Drive through car washes?

Anyone use these regularly to was the ole taco? I’m thinking of getting a membership. I know some say no way but just wondering if these are just the loud minority. Also , does it make since to pay extra for a ceramic wash upgrade? Thanks

 

All of the time (salt-belt life), but 95% of the time it's a touchless wash.

 

I have a monthly subscription to one near me. I use it a couple times a month; more than that during the winter because the roads here are heavily salted. No problems at all.

Im sure someone will be along shortly to say my truck is totaled and the paint will all be peeling off within a year.

 

Loud minority. I'm a drive-through carwash guy.


Before getting a membership, look deep into the fine print on how to cancel said membership. Trust me on that one. I've gotten suckered several times by the "$10 all-in wash for three months" promotions (with the 4th month costing $35) only to be stuck figuring out how to cancel it. With many places its as convoluted as a Bally's gym.


I'll just get the wax and the tire shine. The ceramic means nothing but an extra light to entertain you while riding through the tunnel.

 

I live in northeast PA and regularly take mine through a brushless car wash - never one that uses brushes, though.

 

I take my Taco thru the drive-thru wash at least twice a month. I don't have a membership, but on occasion, I'll pay the extra $5 and add the ceramic upgrade. I do notice a difference afterwards.

 

If you're in a salt belt area look for one with underbody wash/spray. I couldn't find one worth a shit so I end up using the self wash booth and blast the underbody with the sprayer.

 

I use one called mister wash 21 bucks unlimited washes. Sometimes a go a couple times a week, sometimes once a month depending on the time of year and what I have been doing. This place changes their brushes often and in 14 years of using them I have not had an issue. Some really light swirls that go away when I do my every 3 month detail and buff. To me it is worth it for a quick cheap and easy clean truck.

 

No automatic washes ever--only hand washed, only use premium gas, and change my oil every 3k miles. That should get the pot stirring

 

I don't have a problem using the brushless washes. Choose the cheap one that just washes and doesn't use their waxing and sealing products.

 

Never used one on my Taco because of the factory DAI. Never seen a brushless in my area. Would that be safe for the DAI?

 

I might use them a time or two per year. Other than that, I take the 30 mins and just wash it by hand in the driveway. Mostly because the drive thrus in my area are not that great and I always find spots it missed.

After a beach trip or after driving on salted roads I'll take it thru the touchless wash a couple times to get the undercarriage.

Some people say the brushed car washes cause swirls in the paint. I have no clue.

 

I have memberships to two different brushed auto washes in the areas I frequent most.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, they've taken a toll on the paint, headlights, etc., but damn it sure is convenient.
Been running my DD Camry through them for five years, and they've actually scrubbed all the way through the paint on a couple sharp, narrow ridges on the lower body. In the wash's defense, I'm in the mountains and the vehicle is usually filthy by the time it hits the bay.

 

I use a local brushless carwash often because my water at home (well) is high mineral (lots of lime) and that is not conducive to a good hand wash…..

 

Same here... such a PITA

 

I use them. Just a bunch of rags flopping around on wheels with a lot of soapy water,,, Oh and don't forget all the flashy lights? It's better than driving around in a dirty truck though. Works for me.

 

I'm retired, a bit lazy, got tons of expendable cash, and couldn't care less about the condition of the paint job on my truck. I use auto car washes all the time.

 

LOL only on the interwebz do you ever hear people say "i got so much money"---wtf who says that...

 

Your opinion doesn’t count. Lol JK