Lexus Dealership Carwash
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Lexus Dealership Carwash
I'm taking my IS350 for service since i've reached my 5,000 miles. They asked if I wanted them to wash my car also. Do you guys recommend them wash it? I've heard a few bad things that has happened to some when they got theirs washed.
#2
if you are very particular about your paint and swirls, i would decline. if you dont really care and don't have time to wash your own car, might as well have the dealer wash it.
i usually decline the wash since i'd prefer to hand wash the car myself and the take the proper steps to reduce swirls.
i usually decline the wash since i'd prefer to hand wash the car myself and the take the proper steps to reduce swirls.
#3
Rookie
Thread Starter
if you are very particular about your paint and swirls, i would decline. if you dont really care and don't have time to wash your own car, might as well have the dealer wash it. i usually decline the wash since i'd prefer to hand wash the car myself and the take the proper steps to reduce swirls.
#5
Do not let the dealer wash your car, especially if it's black.
If your car is silver, and you don't care that much about the paint, and you absolutely have no time to wash it yourself, then MAYBE you can think about letting the dealer wash it. Otherwise, you're just asking for swirls.
If your car is silver, and you don't care that much about the paint, and you absolutely have no time to wash it yourself, then MAYBE you can think about letting the dealer wash it. Otherwise, you're just asking for swirls.
#6
Glad you declined the car wash. If you care about your paint finish and always hand wash your IS, the answer should be no dealership car wash. But, if you routinely run your IS through an automatic car wash, having the dealership wash your car will likely just add to the accumulating damage to the car finish.
Some people I know take advantage of the monthly free car washes along with coffee and breakfast at the dealership. It's considered part of the Lexus "experience." These folks never hand wash their cars, and that's their decision, as some people feel that it's just a car. Perhaps they are the smart ones, as the value of a new car tanks when you drive off the lot. I just take too much pride in maintaining my vehicles.
Some people I know take advantage of the monthly free car washes along with coffee and breakfast at the dealership. It's considered part of the Lexus "experience." These folks never hand wash their cars, and that's their decision, as some people feel that it's just a car. Perhaps they are the smart ones, as the value of a new car tanks when you drive off the lot. I just take too much pride in maintaining my vehicles.
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
Like everyone else, I've always had bad luck with this and avoided dealers washes. But as an experiment, I tested out Longo after they had my car for a few weeks to see how they'd do. I sat with my advisor and went over how it's a well-known fact most dealer washes are bad and cause scratches. He said I can do things to see to it that doesn't happen to your car. And sure enough, the last two washes there have been extremely good. No scratches and all water spots weregone-even in the door jams and on the wheels. I think what they have are different levels of washes, depending on what you are there for or if it's a new car delivery. Now I'm not recommending people have their cars washed at dealerships. But if you go out of your way to talk to your advisor about it and make it clear what your expectations are, they may be able to step it up a notch like they did for me.
#9
Just got my car back from the dealer and they washed the car even though I asked them not to.
Pretty upset about, but what am I going to do now. I see some light scratches on my hood.
So annoying...I think I am going to make a poster size print of "DO NOT WASH" to put in both the front windhield and the rear window so there is no mistaking my intentions.
Pretty upset about, but what am I going to do now. I see some light scratches on my hood.
So annoying...I think I am going to make a poster size print of "DO NOT WASH" to put in both the front windhield and the rear window so there is no mistaking my intentions.
#10
Just got my car back from the dealer and they washed the car even though I asked them not to.
Pretty upset about, but what am I going to do now. I see some light scratches on my hood.
So annoying...I think I am going to make a poster size print of "DO NOT WASH" to put in both the front windhield and the rear window so there is no mistaking my intentions.
Pretty upset about, but what am I going to do now. I see some light scratches on my hood.
So annoying...I think I am going to make a poster size print of "DO NOT WASH" to put in both the front windhield and the rear window so there is no mistaking my intentions.
#12
Just heard back from my service advisor after i complained about some light scratches on my hood and he offered me a free detail. I'm a little skeptical. He said he understands and that he doesn't know why they washed it when he clearly noted no car wash and that the detail team is not the same as the car wash team so they will be more careful. What do you think? Would you trust them? Kudos to my service manager from trying to make it right.
#13
Auto Detailing Master
iTrader: (2)
Just heard back from my service advisor after i complained about some light scratches on my hood and he offered me a free detail. I'm a little skeptical. He said he understands and that he doesn't know why they washed it when he clearly noted no car wash and that the detail team is not the same as the car wash team so they will be more careful. What do you think? Would you trust them? Kudos to my service manager from trying to make it right.
It is my personal opinion that you should politely refuse the "free detail" and instead request that they cover the cost of a detail by a facility of your choice.
I am an author for the Detailed Image Ask-A-Pro Blog and I recently wrote an article about a Club Lexus Member who had their vehicle washed by their dealership despite requesting no one touch it to numerous people. You can read the article here: The Real Cost of a “Cheap” Car Wash. Unfortunately this type of scenario is not uncommon. It only takes one bad car wash to cause substantial damage.
This article (How to Properly Wash & Dry a Car) goes over the proper 3 bucket wash method with grit guards that will help to minimize wash induced marring and leave your finish in good condition.
Even if your dealership uses a touchless wash, they are most likely drying it by hand. Touchless washes rely on harsh chemicals to remove most of the dirt from the surface, but they certainly do not remove ALL of the dirt. When someone then rubs a poor quality towel (or even a high quality microfiber towel) on the surface, the remaining dirt particles act as abrasives that leave fine scratches all over your finish. I have actually witnessed my own Lexus dealership washing vehicles with car wash 'brooms'/brushes that they set on the ground after scrubbing each section... yes, on the ground. They are picking up dirt and debris and then rubbing it back on the car.
It is a great idea to print out signs to place on your dash and in your window that read something along the lines of "PLEASE DO NOT WASH CAR". I personally leave 4 of them in my vehicle when I have to visit the dealership. Another great option is a hanger such as the Detailed Image Rear View Mirror Tag.
#15
I printed this on thicker photo paper to hang from the mirror but haven't tried it yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...S/3f227ed2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...S/3f227ed2.jpg