I got my car detailed this weekend, came out looking beautiful. When I picked it up, the owner of the detail shop advised me to stay away from car washes because the water they use is terrible (he said he used to own a car wash).
I don't go to car washes often anyway, but now I'm wondering, is the water from my hose any better? what makes the car wash water so bad?
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2007 Mustang GT, vista blue
manual tranny
3.55 limited slip axle
light graphite cloth interior
shaker 500
I think it's because the water isn't filtered, ie straight from the well, riddled with sulfur... I'd be careful about using it if I were you. As a matter of fact, I advise staying away from the car washes, they've been known to induce more paint scratching/marring than needed... Just do it yourself.
it's a few reasons, a couple being most of the do-it-yourself washes use a water reclamation system, so it doesn't get 100% clean. most owners are too lazy/cheap to change the filters. also, the products they use are cheap and have insainly high PH levels, the products and water run through the same line.
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-mac cai
-Bassani o/r x
-super 40s w/ slp tips
yeah, i used to work at a car wash and we recycled water. it just gets run through a filter and back onto the cars. if you have hard water at home then i would suggest buying a water softener.
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1994 Mustang GT, just a few minor appearance mods, engine mostly stock (for now)
high pH (above 7) levels are basic (think baking soda). anything that you are cleaning your car with needs to be a neutral pH (around 7). acids are pH lower than 7. acids and bases will eat away at your cars finish over time. if it is a strong acid or base, then it will eat away very quickly. a high or low pH isnt good for car washing.
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1994 Mustang GT, just a few minor appearance mods, engine mostly stock (for now)
kind of a waste since you're supposed to dry off each section right after using the no rinse.
Lol what does that have to do with whether or not the water is safe and won't eat my paint over time? I'm guessing the reason why you are suppose to dry off each section is to prevent water marks. Well I'm gonna try it out in my underground garage and the temperature is pretty cool so hopefully I won't have to dry off each section. Thatwill take so much more effort
Water at carwash vs from hose
