Well I decided to take my car to the car wash today. Came out great, no scrathes on the wheels or anything. There is a hand wash by my office. But the car is still pulled by the tracks on the floor. That is what I was worried about.

Just don't have the time to hand wash all the time and what are you going to do in the winter or how do you wash the undercarriage?

Also, I hear most dealers bring cars to the car wash so your Z may have already been through one.

 

Since most don't promote using the automatic car washes, what thoughts do you guys have about washing your car in winter time? Obviously, I'm talking about places where the temp. drops before 40.

 

Just make sure you go to a no-brush carwash!

 

I just came from a Hand Wash that stills pulls the car through a track and the car came our clean and without a scratch.

I have the 18" Performance Rims. Other rims may stick out more and get damaged, be carefull.

 

If it drops below 32 F, and it precipitates where you are, don't drive it and get it dirty. If it is between 32 and 40, and nothing corrosive on the road, drive it and get it dirty. My method is to wait when it's above 33, work in the sunlight, avoid windy days, use warm water in your wash buckets, have everything ready and wash and dry quickly.

 

There are two ways I wash a car in the winter time.

1. Wash it by hand it the freezing cold. I bought a pair of diving gloves to do this and I always blow the water out of the hose when I am done and store it in a warm climate.

2. I go to Ernie's Car Wash in Auburn or Worcester. This car was is a true touch-free car wash. It is all high pressure water jets and soap. Absolutely nothin touches your car except soap and water. There are blowers at the end of the cycle but it doesn't get all of the water off. I usually have to take my "absorber" and dry the excess water off. I always dry the door jamb also so it won't freeze overnight. It comes out perfect.

 

Yeah, I tend to brave the cold and do it myself. I get super big neoprene or latex gloves and wear some cloth gloves underneath. Hot water in the buckets makes it even feel nice and toasty. My neighbors think I'm nuts, though. Not only do I wash in the winters, but I spend hours waxing and polishing my cars...

 

Thanks for the advice/comments. Maybe I'll try to do-it-myself for those nice sunny winter days. An indoor washing location might be something to look into also.

 

Be careful with hot water on a cold day/cold water on a hot day. Its a good way to crack a windshield.

 

VERY good point. That's why I don't wash the car when its below freezing. And I usually have the car warmed up after a short drive. (only in the winter, and I only do a quick wash to get off the salt)