03-31-2016, 05:52 PM | #1 |
New Member
5
Rep 25
Posts |
Self Service Car Washes?
Hey Guys,
Washing my car in my building is very tough (no access to a hose), and the city is pretty strict above washing cars in general. I've read about the bucket system, however, it looks like I would still need a hose to rinse the car off. The alternative aside from having it professionally cleaned is going to a self service car wash. I've always taken my car to have it washed, but recently went to a self service wash once and didn't know what the hell I was doing :-). I basically just rinsed the car off/got it professionally cleaned the next day so I didn't cause any damage. The local self service wash locations have signs saying no bucket washing, so I was wondering if there are any best practices for places like this (or not even going at all). Is it better to bring my own products, are there any good videos showing the best way to clean cars at these places, etc.? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks a lot. |
03-31-2016, 06:39 PM | #2 |
Major
882
Rep 1,202
Posts |
I use these in the winter (in the summer I use my driveway).
I go: tire cleaner>presoak>high pressure soap>scrub brush>rinse>spot-free rinse. Make sure you spray the scrub brush off before using it on your car. You may want to bring a drying towel of some sort too, I don't because the place I go to is right around the block. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-31-2016, 06:40 PM | #3 |
Major General
3069
Rep 5,577
Posts |
Google waterless car wash, you need three buckets, product and lots of microfiber towels.
Couple times a years / after winter / maybe ask dealer to hose down underside of car. Chk this video |
Appreciate
0
|
03-31-2016, 10:23 PM | #4 |
Private First Class
55
Rep 114
Posts |
Like the post above, but I use Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine. You only need a couple gallons of water in a bucket, a wash mitt, and microfiber towels to dry off.
I clean my car often so I can use the one bucket method and it doesn't seem to be an issue. However you could use the two bucket method with it as well. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-02-2016, 09:45 AM | #5 | |
Lieutenant
157
Rep 580
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-02-2016, 04:58 PM | #6 | |
Kingslayer
411
Rep 1,479
Posts |
Quote:
Only drawback to the ONR is that it leaves a little bit of a film so you will need to dry the car with microfibers or a soft waffle weave towel. My suggestion is to wash/rinse/dry one panel at a time. Used this method on a black 11' GTI I and worked well.
__________________
Previous Cars: 2008' 135i, 2010' 328i, 2013' 328i, 2016' M235i, 2017' X1, 2019' M240i Current Cars: 2019' X3, 2021' M3 Comp |
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-10-2016, 08:59 AM | #7 | |
Major
583
Rep 1,117
Posts
Drives: 2015 BMW M235i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: ontario
|
Quote:
stay away from the self washbay brushes, or just clean your car with an SoS pad, it's practically the same loool |
|
Appreciate
1
|
04-19-2016, 07:45 PM | #8 |
Major
340
Rep 1,184
Posts |
Heard that it might be frowned upon maybe if the place was super busy.... But I was thinking about taking my own bucket, soap and drying towels to one of those places. Put one quarter in and spray the car down and fill the bucket with water and soap, then wash per usual. Then throw another couple quarters in for a rinse then dry.
I was even thinking about doing this when you do have driveway access in the user because it will keep your car in the shade..... Any thoughts. I can't imagine the extra $1.50 less in quarters you are giving them and the 15 minutes extra you take really cutting into their buisness. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-19-2016, 08:06 PM | #9 | |
Major
882
Rep 1,202
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-20-2016, 06:23 AM | #10 | |
Major
340
Rep 1,184
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|