Verts and car wash

[palacp]

I've had my 1281 vert for about two weeks now and was wondering if it is OK to take it to an auto car wash.

I came from a 325cic and had no issues on auto car wash, but I read in the 128i manual about not waxing the fabric top which I would imagine is hard to avoid in the regular car wash places.

Any advice. Thanks.

[NFexec]

It all depends on how "anal" you are about the finish. If you are specifically asking if it's ok to take a soft top vert through a car wash - the answer is it won't destroy your top - but it most certainly can put more pressure and stress on the fabric - particularly where the frame and the fabric are stitched together.

I've had several soft tops and only took one through a car wash and it caused those ribs to show dirt much more than the others that I did NOT take through car washes.

Frankly - most car washes are just bad for car finishes - regardless of the body type or make.

Doug

[oneintheory]

There's a tremendously large difference between the heavily diluted spray waxes that go on in automatic car washes and the synthetic and carnauba stuff that you can apply by hand.

You won't have any problems with the top. I wash mine a couple times a week at an automatic wash....


...but you will have lots of swirls. As soon as I work together the time and nerve to Menzerna my car, it won't be going back to an automatic wash.

[gtaday51]

I wash my car once a week in my driveway with a bucket and a pressure washer for the wheels.
I have enough scratches on my car from the dealer washes. I dont need those guys with dirt for towels getting anywhere near my car.

[1013mm]

dont do it mannnn...!!

[BlackjackMulligan]

Don't get the spray wax option........other than that the top will be ok with the pressure.

[Tom K.]

While I never take my 'vert to an auto car wash, I'd advise treating the top with RaggTopp protectant whichever you decide.
Tom

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

While I never take my 'vert to an auto car wash, I'd advise treating the top with RaggTopp protectant whichever you decide.
Tom

+1

My only advice would be treat the top indoors if possible and let it dry BEFORE you wash the car......the protectant, while pretty easily wiped off, gets all over EVERYTHING. If you've just spent a ton of time cleaning your car and use the protectant, you're going to be pissed when you see the little dots all over the car and windows.

[amybang]

I take my vert through the auto wash. I do not pay for the spray wax. The only issue I notice is that the power dryer forces a little water into the passenger compartment at the top of the window.

amy!

[JohnnyTT]

I tried it once at a touchless wash.. the thing I hated was the force of the blowers on the top.

I won't be doing it again. Doesn't seem worth the risk, and I like washing my car.