Car Washes

[NYCamOwner]

Hand wash only...

[ChibiBlackSheep]

Sometimes it's reclaimed water so there is still the ability to scratch, but also the cheap soaps that they use can strip your car of any wax protection very quickly.

Can you go through it? Yes.

Would I recommend making a habit of it? Nah.

[theragtopguy]

I run my '12 ragtop through the car wash regularly, it works fine.

[AbsoluteMayheM]

Originally Posted by Buddy2

Thanks. I would never use anything but touch less. I am just interested in the under body spray.

I would just recommend going slowly over it to get good coverage.

I never had any issues

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Michael Rophone]

For my black cloth tops, I've always used a natural-bristle upholstery attachment on a vacuum and -gently- clean the cloth, brushing lightly in two directions.
Never use nylon or poly bristles. Never scrub; you'll grind dirt into the material.

For light-colored tops that occasionally get dark creases or fold marks, a name-brand convertible top cleaner and protectant works well.
Be sure to get the cloth version. There's also one for vinyl.

Happy motoring.

[neptunetrucking]

I never had a problem with notouch car washes

[He11bent]

I take my '11 through a wash with the neoprene brushes regularly. No issues.

[MYBADSS]

Just thought I'd add, I treated my top with RagTop protectant this past spring. It's like Scotchgaurd for tops. Worked great.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/wps-2...l#.U4nJ12BOU5s

[JR 1]

Originally Posted by Buddy2

I'm wondering if there is any problem with taking a vert to a touch less car wash. Do any of you guys use them? Any problems?
I would like to get the under body wash occasionally.
Thanks

I avoided any carwashes for a year, but during this last brutal winter I started using the touchless washes. I have not had any issues with leaking or damage. The only thing I had an issue with is the blow dryer seemed really forceful at one and I could see the top getting pushed down quite a bit in the rear. It seems fine, but with the notorious 5th bow issue it makes me nervous. I found one I like with a 'gentler' dryer.

[Krajkerjac]

I've heard that the touch less washes use a harsher chemical...

[scandata]

If you do use one, DO NOT use one that has a blow dryer at the end of the cycle. If it does, pull out before the dryer starts. I almost always hand-wash my Miata, but on a few occasions I've been pushed for time and used a touchless car wash. I was impressed with how well the hurricane strength blowers dried my car. Then after a few times through I noticed that the top was starting to tear at the seam (see the heartbreaking pics). The pressure of the wind blowing straight down must have done it. I took it to an auto shop that specializes in refurbishing cars, and they said they could replace the top for $1,500.00, or for $650.00 they can take the top off and stretch the top far enough to sew it back into the seam, with no guarantees that it would look perfect or that it wouldn't leak.

Now I'm not sure if I should do either of those before selling it, or just knock that value off the price if I sell it. I figure if I trade it in, a dealer can fix it at cost, but they'll still use that to knock down a trade-in value.

[JR 1]

Originally Posted by scandata

If you do use one, DO NOT use one that has a blow dryer at the end of the cycle. If it does, pull out before the dryer starts. I almost always hand-wash my Miata, but on a few occasions I've been pushed for time and used a touchless car wash. I was impressed with how well the hurricane strength blowers dried my car. Then after a few times through I noticed that the top was starting to tear at the seam (see the heartbreaking pics). .

Ouch that's ugly. Thanks for the warning. Guess I will be bypassing the dryer from now on.

[kevinw]

i always hand wash my black vert. dont always wash the top. i use lint brush on it. but i hand wash, 2 bucket method, and use leaf blower to get most of water off. i have some water spots in places, but its better than swirl marks. i use detail spray for some areas. but being a black car, i try to avoid contact with wash/dry as much as i can.

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by JR 1

Ouch that's ugly. Thanks for the warning. Guess I will be bypassing the dryer from now on.

+1

First time I went through the touchless, I noticed the dryer was really harsh on my rag top. From there on out, I simply let the dryer dry the front hood of the car. I then pull out and dry the rest by hand. The top can air dry, obviously.