Originally Posted by MATTY_T

So today i decided to get my car washed. I was in a hurry so i went to the automatic car wash near my house because I have been there before and never had any issues. Well I got the car cleaned and drove back home. The second I got out of my car I noticed a big ****ing scratch on my door... it starts at the front drivers side fender and ends at almost the end of the door. It took some paint off completely on the door. I drove my *** back up there (almost in tears and about ready to throw up)... and made a complaint. The owner/boss wasn't there so I talked to the next guy in charge. I filled out a claim and he gave me a number to contact the owner. So I called and left him a very nice and polite voice mail so he should be calling me back. The guy said the owner would be gone all weekend. Both me and the guy working there took some pictures on our phones and when I got back home i took pics. I know for a fact that the scratch was not there today... i looked at my car and I didn't see it. Its very very noticeable. So my question is what else can I do at this point? I feel that I have done everything possible on my end at this time. Tomorrow morning I have a few shops that I'm going to go to and get a estimate so that I can have the papers ready for him when I meet up with him. Here are a few pictures that I snapped really fast. I'm open to any advice. Im so stressed right now about this whole situation. 99% of the other time I hand wash my car... and this is why. Im kind of mad at myself right now for being lazy and using an automatic wash but I still dont think that its my fault... who is ready for some serious drinking tonight?? I know I am.Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by Master Shake

Sorry to hear about your car wash issue. It doesn't sound like the owner is too interested in getting back to you, and if he does, unfortunately he will probably only point out the "not responsible" signs.

For everyone who is recommending a touchless wash -- are you referring to the small building with the automated/robotic wash arm, that is usually associated with gas stations? If so, what do you do about drying your car afterwards? Obviously, the blower doesn't get the car completely dry. If you drive home with a (somewhat) wet car, do you not end up with water spots?

Originally Posted by Mazinger Z

Ouch... and that's why I haven't taken any of my cars to the car wash in 11 years.

Originally Posted by Highway Riding

I only use hand washes that specialize in detailing.. If they are closed then i'll load up a bucket of warm water and throw in some laundrey detergent (chlor. free) and wax on and wax off!

Originally Posted by 2006_350gt

Ive got one to top this, I let a local shop do an oil change for me one day cause I was extremely busy. I drop the car off, come back a few hours later pick it up and on my way home I pull into a gas station go to the pump and realize that my passenger front fender has a huge scar and is DENTED (huge dent just like my typing). Anyways I take it back and they decline any responsibility till the owner showed up. Turned out to be a cool guy, looked at it, saw some green residue walks out back and shows the manager where one of the techs' was backing it up and cut the wheel too sharp and clipped a big *** metal dumpster. Tech declined it and owner immediately (while I was standing there) fired the guy saying he wouldn't have a liar working at his shop. Needless to say the car has a beautiful new coat nice new fender and they change my oil all the time now