Has anyone taken his 300h through an automatic car wash such as Mikes Express? Have there been any problems? The manual says to hand wash, which is probably the safest thing for Lexus to say. The manual talks about potential issues with the rear spoiler, rapid cycling of the door locks from water hitting the touch sensor on the door handle, and brushes damaging paint.

 

No different from any other car, automatic carwashes will damage the paint finish on the car...the only question is whether or not you care.

 

The lower portions of the doors and fenders of former LS400 accumulated 1000's of minor but noticable and permanent scratches from dozens of trips through the local gas station car wash over a period of years.

 

But doesn't hand washing cause swirls to appear ? I always thought that brushless car washes were the safest?

 

Hand washing doesn't cause swirls if it is done properly. Brushless car washes use dirty, recycled water, harsh soaps, and the mechanisms are never cleaned. Swirl city.

 

I often wondered about the same thing. What's your definition of 'done properly' Steve? I thoroughly rinse the car first, and use a wool mit and lots of water ... and then a chamy to dry it. Is there a better way?

 

My dealer just gave me two coupons for Mike's Express, so I guess they're OK with it.

 

Starfire Pearl Luxury Version. Put it through what is considered locally the best car wash. No damage observed including no scratches. I was nervous about the front lip but that puppy is rock solid. I use automatic washes in the winter and hand wash in the summer to save coin. In all cases, the car gets a rinse before anything touches it.

 

You just have to use a good quality mitt/sponge to wash, good quality soap, lots of water. Wash from the top down with straightline strokes, rinsing after each panel. Roof --> greenhouse --> hood/nose --> trunk --> rear-sides --> wheels.

For drying, I blow the car off with a leaf blower first, then wipe the remainder down with a waffle weave microfiber towel, spritzing with a spray wax as I wipe.

 

Interesting. Danke!

 

No prob...

 

My Lexus dealer offers free car washes with the purchase. I wonder how they wash, by hand or through an automatic car wash.

 

Hand wash all the time unless swirl marks or worse are your friend. Dealership washes are just as bad. Very recently I had a detailed conversation with the service manager regarding the dealer wash. He would never use it for his own vehicle.

It really comes down to an individuals priority. Most live with swirl marks all their life. I'm one of those guys that happens to enjoy grabbing and adult beverage and cigar after the family is in bed and heading out to the garage to detail the cars. For me 40K+ is a huge investment that I want to protect.

 

Handwash! but if you must use a automatic carwash use a touchless one

 

The time spent detailing your car is good exercise and healthy. The adult beverage and cigar ... not so much!