...gulp
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 639
Likes: 9
From: the desert SW
...gulp
I know what those who pass judgement will say to the following question, and that it is heresy. But, have any of you (gulp) with the low profile tires and wheels of the RC 350 F-Sport taken theirs to an automated car wash? If so, did you experience wheel damage?
Just curious, cause sometimes I don't have the time, or am too lazy, to hand wash.
There, I asked....
Just curious, cause sometimes I don't have the time, or am too lazy, to hand wash.
There, I asked....
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 214
Likes: 11
From: Oklahoma
This thread makes me sad. I know you don't want to hear this but it is both easier and cheaper to clean the car by hand. You're better off leaving the car dirty and hand washing later. Also, it's not good for the paint if you go to an automatic car wash. At the end of the day, it is your car and you can do whatever you want. I'd imagine if pull the car straight into the car wash that you wouldn't get any damage.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 639
Likes: 9
From: the desert SW
This thread makes me sad. I know you don't want to hear this but it is both easier and cheaper to clean the car by hand. You're better off leaving the car dirty and hand washing later. Also, it's not good for the paint if you go to an automatic car wash. At the end of the day, it is your car and you can do whatever you want. I'd imagine if pull the car straight into the car wash that you wouldn't get any damage.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 116
From: CA
I don't think you should be hesitant in asking to gain knowledge from others' experiences, that's what a forum is for, right?
Here's my experience with automatic washers. The dealer I bought my car from offers free washes and when the car was delivered of course it was freshly washed. Upon inspection I noticed the inside lip of the left rear wheel was slightly marred, nothing major but enough for me to notice the difference from other wheels upon close inspection. I asked to see their car wash and sure enough, the track system used to pull the cars through the automatic wash was on the left side. Car has never seen another automatic wash.
But really, it depends on your priority, convenience or keeping your car as flawless as you can for as long as you can. Nothing wrong with either approach just so long as it's what you want for your car. Enjoy it!
Here's my experience with automatic washers. The dealer I bought my car from offers free washes and when the car was delivered of course it was freshly washed. Upon inspection I noticed the inside lip of the left rear wheel was slightly marred, nothing major but enough for me to notice the difference from other wheels upon close inspection. I asked to see their car wash and sure enough, the track system used to pull the cars through the automatic wash was on the left side. Car has never seen another automatic wash.
But really, it depends on your priority, convenience or keeping your car as flawless as you can for as long as you can. Nothing wrong with either approach just so long as it's what you want for your car. Enjoy it!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 586
Likes: 89
From: NJ
If there were an issue I would know who to blame.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 808
Likes: 9
From: Fl
No shame in asking!
Any vehicle costing over $50K, should be hand-washed regularly for many obvious reasons. Spend your time doing more important things and pay someone to do it. I get a wash, dry, and tire-dress from a mobile detailer for $30.
Any vehicle costing over $50K, should be hand-washed regularly for many obvious reasons. Spend your time doing more important things and pay someone to do it. I get a wash, dry, and tire-dress from a mobile detailer for $30.
The right car wash shouldn't cause damage. A lot of people believe that the car wash will scratch and damage the car. And that can happen for sure. Depends on the type of cloth used and how often they are cleaned. I have no problem washing my 2015 RX in an auto wash cause it's nebula gray. I do not wash my SC in an auto wash cause it is black. my .02
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 586
Likes: 89
From: NJ
I think the most important thing to remember is when you wash the car yourself you get to see all the nicks, scratches and swirls that might be otherwise over looked. It also depends on how **** you are about your car(s).
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 639
Likes: 9
From: the desert SW
.
Honestly if you need to go to an automated carwash, I would only go to a touchless one that allows you to drive up in it and park. I don't trust any big machine to move my car.
Otherwise just spend sometime with your car. You can call it a date when you give it a bath =)
Otherwise just spend sometime with your car. You can call it a date when you give it a bath =)