash because it will strip off any wax u have on their. probly grab some duragloss aquawax and apply it after wash but before drying. this will give you a bit of protection until you move then once you wash at home put some good wax or sealant down because it wont get stripped off each time you wash, providing you use a ph neutral car wash

[jbray1984]

Is getting the car detailed worth the money? What kind of stuff do they do outside the car? Do they take care of the wax etc?

[toey@carfx]

it really depends on the place you get it done and how much you spend. car wash cafe type places are get them in and out as quick as possible. detailers are like any other sector of the auto industry, there is great detailers and there is also hacks and the price of the job isnt always a guide.

depends how far you want to go with it, it can cost between $100-900 depends on the job and condition of the car. a full detail shouldnt cost more then $300 for a commodore. this should see the paint washed and clayed, tar removed, wheels sleaned inside and out, tyres done, engine bay, door and boot jambs, windows including any etched water marks removed, inside all vac'ed, air vents and nooks n crannies cleaned, maybe even shampoo'd/spot cleaning of seats/carpet but not always, trims dressed, leather cleaned and conditioned if fitted. for this sort of job the paint work gets one of a few things depending on the overall condition of the car, either a quick going over with a filler type polish to make it look good and this is done if the car is filthy and alot of time is spent bringing it back to life. or a lap around the car with a finishing polish to bring back the lusture and remove minor marks, this is done on cars that are in fair to good condition and a basic wax put on. then there is the cars that are in very good condition that dont really need a polish but wanted a full detail done, i go over them with a paint sealant which will protect the paint for a few months and give a great shine.

then after that you move into proper machine polishing which is where a good detailer compaired to a hach really shows. this type of job is mainly focused on the outside and this is the sort of difference you should expect from a paint correction.



keep in mind these jobs are the ones that cost the big dollars but are perminate results unlike using filler polishes that wash out eventually

[jbray1984]

Awesome. Thanks for the info

[MacD]

Getting my car done in couple of weeks.
Clay bar, polished, waxed and the engine bay done.
At spotless in Adelaide.

[jbray1984]

Getting my car done in couple of weeks.
Clay bar, polished, waxed and the engine bay done.
At spotless in Adelaide.

Don't suppose you could post before and after pics for me and a price if you don't mind?
Even if it's just PM.

[Car Care Products]

And the best part is, you can do it all yourself at home if you have the time and wanting to give it a go.

Easily can have the same result as a professional, and best of all everything will be yours to keep!

[MacD]

Don't suppose you could post before and after pics for me and a price if you don't mind?
Even if it's just PM.

No probs mate

[JohnMartyn]

It is often more than just the car wash machinery. At a popular one in our area, they do wipe downs on all vehicles after the wash. I only use touch-less car washes.I use them in the winter because its just too cold out to wash when its really slated and sanded up.

[Kaka]

it really depends on the place you get it done and how much you spend. car wash cafe type places are get them in and out as quick as possible. detailers are like any other sector of the auto industry, there is great detailers and there is also hacks and the price of the job isnt always a guide.

depends how far you want to go with it, it can cost between $100-900 depends on the job and condition of the car. a full detail shouldnt cost more then $300 for a commodore. this should see the paint washed and clayed, tar removed, wheels sleaned inside and out, tyres done, engine bay, door and boot jambs, windows including any etched water marks removed, inside all vac'ed, air vents and nooks n crannies cleaned, maybe even shampoo'd/spot cleaning of seats/carpet but not always, trims dressed, leather cleaned and conditioned if fitted. for this sort of job the paint work gets one of a few things depending on the overall condition of the car, either a quick going over with a filler type polish to make it look good and this is done if the car is filthy and alot of time is spent bringing it back to life. or a lap around the car with a finishing polish to bring back the lusture and remove minor marks, this is done on cars that are in fair to good condition and a basic wax put on. then there is the cars that are in very good condition that dont really need a polish but wanted a full detail done, i go over them with a paint sealant which will protect the paint for a few months and give a great shine.

then after that you move into proper machine polishing which is where a good detailer compaired to a hach really shows. this type of job is mainly focused on the outside and this is the sort of difference you should expect from a paint correction.



keep in mind these jobs are the ones that cost the big dollars but are perminate results unlike using filler polishes that wash out eventually

Why would a job like this cost the big $$??

This is a simple swirl removing, with not that great outcome, especially on the pic 2.

[toey@carfx]

Why would a job like this cost the big $$??

This is a simple swirl removing, with not that great outcome, especially on the pic 2.

to many people, $200-300 is alot to spend to get their car polished compaired to the likes of car wash cafes that cost like $50.

as for the purple falcon not being a great outcome. dont know where you are looking but that is a huge difference for the money that was spent. maybe you could of asked what was the goal of the customer? or how much clear coat was there to play with? was the owner going to keep the car or just want it looking pretty good to sell? these sort of questions draw a bigger picture rather then assume that because it isnt a 95% or better correction, then its a poor job. yes there is still swirls in the paint and that doesnt bother me because the main thing is the customer was over the moon with the results, whether you like it, i dont give two hoots.

if you are so wisely in the relms of all thing detailing then how about sharing some of this knowlage with the punters on here for the greater good which is what this tread was started for

[Arvel12]

Split System Air Conditioners
I want it to shine my car all the time.. Which type would be the safest one to use?
Suggest me Car wash and polish