Brushless wash

[ToJo]

Do these car washing places that offer spray only washes damage the vehicle?

I'd never take my new Celica to a brush car wash, but I'm worried that even the high powered water stream might damage the exterior.

[BillWS6Formula]

Depends on how dirty your car is to begin with. If it's really bad, those high pressure jets can force some of the grit along the paint surface causing scratches. A couple other problems with those brushless washes too though: 1. they don't really clean your car all that well and 2. if they use a harsh detergent it will strip whatever wax you have on there right off.

[bme107]

I don't like to use them but am forced to because I live in an apt. I just use them for their water. I bring my own bucket, sponge and soap. $2.50, rinse the car down. Soap it up with my stuff. $2.50, rinse the soap off. I would suggest not using the high pressure spray as Bill said, just use the low/gentle stream that usually sprays out automatically when you put your money in. If all it has is high pres. hold the nozzle far back (5') from the car.

Don't use their brushes without blasting them with the sprayer first, who knows what the guy before you used it on and what is still caught in the brush.

[Zorn]

How much do you value your paint job?

Problems w touchless: Your car seals go through hell (potential leaks etc)
It does a poor job compared to hand washing.
etc...