Ok to Use automated car wash? S in neutral, car too low or just do it all ok?

[SKEarlyFord]

Do we use automated car washes for our S? What's best to use to freshen up black leather interior?

 

[DrivingRockies]

Touchless is ok per the manual. Brushes not so much.

 

[YauKwan]

Dont go through automatic car washes. Because the car was made in Cali, the paint is softer than other cars paint and scratches easily.

as for leather, any leather cleaner/conditioner is fine.

 

[Qbenjamin]

I use an automated car wash on a weekly basis and haven't had any issues, it does have brushes and I haven't even noticed as much as a single swirl since I bought the car 8 months ago.

 

[Doug_G]

Just put it in Neutral. Or don't bother, but then you'll get the proximity warnings going off all the way through.

 

[NYEVDriver]

I use a touchless car wash for both vehicles and after a year there is not a single swirl mark on either car. The following link details the type of carwash I use:

 

[MDMGSO47]

Be sure to fold in your mirrors

 

[MGMDaware]

This has been an ongoing discussion over many threads. Just do a search and you will see a plethora of information and opinions. Personally, I go 1-2 per week. They personally drive my car through (rather then deal with the neural vs tow mode). No issues with paint. I don't fold my mirrors in either.

 

[DrivingRockies]

I use an automated car wash on a weekly basis and haven't had any issues, it does have brushes and I haven't even noticed as much as a single swirl since I bought the car 8 months ago.

This has been an ongoing discussion over many threads. Just do a search and you will see a plethora of information and opinions. Personally, I go 1-2 per week. They personally drive my car through (rather then deal with the neural vs tow mode). No issues with paint. I don't fold my mirrors in either.

Is your car wrapped?

 

[MGMDaware]

I have a combination of 3m vinyl wrap and plasti-dip to accommodate my compulsion to remove all chrome. It has all held up. I am exactly 1 year in. The kick plate on the drivers side needs a little touch up (from rocks, not car wash), but otherwise holding strong. Even the dip on my rims has remained flawless.

 

[kort677]

I would stay away from car washes that drag the car on a track or any sort of pulley system. there are many washers where the car remains stationary and the washing mechanism moves.

 

[Qbenjamin]

Is your car wrapped?

No

 

[ABVA]

Expel Pro + Cquartz coating on both of my Tesla'MS. Never a regular/automated car wash, always touch less and then hand dry the cars. 2013 MS still looks as good as my 2017.

 

[HankLloydRight]

I use a regular car wash occasionally. Suspension on high and in neutral. No real problems.

 

[AmpedRealtor]

Dont go through automatic car washes. Because the car was made in Cali, the paint is softer than other cars paint and scratches easily.

You know that's complete nonsense, right?

 

[Az_Rael]

I use an automated wash at my local Costco, and it even has those foam "brush" things. I am a terrible person. The biggest thing is getting aligned right to not scratch your rims on the tracks, then just put it in neutral and stay seated in the car.

I do NOT use the kind of washes where they send your car through without someone in it - then the car has to be in tow mode, and that sounds like a nightmare if someone messes it up. So I just use the Costco wash and call it good. (I do have a full PPF wrap, tho)

 

[ABVA]

For those who are interested, here is the experience from another Forum Member:

Warning against touch based car washes!