So I got some new shoes for the GS (19x8.5 front with 225/35/19 & 19x9.5 rear with 265/30/19) and the tires are about even with the rims. I usually go to this automatic car wash where you drive between the rail then the things come up and pushes the car thru the carwash.

I'm worried about going thru the carwash and the rails rubbing the edges of the rims. Am I worried for nothing or has anyone gone thru with a similar set-up??

(Who's gonna be the first to say "It's a Lexus man....you need to be hand washing man!!!!" lol )

 

I can't believe you would knowingly open yourself up to this.

 

Ordinarily I would, but I realize that is not always possible.....or may be impractical.

This, however, is one of MANY reasons why I generally recommend stock tires and wheels.

One suggestion: If you don't have your own driveway or hose at home, or for some reason can't do a hand wash there, you might try working out an arrangement with a friend or relative close by who has those facilities. He or she would let you use the driveway and hose in exchange for something else. I myself avoid automatic car washes like the plague.

 

Sorry, but I can't justify the use of an automatic car wash.

Around here there are a couple of commercial/independent high-end hand wash places that will do a good job. Maybe something like that exists in your area.

 

last time I went to the carwash the one who was drying the car kept forcing my side mirrors open and closed. They had to pay for the $400 replacement cost. Idiots.

 

What are the major risks of an automatic car wash? Outside of the situation the OP described where he modded his vehicle.

 

The cover your car with swirls and scratches and some have done permanent paint damage which they will not cover. Problem is they often recycle dirty water to use on your car, the scrubbers or whatever you call them get dirty and are cover with sand and particles which them are run over your car at high speed, etc. Dealers when they wash your car usually do not use clean rags and towels or buckets. They are often done in a hurry by young kids paid very little who don't care about your car and will introduce tons of swirls and scratches.

If you care about your finish then it is just not a good idea to use an automatic carwash or have the dealer wash it. If you don't have access to a hose or running water you can use a product called Optimum No Rinse which does a good job of cleaning the car without needing to wash the car down or wash suds off. All you need is a bucket of water with ONR and a rag and towel which anybody can get.

 

Scratching, damage, mechanical breakdowns of car wash machinery not caught or fixed by humans, etc. are just some of the reasons. Most owners of fine automobiles avoid them.

 

Quick answer - if you have been going through an automated car wash and you are happy, keep doing it. Just don't come back and post how you noticed these "swirly" marks in you paint or how the car wash ripped off one of your mirrors and ask what you should do now.

Not so quick answer - Versions of what has already been posted. The automated car wash is suitable only for rental cars and commercial delivery vans as far as I am concerned. But once you know what you are looking for in your cars finish, and what the automatic car wash is doing to it, you can never go back. I would rather drive the car dirty for a while than run it through a robotic brillo pad. I like my cars too much.

 

Probably heresy here, but when I can't/don't feel like washing the car myself, I regulary go to a touchless car wash. After three years with this car, the finish is stll in mint condition. I won't go thru a car wash with brushes, but the touchless works well if there is not a lot of grime, bugs etc. on it.

 

+1

There is a carwash down the street from me and it is always packed with nice cars but I wouldn't be caught dead taking my GS there or any other carwash for that matter. I have two friends that work at two different carwashes (East Mesa and North Scottsdale) and I still don't take the GS to them, and they are always offering to hook me up for free. In fact, I had another friend who was doing 100% hand washes, he was starting to get quite of few customers but suddenly he had to go back to California and he won't be returning. Maybe I should pick up where he left off and start washing cars for some money . Anyway, my paint isn't perfect but I feel 100x better handwashing it on my driveway.

 

this link might change some opinions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZjWkB_q2lE

 

dont you dare!! i have found that cheveron has a touch free wash though for quick dust offs..

 

Find a laser car wash. The newest ones just use soap and water pressure.

 

They operate with enormous water pressure, though, to compensate for the lack of brush contact. It generally doesn't hurt the paint, at least on the sheet metal, but can fade the finish of non-metal parts like trim, mirror housings, etc...

It can also put a lot of stress (and cause leaks) in door/window seals.