If I use a touchless car wash such as Sheetz what grade?
#1
Okay so obviously I dont live at house but in a Apt so cant wash my car by hand except for when at home.

Anyways I noticed carwash at Sheetz has 4 levels and was curious if anyone has tried the different ones? and their opinions?

Levels: $5, $6, $7, $9


I researched a little to find that the $5 one isnt good and leaves many water spots, and $6 is okay.

Then 7 and 9 both do max of everything machine is capable but $9 one uses a Rainx during end of wash too.
*1996 Impala SS* - 139k mi
Interior:
Autometer 3pod A-pillar gauges (Volts, Oil temp, Oil Press), Galaxy 949 tuned CB radio, Palomar 450HD CB amp
Audio:
Pioneer REV-series speakers all-around, Alpine F345 Amp, Kenwood MP5032 CD Player
Performance/Exterior:
Home-made K&N CAI, Clear corner lenses, Silverstar turnsignal bulbs, brighter bulbs all-around
  Reply
#2
oK, I am the Official Grand Honcho Sheetz Car Wash Expert. I worked on it, I cleaned it, I went to te official Sheetz Training on it, and I know damn near everything there is to know about it.

And my Official Mandate is:

Go somewhere else.

If you refuse my advice, then, sad as it is to say, get the most expensive one, because you get a double wash at $7 and above. The rain-x treatment is a waste of time, the spot-free rinse isn't.

But seriously, I've been burned by the soap. It's extremely corrosive (basic), and we have to use a powerful acid to take the soap stains off the walls.

Frankly, I'll use a spray'n'wash and my own soap and bucket.
1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
  Reply
#3
agreed, over in front of outback behind the midas or on southmain on the right before you get to wendys...
  Reply
#4
white97dsm Wrote:agreed, over in front of outback behind the midas...

i went there all the time when i was at JMU, worked out great to take my own stuff. go at night when the manager guy doesn't check the place to make sure people aren't using buckets. plus the croud is less that time of day.
2010 Civic Si
2019 4Runner TRD Off-Road
--------------------------
Past:  03 Xterra SE 4x4  |  05 Impreza 2.5RS  |  99.5 A4 Quattro 1.8T  |  01 Accord EX  |  90 Maxima GXE  |  96 Explorer XLT
  Reply
#5
never, ever, ever, ever use an automatic car wash, they leave swirls in the paint and really screw up the finish. I did once, and spent hours and hours claybaring the paint to get those damn swirls out, and STILL could see them. Yes, touchless, the high pressure sprayers do this. Always wash by hand using a mitt, no sponge and if you drop it, throw it away and buy another one. Now, if you don't give a crap about your paint, well, why ask then?
  Reply
#6
Microfiber mitts FTW!

I'm a ricer with tons of detailing stuff....
(09-25-2019, 03:18 PM)V1GiLaNtE Wrote: I think you need to see a mental health professional.
  Reply
#7
Like others have mentioned just take it to the DIY power washer stations and bring a bucket and supplies. I do this all the time even during the day and have never been questioned about my bucket. The manager that is usually there is pretty nice guy and often comes over and talks to me while I'm detailing the car and he never says anything...
  Reply
#8
white_2kgt Wrote:never, ever, ever, ever use an automatic car wash, they leave swirls in the paint and really screw up the finish. I did once, and spent hours and hours claybaring the paint to get those damn swirls out, and STILL could see them.

Clay bar does not remove swirls at all!!! It is supposed to remove contaminants from inside the paint that regular washing cannot do. Polish and the proper pad/machine combo will do the trick. For $4 at that spray and wash next to Wendy's on South Main, I am able to remove bugs'n'tar, wash w/my bucket, detail the wheels and dry inside the gate as well (I could of waxed my car too but I can't b/c I am in the process of testing a new wax for durability. Took me a little less than two hours to remove bugs, wash, and dry. I asked the people if I can wash w/bucket and they said I can unless a line of people are waiting. The key is to go to a spray and wash when nobody is around.
  Reply


Forum Jump: