You forgot to make your post into a poll to see how many owners are using automatic washes vs. hand washes.

- K

Are those 21s?

I have come to the belief that all of my curb rash has come from auto car washes. I had my BMW AH7 wheels re-coated and car polished and opti-coated at the same time as my new 85D. My BMW had multiple places only on the left side wheels where is looked like I had rashed them. My S/O fully believed I had done all the damage. Now after 3 months of driving and hand washed on both cars only, no signs whatsoever. I will never use an auto car wash again on any car for that reason.

There is a middle point. I sometimes hand wash, but if I do auto wash, I only use brushless wash where you drive in and park and the washing arm circulates around the car multiple times and then you drive out.

I answer combination of both, but I am not chipping my 21's on a conveyor thing.

I had my car C Quartz Finest and clear wrap on the front end so I only hand wash mine. I use the 2 bucket method to avoid scratches. I only use a Car Pro wash mitt and I use a Microfibre Madness towel to try my car. I highly recommend using the same products. Here are some links to the products. I hope this helps all of you.

Prepping Your Wash Supplies Detailing Video

Car Washing Detailing Video

Sheet Rinse Technique Detailing Video

Drying Your Car Detailing Video

Dry Me Crazy | Microfibermadness.de

Merino Wool Wash Mitt - www.CarPro-US.com


Cheers

Jeff:biggrin:

Drucifer said:

There is a middle point. I sometimes hand wash, but if I do auto wash, I only use brushless wash where you drive in and park and the washing arm circulates around the car multiple times and then you drive out.

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This is what I do - only no-touch, brushless car washes. I didn't pick an option in the poll, as this isn't listed.

We wash by hand with the no rinse car wash. I saw a video posted somewhere in this forum and the technique is easy, quick if you work with someone and the car looks great.

I use Washmist, Eco-Friendly Detailing - Elite Finish DetailingElite Finish Detailing

Barry said:

This is what I do - only no-touch, brushless car washes. I didn't pick an option in the poll, as this isn't listed.

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Yes, touchless car wash only. The car is never fully clean, but way cleaner then it was before the wash. I picked Automatic wash in the poll.

I do like when the Service Center does a waterless wash on it though.......!

-m

SarasotaModelS said:

I just had my wheels powdercoated and decided to go for a spin through an automatic car wash which I have never been to. I have never had an issue with automatic car washes up until now. After emerging from the car wash, I noticed multiple, small chips on both the left front wheel and left rear wheel. The damage was done by the tire conveyor belt mechanism. Doubt I will take my Tesla through another automatic car wash!

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Had the exact same experience with my car when it was about 2 weeks old. I was able to touch them up with a bit of matching paint, but it wasn't perfect. At that point I decided that the 19" Tesla rims would be delegated to "winter duty" and I bought a set of Rial Luganos for my summer tires. Mounted a set of new Nokian Hakka R2s to the Tesla rims.

EDIT: I mostly hand wash in the summer, but it's not possible in winter. I have found an automatic wash that uses a big conveyor belt you just drive on to as opposed to those rail mechanisms that pull you through by the tires.

Combo - only because in the winter its too cold in New England to hand wash and then touchless which does a shabby job but at least gets off the salt and grime.

The local SC in San Rafael, CA. gives free washes at the local Brushless Car wash. It actually damaged my rim guards on the auto pulley that I got from EVannex. At least the rims were okay. Since then, I always request a hand wash and they are happy to oblige.

SarasotaModelS said:

I just had my wheels powdercoated and decided to go for a spin through an automatic car wash which I have never been to. I have never had an issue with automatic car washes up until now. After emerging from the car wash, I noticed multiple, small chips on both the left front wheel and left rear wheel. The damage was done by the tire conveyor belt mechanism. Doubt I will take my Tesla through another automatic car wash!
Just out of curiosity...I want to see how many Tesla owners hand-wash their vehicles vs automatic car wash...

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I see that you are from Sarasota. We are fortuate to have one of the best Master Detailers and Paint Correction Specialists around right here in Sarasota. And he is a TMC sponsor.
I'm not suggesting that you exclusively have your car detailed, but its good to know that Pete is located right "down the street".

Florida Detailing, Paint Protection, Tint - Sponsored

By the way, if you are interested in joining our Florida Tesla club, please click on the link to Florida Tesla Enthusiasts in my signature.

Larry

Hand Wash only, use multi-bucket process (soap, rinse #1 and rinse #2). I have a couple of sets of micro fiber towels, only use the brown ones on the wheels, they never touch the paint. Always use Pinnacle Products from autogeek.net on the Tesla.

i have an auto car wash . it is safe and fast. i propose to use some like this.