22" & 23" Wheels vs. Carwash rail guides?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 26
From: USA
`22 G63
22" & 23" Wheels vs. Carwash rail guides?
Anyone have experience taking their GLS with the 325mm rears (on the 22" and 23" wheels) through the dreaded carwash?
I know I know...who would take their new GLS into a slap and scratch carwash but mine is a family hauler and I paint correct my cars annually, the convenience just requires it sometimes.
I asked my local carwash how wide a tire they can take and they said the rails can accommodate 14" which should be enough but I have taken my Cayenne with 315mm rears through twice and it always feels like they rub a bit. Thoughts? I tried to measure the full width of the tire/wheel assembly since the rim is 11.5" and the tire does bulge out a bit. Seems to be about 13" or a tad over.
Thoughts?
I know I know...who would take their new GLS into a slap and scratch carwash but mine is a family hauler and I paint correct my cars annually, the convenience just requires it sometimes.
I asked my local carwash how wide a tire they can take and they said the rails can accommodate 14" which should be enough but I have taken my Cayenne with 315mm rears through twice and it always feels like they rub a bit. Thoughts? I tried to measure the full width of the tire/wheel assembly since the rim is 11.5" and the tire does bulge out a bit. Seems to be about 13" or a tad over.
Thoughts?
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
Another consideration might be the actual construction of the rails. Are they nylon-lined? If so, and if that lining is comfortably thick, then the likelihood of any wheel damage from occasional scuffing against the rails would be minimal to none.
I have a W212 with the stock 18X8.5" wheels and a GLK with the 19" wheels. My chosen car wash has 1/2" thick nylon linings on the inner and top surfaces of their rails. Neither car has been damaged.
I "interviewed" 5 or 6 car wash owners to determine which I might try. The fact that my chosen car wash washes the cars for the local Porsche corporate office helped that decision.
I have a W212 with the stock 18X8.5" wheels and a GLK with the 19" wheels. My chosen car wash has 1/2" thick nylon linings on the inner and top surfaces of their rails. Neither car has been damaged.
I "interviewed" 5 or 6 car wash owners to determine which I might try. The fact that my chosen car wash washes the cars for the local Porsche corporate office helped that decision.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 762
Likes: 166
From: Oregon USA
2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
I take my 22” GLS63 and 22” Bentayga (and my 2021 S63 Cabriolet) through my local “slap and scratch“ car wash weekly, and have never had an issue after 7+ years. But it’s always a local firm’s (Kaady), who have a thoughtful setup.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 26
From: USA
`22 G63
Thank you. I just looked up Kaady and their conveyor belt instead of rails is awesome. I am in your state but we don't have them in my local area. The more I think about how many lifted pickups go through the wash with wide MTs I am sure the family hauler will be fine and they confirmed 14" rails so I think risk is low. The funny thing is I don't even mind if it eventually dings something, this is the wife's rig and I give it 12 months before 2-3 wheels are curbed anyway :-)
