Should I get the local hand (i.e. jet-) washers to clean my 2009 R230 SL350?

[Benz17]

I spend approximately 3 hours washing my car, that includes getting all the gear ready, snow foaming and what not, but i get great satisfaction of seeing the end result. Wash frequency would be every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer, frequency would be longer in the colder times. I guess the general car owner wouldn’t have a clue what a swirl mark is, but a car enthusiast would, and time and health permitting, would wash their own cars.

 

[Accused]

NO!

 

[Deleted member 159894]

It depends on the condition of the car now, if it’s not immaculate then no harm will come of it.

 

[Alex225]

A number of reasons why the local car wash isn't a great idea. Personally of all the cars to avoid putting through a car wash be it a machine or had car wash, I wouldn't put an R230 through. Leaks or not it won't be a sympathetic wash, if anywhere is going to blast water where it shouldn't go it'll be a bloke with a heavy duty pressure washer.

 

[davymead]

Like a turkey?

Quite, but more dumb

 

[Reflections]

I love hand car washes and automatic car washes they keep me in business lol. Swirls and RDS only happen when your car is being washed and these are the worst protagonists.

That said, some people don't have a lot of choice in which case try to find a car wash that uses mitts instead of sponges and microfiber towels to dry. Brushes and drying blades should make you run a mile!

 

[Deleted member 55947]

Set fire to the £5 and watch it burn, far less stressful and it’ll leave the bodywork in better condition

 

[dismark]

If you dont mind having some new scratches here and there, than - yes

 

[bayman57]

would never ever put my car through a automated car wash !! it takes me 20 minutes out of my day to wash and prep my car knowing that the products i use are not harming the paintwork , alloys etc ... as they say if a jobs doing well ....

 

[A.J.]

would never ever put my car through a automated car wash !! it takes me 20 minutes out of my day to wash and prep my car knowing that the products i use are not harming the paintwork , alloys etc ... as they say if a jobs doing well ....

20 Minutes ?? It takes me at least two to two and a half hours to do a hand wash, more if I do a thorough wash in the nooks and crannies

 

[dismark]

would never ever put my car through a automated car wash !! it takes me 20 minutes out of my day to wash and prep my car knowing that the products i use are not harming the paintwork , alloys etc ... as they say if a jobs doing well ....

I am exactly on the same page

 

[whitenemesis]

It's a lot easier and a lot quicker to keep a car clean than it is to clean a car just occasionally.

 

[Londonscottish]

I never use the hand car wash places but sometimes, if I'm really pushed for time, I'll use the local jetwash. I assume the chemicals aren't too clever but at least there's no swirling.

Having said that I did my wife's 500 by hand during the week and will do mine today.

 

[Benz17]

would never ever put my car through a automated car wash !! it takes me 20 minutes out of my day to wash and prep my car knowing that the products i use are not harming the paintwork , alloys etc ... as they say if a jobs doing well ....

How long, wow would you mind doing mine also, it takes me that long to just set up

 

[bayman57]

How long, wow would you mind doing mine also, it takes me that long to just set up

because i use autoglym hydrophobic coating once its washed !! i never use tap water to rinse the car . autoglym glass cleaner and autoglym tyre coating . do it once a week and that will cut down the time it takes after not doing it for 2 weeks !!!