Automated car wash - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

cirofeola · 10-10-2008, 04:26 PM

Does the smart go through automated car washes like any other car? For some reason I am nervous about going through one.

**JPaul** · 10-10-2008, 04:31 PM

The caravan that toured the country last year had their cars through numerous car washes. Just take care of what kind it is, to avoid those dreadful nylon brushes. Or other potential armful devices (too much pressure, etc...).
And see:
I put my Smart through a automatic car wash
Car Wash
Hope it helps.

**jwight** · 10-10-2008, 04:32 PM

Been through one so far and it was "touchless" - the only kind I would consider. Did an OK job but it's only a 15 min task to DIY.

dubblxtc · 10-10-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cirofeola

Does the smart go through automated car washes like any other car? For some reason I am nervous about going through one.

Well it will leave all kinds of scratches if it's one with those slapping rubber long things. Those spinning and just doing damage plus you must take antenna off or hear it slapping around during wash not good idea best to had wash or go through one that doesn't usevthise brush things against car. I only hand wash mine never through car wash

cirofeola · 10-10-2008, 04:37 PM

Thanks for the advice guys.

a2jack · 10-10-2008, 04:46 PM

Ours has been through an automatic-wash at least 15 times. No problem.

Ask the car wash manger if they have run Smarts before, if not, ask him to watch the first run through.

Our car was the first Smart through though the local wash. Manager reset track to make sure future Smarts would always get a good wash. He even gives us a discount cause our car is so small

Trena · 10-10-2008, 05:42 PM

i've been thru touchless and the other type both with no problems, but i do remove the antenna. and i have a cabrio, but no leaks. like the others, i prefer to hand wash whenever i can and prefer the touchless washes to save swirlies in my clearcoat paint.

spikey01 · 10-10-2008, 10:58 PM

Run my cabrio through the brushless car wash in Van Nuys every week. No problemo, no leako.

jsenka · 10-15-2008, 08:18 AM

A2Jack -
Would you mind sharing which car wash you use? Winter's coming and hand washes may not be a reasonable option!

a2jack · 10-15-2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsenka

A2Jack -
Would you mind sharing which car wash you use? Winter's coming and hand washes may not be a reasonable option!

We use the car wash at Lee road and US 23 (next door to Mickey D's). It's the only wash around there, so you can't miss it.

However if this spot is inconvenient, pick a newer wash and go in and talk to the manager, BEFORE you run your car through. BTW, where are you in SO-Mich. Is your car a black cab?