Car Wash

[Yaz]

Can I safely take my ST through an automated car wash, you stay in vehicle, or hand wash only?

 

[Ford Guy]

To avoid scratches I'd stick with hand washing.

 

[Frank T.]

I invested in a ceramic coating. And, where I live we have a few options for touchless washes. These are great then, I dry with a detailing spray.

 

[Cdubya]

touchless car washes for me. then hand wash every 2-3 months

 

[sadeen]

I take mine through a 'soft brush' (like large felt strips) car wash frequently, still looks brand new.

 

[Garda934]

Stay away from the whip and scratch type of carwash they will mess your ST up. Hand wash is best with touchless second.

 

[Jeppo]

Friend had her black King Ranch messed up by a “normal” car wash.

 

[bluesnake01]

If I cant wash it myself, I take mine to a touchless auto car wash. Doesn't do a great job at washing but it removes most of the dirt and bird droppings. For $7 quick wash, im not complaining and looks cleaner than it did before.

 

[Northern Goat]

There is a reason all detailing freaks will never use automated washed (touchless or not)

1. Ceramic will scratch the same as paint with prolonged car wash use. Trust me my wife proved that with our coated ST.
2. Touchless, do a crappy jib and use very harsh chemicals, whcihiwill strip any wax or protectants from your vehicle.

To each their own, but that is why I prefer to hand wash. In the winter I will use a self wash, but bring my own wash bucket and supplies.

 

[bluesnake01]

I usually do a monthly or so of "ceramic" touch up with Turtle Wax Hybrid Spray products, so going to those crappy auto washes doesnt bother me. I prefer getting the dirt off and hurting the protectants which can be re-applied than driving a dusty car.

 

[wesg79]

I use the local pressure washer with a hand wash mitt, then drive home around the corner to dry with a towel and apply the tutrle wax hybrid cermic, seems to beed good for a month or so before I do it again

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

Those of us who live in cold climates do not have the option to always wash by hand.

 

[MikeHTally]

Mechanical car washes worry me. In prep for a 2,500 mile road trip, I washed, waxed, Invisible Glass'd, Rain-X'd, and Torque detail ceramic-coated mine today.Vacuum and leather treatment tomorrow. Then it sits until Tuesday morning. The Mustang will be my errand-trotter this weekend.

 

[DaveG ST]

Those of us who live in cold climates do not have the option to always wash by hand.

I am there with you. Sometimes in the winter the water will freeze on the vehicle before I get a chance to dry it off, but I still hand wash throughout the winter.

 

[CareerFiremanGuy]

I am there with you. Sometimes in the winter the water will freeze on the vehicle before I get a chance to dry it off, but I still hand wash throughout the winter.

I'm 100% touchless car wash in the Winter. I have no other choice ...