Car Wash -- Maybe a Dumb Question

[Prospero]

When we picked up our Cabrio, my wife recalls the dealer saying that the car cannot be put through a car wash (i.e., the type that moves the car along on a conveyer).

I didn't see anything in the Manual. Is this an issue -- never owned a convertible -- is it a convertible issue? Off hand, other than removing the antenna, maybe, I don't see what the problem would be.

[jwight]

Cars have been put through car washes (one lost the front service flap as a result) but it only takes about 10 min to wash it by hand so I don't have any personal experience with car washes.

[fun42]

ours will never experience a drive through car was - it's quick to wash and dry - plus it brings the neighbors out of their houses.

Have heard some people complain of light scratches from auto car washes - so why take the chance. The do-it-yourself car washes should be ok unless you really blast it.

[rawlus®]

it would be difficult if not impossible to hand wash any car in the middle of a new england winter.

[fun42]

That's what they make the wash-it-yourself car washes for - I don't want to have to drag out the hoses and coat the driveway with more ice. But as an alternative, most fairsize cities have places that will hand-wash cars.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by rawlus®

it would be difficult if not impossible to hand wash any car in the middle of a new england winter.

Yep, same in Ohio. It either won't get washed or will get the spray wand (if we can find a place not frozen up.) Or it will winter in Texas if we're lucky.

[UNTODDLY]

DO NOT take your smart through a car wash. I used the top of the line Autec car wash at our dealership. The company that designed this wash told me it would work fine. It uses touch sensors and lights sensors to detect the size of the car. The wash went behind my Smart and became stuck pushing on my rear bumper. It didnt work...

Unless you want to seriously damage your Smart, keep it out of a car wash!

[jaciinsf]

I have a convertible VW. I was told never take it to a car wash - due to the high water pressure. Also, you need to condition the top to retain the water repellent capability. I let the detailer handle all that (and drive around filthy most of the time).

[rwjrn]

I've had my car through 4 carwashes with no problem. I don't use the kind that have the spinning cleaners and I've had no issue with leakage.

[SMARTnTiny]

I went through one car wash on the track - it was a "park" wash as opposed to the "carry you along the conveyor wash. The wash didn't recognize how small I was and I didn't really get my back end cleaned. I'll stick to hand washing as well. I do better. ;)