best . . . err . . . good wash?

[frankoV]

Done a bit of searching and there seems no "best" answer.

Live in the frigid north (we're in a heat wave today: -2c = +28f).

Lots of salt goes on our roads . . . leads to rust, and lots of it.

Preference, of course, is a hand wash (right[/sarcasm]). What will a touchless wash do to the finish? I know it'll get all the salt from the undercarriage but will it destroy what is seen?

[Ever Victorious]

a GOOD touchless system will be only barely more harsh than a hand wash. You have to look around and try various systems, though, as not all touchless systems are the same. There's only one in my area that I trust to do a good job and not be harsh.

[frankoV]

After reading about leaking trunks and door seals I may have to second think ever washing the car.

OK, I couldn't do that . . . but . . .

[motoguy128]

I never had any leaks and have had great results with the touchless wash in town. Ultimately, in the winter I only wash it once a month. I park in a gravel/muddy parking lot and they use sand and salt on the road locally. So it doesn't stay clean more than 1 or 2 days.

The waxes they use seem to be pretty effective in leaving some wax behind and helping to protect the paint.

[BBISHOPPCM]

Funny you mention this... I live in NH, and we have our share of salty roads. I just washed my car today in a self-service wash bay. I was unable to remove the layer of residue with the foaming brush, I was reduced to buying a drying towel, wetting it, and washing it that way. Then, I sprayed the clear coat protectant and was on my way. Car came out looking like new. But before you do this, wash it with a brush and rinse thoroughly before using a towel or sponge on the paint.

[Rockhound]

Just to add to the topic...most 'spray on' waxes, as in those at automated car washes, aren't doing much. Real waxes require some effort to apply - that's how a coating is left behind. Wash & Wax products are even worse, like the ones Turtle Wax used to sell. A consumer reports test (of the Turtle Wax stuff) showed that no measurable wax residue was left behind after use, and that washing ability was even less than typical cheapo wash solutions.

Like EV said, most automatic car washes are too harsh. Blasting high-pressure water at your muck-covered paint is tantamount to washing your car with a sandblaster. Even when you wash at home, minimal water pressure should be used to avoid damage. I think I've used an automatic car wash maybe twice in my life because of this, but I understand that in some climates there isn't much of a choice.