IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Auto car wash

Old 01-07-14, 03:48 PM
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KumaF
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Default Auto car wash

I usually hand wash my car when possible. But it has been so cold here for the past several days, so I might just take the car to an auto car wash. I do have a few concerns I hope someone can address,

1) Will the guide rails clear the 255 rear wheel?

2) Will the guide rails damage the wheel surface if they somehow come into contract as the car is being dragged along?
Old 01-07-14, 04:07 PM
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4TehNguyen
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biggest thing is those machines will swirl your paint
Old 01-07-14, 04:16 PM
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KumaF
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Originally Posted by 4TehNguyen
biggest thing is those machines will swirl your paint
Even those touch less ones?
Old 01-07-14, 04:29 PM
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jt3944481
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Put on a jacket 2 jackets or even 3 and get down on it yourself!

In my opinion
I'm not letting no machine or anyone else touch my car i spent 52k+ on

I've washed my cars in rain,
In 30 degree weather!

Lol call me crazy but i take care of my cars regardless
Old 01-07-14, 04:36 PM
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doodlebug
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Originally Posted by jt3944481
I'm not letting no machine or anyone else touch my car
^^^^+1

It's not worth the risk. I had 2 rims ruined in one of those things.
Old 01-07-14, 04:40 PM
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KumaF
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Originally Posted by jt3944481
Put on a jacket 2 jackets or even 3 and get down on it yourself!

In my opinion
I'm not letting no machine or anyone else touch my car i spent 52k+ on

I've washed my cars in rain,
In 30 degree weather!

Lol call me crazy but i take care of my cars regardless
I am not lazy or what. I would do it if today wasn't -21 C (-5 F) in here.
Old 01-07-14, 04:55 PM
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aTeAse
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Just dont wash your car until the weather gets a tad better?

Best thing to do, when you get a chance to wash your car, get some protection for it.

Opti Coat and/or sealant and wax will help a lot.
Old 01-07-14, 05:05 PM
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Geespec
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Have you tried those waterless car wash kits? If you have a garage or somewhere warmer to park the car, you might be able wash it without freezing your *** off.
Old 01-07-14, 05:17 PM
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I always use waterless car wash on my Z, since I live in an apt complex. I use Optimum No Rinse & Wash with uber microfiber towels to wash and uber waffle towels to dry. Then, I use SONAX Polymer Net Shield twice a year applied with a application sponge. Works great and no swirls.
Old 01-07-14, 06:38 PM
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caesosa
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Touch less is ok but otherwise they will swirl your paint! Typically SUV's have much wider than 255 so I don't believe you will have issues with that (I have put in my 275/45/22 on the SUV).

Overall... the best wash is your own - personally, I am done with the carwash. It will just never be as good as you want it. Unless you are in Chicago today and at -15f I think you will be ok.

Good luck!
Old 01-07-14, 08:04 PM
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eyeball
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I agree. If you are able to, wash your own car. It's a labor of love
Old 01-07-14, 10:19 PM
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semoquer
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touchless washes are good.. however, their soaps might strip sealant and wax. Also the way they dry the car might mean that swirls will be made on your car. make sure the touch less wash also uses touch less dry!
Old 01-08-14, 06:40 AM
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KumaF
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Thank you for all your responses. I just found a touch less car wash that blow dries the car. I would wash the car myself if I could, while the nature of my work requires my car to be clean at most times.
Old 01-08-14, 06:47 AM
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sydtoosic
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if you're concerned about damaging the wheels, find a wash that uses conveyor instead of rails. IMO i would not let anyone touch my car other than me. Lexus doesn't even get the pleasure of touching my car when its in for service.i use an ONR wash when it gets too cold outside.
Old 01-08-14, 07:48 AM
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Take it to a hand wash place. Did you know some car wash places can make $150k/mo? My old friend/coworker bought one and his was a smaller one making about $75k/mo. If I had 1.5 - 2 mil, I would do same or buy a parking garage. Yes, he was well off and only working for the health benefits.
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