Does automatic car wash really damage your paint ?
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Los Angeles
C63
That's the real problem with black paint, looks awesome when its clean but a real PITA to keep it that way.
Ill probably make a DIY detailing thread one of these days.
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From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350
Wow, sand paper ur car Karl? I mean i heard about this technique, but I heard u cannot do it so often.. Sanding clear coat is always risky. Lol
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From: Melbourne
(a)'12 C63 P/P, LSD, 19" m/spoke,comfort pack. (b)Astra SRI.
I'd never take something like an AMG or any "good" car, that I treasured, to a car wash.
Of recent years, there's been a drought in Aus, so we weren't allowed to hand wash our cars at home from the tap....but we were allowed to go to a commercial car wash, because they use recycled water.
Went there once with our everydayer...didn't like the experience at all....so I bought a 1500 litre rainwater tank (collected rainwater from roof), & used that for handwashing.
Actually, I quite enjoy washing the car....I take a while to do it....normally all day....the hardest part, particularly with the multi spoke wheels, is cleaning them, & the brake calipers.
Looking at the car, after ya've done a top job getting it looking "brand new", is pretty rewarding, I reckon.
Cheers, Pickles.
Of recent years, there's been a drought in Aus, so we weren't allowed to hand wash our cars at home from the tap....but we were allowed to go to a commercial car wash, because they use recycled water.
Went there once with our everydayer...didn't like the experience at all....so I bought a 1500 litre rainwater tank (collected rainwater from roof), & used that for handwashing.
Actually, I quite enjoy washing the car....I take a while to do it....normally all day....the hardest part, particularly with the multi spoke wheels, is cleaning them, & the brake calipers.
Looking at the car, after ya've done a top job getting it looking "brand new", is pretty rewarding, I reckon.
Cheers, Pickles.
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my wife bananas! :D
^ agree.
I just spent several hours waxing the car. The sense of accomplishment when you see the vehicle gleam from bumper to bumper makes it worth it. Plus, I find it relaxing, gives me time to drift off in thoughts while I clean.
I just spent several hours waxing the car. The sense of accomplishment when you see the vehicle gleam from bumper to bumper makes it worth it. Plus, I find it relaxing, gives me time to drift off in thoughts while I clean.
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Los Angeles
'16 C63-S
When I'll have a house I guess I'll enjoy waxing it by myself on a sunny sunday, but for now, I live in a condo with an awkward parking garage. I guess it's not going that fun for me.
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
Vivid Racing '09 C63 AMG
Me too. I can only do so much detailing on the premises. Otherwise, it's either take it to get it detailed, or find a self-service car wash.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Los Angeles
C63
Your right, it does get risky (if you sand down too much) that's why I don't do it unless I absolutely have too. Plus, I do it with light pressure as to not to take off too much clear.
I need to get one of those paint thickness gauges for X-Mas.
I have to admit, if you do it right your paint will look incredible! Especially on black cars where orange peel is more visible.
Last edited by _AMG_; May 18, 2012 at 12:48 AM.
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From: N.Jersey and New York, stationed in Germany
W164 ML500,SMART For two,1994 C280(5speed manual) 1999 C230k station wagon
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I hand wash my car. 
