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?

 

biggest thing is those machines will swirl your paint

 

Even those touch less ones?

 

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

 

^^^^+1

It's not worth the risk. I had 2 rims ruined in one of those things.

 

I am not lazy or what. I would do it if today wasn't -21 C (-5 F) in here.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

I agree. If you are able to, wash your own car. It's a labor of love

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.