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Can I touchless wash my truck too much?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by GiddyUp, Dec 18, 2018.

  1. Dec 18, 2018 at 5:02 PM
    #1
    GiddyUp

    GiddyUp [OP] New Member

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    The touchless down the street just started offering their premium touchless for $21 a month. $12 normal each time. Deal, right....? I have found my self stopping by a few times a week this winter on the way home.

    I do not have a ceramic coating (some day) but have used chem guys butterwax. For this winter season... can I wash it too much? Even it is just to rinse the salt away a couple times a week?

    Sure there isn’t a solid answer but am interested in any intriguing opinions. TIA.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  2. Dec 19, 2018 at 9:30 AM
    #2
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

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    I wouldn’t think so, as long as it’s touchless.
     
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  3. Dec 19, 2018 at 9:38 AM
    #3
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    Same here. I personally don't think touchless washes work very well but it's better than nothing.

    The only thing I've heard is that automatic car washes use harsher soaps which can strip away wax. Can't confirm though.
     
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  4. Dec 19, 2018 at 9:40 AM
    #4
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    I never run any of my cars through a regular car wash. Touchless only. But a couple of years ago, I ran my wife's black car through one. Next day it had permanent water spots all over. Looked like it ate through the clear coat. Probably just the car wash I went to, but I think they must've added some kind of harsh chemical to the soap. Haven't run through a car wash since.
     
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  5. Dec 19, 2018 at 9:46 AM
    #5
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    TRD Pro suspension, +2 Coachbuilder shackles, 2015 TRD Pro headlights, 20% ceramic tinted windows, clear ceramic tinted front windshield, aFe drop in pro s dry air filter, TRD airflow accelerator, TRD oil fill cap, TRD 18 psi radiator cap, BDX Bullydog tuner, Weathertech floor mats front and rear, rear seat fold down mod, DNA hard trifold tonneau cover, Linex with uv protection, TRD rear swaybar, TRD center caps, TRD Pro grille insert with color matching surround and bulge, TRD PRO headlights, aluminum oil filter canister, Real truck tailgate seal, Pop-n-lock tailgate lock actuator, rear diff breather relocate, RCI front skid plate. 275/70 R18 BFG KO2s
    LOL I’d rather just not wash it at all. Which I haven’t done in over a month because I keep seeing rain in the forecast.
     
  6. Dec 19, 2018 at 9:52 AM
    #6
    TokerJoker

    TokerJoker ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

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    Not much different than if it rained on it everyday!
     
  7. Dec 19, 2018 at 10:02 AM
    #7
    Newm

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    This ^

    The only drawback is the harsh soap they use to get it "sorta clean" while still be touchless.
     
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  8. Dec 19, 2018 at 10:08 AM
    #8
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    I don’t like the spot free chemicals they use. Filtered water is one thing but if they add a chemical, I feel it strips whatever wax you may have left.
     
  9. Dec 19, 2018 at 11:43 AM
    #9
    ninjajay

    ninjajay Posting from the toilet

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    In terms of automatic washes, I prefer a place with clean/well maintained brushes versus touchless.
     
  10. Dec 19, 2018 at 8:40 PM
    #10
    GiddyUp

    GiddyUp [OP] New Member

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    Thanks fellas.
    What’s funny is I actually went through it the other day while it was raining just because I could and it was on the way home.


    Good call on the harsh chemicals. That’s kinda why I was asking. IMO, spraying down the salt from the underbody throughout the winter can’t hurt so as I continue to keep up with my home wash/wax.
     
    15whtrd[QUOTED] and Rica25 like this.
  11. Dec 19, 2018 at 8:51 PM
    #11
    phabej

    phabej New Member

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    NO LONGER HAVE A TUNDRA... Waiting
    I just hand wash it and towel dry. Always

    You must live in Oregon! Lol jk
     
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  12. Dec 19, 2018 at 9:20 PM
    #12
    Tierhog

    Tierhog SIG-AHOLIC

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    I wash in an automatic one a week. Wax every 6 months. Garaged. Paint will likely last 7 years and start clear coat failure on the roof by the windshield. If it was a 1951 Ferrari 342 America it would likely get driven 500m per year, washed, waxed, and maintained religiously. I would likely sell it before I died and couldn't spend the money.
    Loosely translated... It'll be fine. Expect clear coat loss eventually. Drive it, enjoy it, wash it, and be consistent with maintenance. Everything else is trivial.
     
  13. Dec 19, 2018 at 9:37 PM
    #13
    NUDRAT

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    I used to use local touchless. I let them use the brush & bucket of soap to 'pre-treat' the rims. Stuff burned right through the clear on the rims. IME, I'd encourage you to decline the rims scrubbing.
     
  14. Dec 19, 2018 at 10:10 PM
    #14
    Boosted4runner

    Boosted4runner Join the NRA please.

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    I’ve always wanted to start a true “hand wash” business.
    If every mechanical car wash was replaced with a hand wash, I’d pay double the $12 on my car for sure ($24), and most likely the truck.
    I can’t Fing stand hand washing my car every time and it doesn’t go through any mechanical type of car wash.
    I even brainstormed purchasing mits in bulk.

    Two Bucket Method Wash + MicroFiber Dry

    Handwash and dry: $20.00 (mit used up to 4 times)
    Handwash and dry New mit: $24.00
    Add Mequires Quick wax as you dry: $3.00

    Set-up shop in the nicer neighborhoods where you see high end cars.
    Water treatment is a bitch around here though.
    Which is why I thought about some type of mobile wash app and focus on certain areas. Use the HoMo’s water and no worries of the Water Nazzis coming after you (I live in the PNW where water is plenty and we’re not restricted like CA) lol
    Maybe I’m just old, too busy, lazy, or all 3, but if I could get some kid to come hand wash my car at home twice a month for $60 while I’m at work - bingo :thumbsup:
     
  15. Dec 20, 2018 at 5:25 AM
    #15
    Devcom

    Devcom Miles per Gallon? More like Smiles per Gallon!!

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    I go through Touchless about once a month to a local one that I have had no issues with. If its been a really snowy month with a lot of road salt I will go more often like the past two months I went 2 more times than usual. I usually go in on the way some where that requires me to go on the Interstate where I can do 70-80 to get the water that the dryer doesn't get off and it is nice and clean on destination. I wish I can hand wash my truck but not going to happen until I can get rid of this cane.
     
  16. Dec 20, 2018 at 6:27 AM
    #16
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    48F1C43D-F091-4E55-9389-6EA7E8742A60.jpg
     
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  17. Dec 20, 2018 at 6:29 AM
    #17
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    I think it would be hilarious to market a lawn sprinkler as a bidet for trucks.
     
    Darkness and NewImprovedRon like this.
  18. Dec 20, 2018 at 7:10 AM
    #18
    15whtrd

    15whtrd Mr. Blonde

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    Multipurpose!
     
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  19. Dec 20, 2018 at 8:56 AM
    #19
    GiddyUp

    GiddyUp [OP] New Member

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    That’s what made me think and ask the question. I was like... I have been to to the car wash 4 times this week. Do I have a problem or am I just making sure I get my $21 worth of washes!
     
    OR18TRD[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Dec 20, 2018 at 9:00 AM
    #20
    GiddyUp

    GiddyUp [OP] New Member

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    I typically go straight home and take the leaf blower to all the seams and wheels to get any of that residual water. Works just like the highway method.
     
  21. Dec 21, 2018 at 4:51 AM
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    briarpatch

    briarpatch New Member

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    Commercial car washes rely on very harsh, acidic chemicals to get cars clean...touchless or otherwise. These can break down an LSP very quickly. Of course...which is worse....having to re-apply wax more often, or leave corrosive salt/brine on your car? You mentioned you're using Butter Wet Wax, which is not known for its longevity under the best conditions, so I doubt it's surviving multiple runs through the car wash. Switch to something more durable, like Collinite 845, and mitigate the risk by going through the car wash as least as possible.

    I'm not sure where you live, but where I live (South Jersey), I keep the hose reels in the garage and wash our vehicles whenever the temps allow. If it's too cold for that, and one NEEDS to be washed, I hit the coin op car wash, but bring my own buckets, lots of quarters, soap and wash mitts, and just use the water to pre-rinse and rinse.
     
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  22. Dec 25, 2018 at 7:47 AM
    #22
    Adam

    Adam New Member

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    I would hit it up as much as you. I love a clean car. I would also bring my MF towels to dry and some extra for a spay wax treatment quick before I drove off. I would probably run the place out of business if there was something like that offered around here.
     

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