AKSwift

Hello all,

Sorry if this is a dumb question.

​​​​​I have never put any convertible through an automatic car wash, thinking that the roof would not look kindly on the external forces. That said, it's clearly designed to withstand 100mph winds and substantial rain. I lent the car out to someone recently and they, very kindly, drove it through a car wash before returning it and didn't seem to think much of it.

Ignoring the effect of the brushes/whatever on the paint, what are folks' thoughts on this? Has anybody had issues that look like they can be traced to car wash use? Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

sjay

I generally do not use car washes but if I do its the touchless kind for my SUV. My convertibles I generally wash by hand. I know my old convertible mustang (2003) that I had while in school would actually leak from the high pressure water in a carwash but my current 2011 (and past few convertibles) have an obviously far superior roof now. I know folks with convertibles that do use car washes I cant imagine any serious issues to be concerned about.

Snarla

I do a weekly hand wash on my 2013 e350 coupe. But....a bit over a year ago, I tried a local car wash (self wash). I took a bevy of coins with me ... but the wash bay only accepted credit cards.

2 terrible events occurred.

First...I sprayed the gas cap filler door with the high pressure water, causing the gas filler door to open..resulting in about $350 in damage to the electrical component that keeps the filler door closed. A pain in the ***.
Then... my assistant started noticing credit card charges occurring from out of the country on my A/X. I don't open the statements, so I wouldn't notice. It went on for 2 months. A pain in the ***.

Both issues are fixed.



Carry on.


Mark

RealDonn

Unfortunately, hand car wash places primarily use power washers these days, so I've wondered if touchless car washes are any worse or better.

AKSwift

There is a touchless car wash nearby that I tried for fun with our GLS. I might as well not have bothered. Completely wasted my money. For starters, I had to drive myself through it - I could plausibly have driven through at 30mph.
My question was specifically about convertible roofs. I think modern fabric roofs can probably handle the forces involved, but I wanted to hear others' experiences.

Thanks all

WRC-LVR

The MB owners manual for the 2012 A207 E350 specifically says DO NOT put the car thru car wash. Wash by hand only and specifically mentions damage to the convertible top..
I followed that advice for 4 years and also applied 303 convertible top protectant to it once a year. Top looked like new when i sold the car in 2022 to my son.
Yes it is a bit of PITA to hand wash it. But it is worth it to not have to replace the top as that is $$$$$.

pl626

I've been taking my 2015 E400 Cab to a soft-cloth auto wash for years. Top is fine, I finally applied 303 this year after intending to do it for years. I haven't really noticed any fading or issues with the top. You have to be careful of the type of wash you use if you don't do it yourself. I've used high pressure washers on my patio umbrellas and have noticed that can damage the Sunbrella fabric, so I'd be wary of using high pressure on the top.

WRC-LVR

Nope only used a hose and hand wash. Also only used car wash soap that did NOT have wax in it...Wasnt gonna have the top damaged by high pressure .or suffer wax build up in the top fabric that attracted and retained dust...

Using 303, the water tends to bead off the top during washing though.. IIRC it may have some silicone material in it....