[Yipper]

I'll admit that I've not used the self-service wash stalls that frequently. Mostly I hand wash at home and take my leisurely time with the job.

The few times I've been to the wash-stalls (to clean off some nasty road grime or something - not wash) I've noticed folks queueing up behind my stall and staring like hungry wolves.

What's the etiquette for this kind of thing? Can I take my time, wash, stop between initial pressure rinse, wash w/ mitt, and then pressure rinse?

What should I avoid? How much time is 'reasonable'?

With the drought here in the NJ/PA area, I'm not allowed to wash at home and with a new two week old 330i, I just CANNOT take it through and automatic wash anytime soon.

 

[alee]

What's the etiquette for this kind of thing? Can I take my time, wash, stop between initial pressure rinse, wash w/ mitt, and then pressure rinse?

Point the water wand at them and tell them to back off.

Seriously though, if you're feeling pressured, finish up your 3 or 5 minutes worth of water time leave the stall, scrub down, and then get back in line to rinse.

Might also want to pick a different time to go to the wash.

-Al

 

[Dr. Phil]

Most places have a no bucket wash request if others are waiting. All of the places that I use locally have signs stating so

Since the drought restrictions have been in place I go during off times (like weekdays during work hour or early mornings). Thursday I was there and did double wash and hand dry within the stall. Twice when people pulled up behind me a gave them a look, especially since another stall was open both times.

 

[Yipper]

Most places have a no bucket wash request if others are waiting. All of the places that I use locally have signs stating so

Since the drought restrictions have been in place I go during off times (like weekdays during work hour or early mornings). Thursday I was there and did double wash and hand dry within the stall. Twice when people pulled up behind me a gave them a look, especially since another stall was open both times.

I haven't noticed these signs around here. Do you guys normally take your own bucket (and soap) or do you use the "soap" setting on the spray machine?

I was hoping to take my own bucket and mitt and rinse, scrub, rinse in the stall - drying outside when finished.

Guess I'll need to do this during 'off' hours.

 

[Dr. Phil]

I haven't noticed these signs around here. Do you guys normally take your own bucket (and soap) or do you use the "soap" setting on the spray machine?

:yikes: No I do not use there soap (do on wifes minivan but that's different)

I would suggest that you not use the high pressure at a close distance either since it can cause swirls form pushing dirt around w/ too much force

I was hoping to take my own bucket and mitt and rinse, scrub, rinse in the stall - drying outside when finished.

Guess I'll need to do this during 'off' hours.

I take 2 buckets 1 with Sonax 1 plain water to rinse mitt/sponge

Mitt for body, sponge for bumper, different sponge for wheels
P21S drying towel after

 

[johnlew]

With the drought here in the NJ/PA area, I'm not allowed to wash at home and with a new two week old 330i, I just CANNOT take it through and automatic wash anytime soon.

Yes you can, just make sure it's "touchless"

 

[bol]

I'd steer clear of the touchless washes...

the 'wheel guides' aren't designed for larger wheels(such as those on your 330) and there is a high chance that they will scratch your wheels. It's happened to me and countless others.


In regards to wand-washes. Take your time. You're paying your money just like everyone else, just don't do anything crazy(hours upon hours...) If it takes you 30minutes to wash your car, it takes you 30minutes. I take my time and haven't had anyone whine at me yet.

 

[DougDogs]

I figure that My quarters...I take my time. At least there are plenty of stalls at the coin wash nearest to me. The only time I get weird looks is when I tow in my boat to powerwash the hull.

What the heck is the difference between touchless and brushless:dunno: :dunno:

I don't want to sound like George Carlin, but, if the car wash is "touchless" how do they clean your car:dunno: :dunno:

 

[johnlew]

I'd steer clear of the touchless washes...

the 'wheel guides' aren't designed for larger wheels(such as those on your 330) and there is a high chance that they will scratch your wheels. It's happened to me and countless others.

Not true of mine, I have no problem.

 

[Yipper]

I figure that My quarters...I take my time. At least there are plenty of stalls at the coin wash nearest to me. The only time I get weird looks is when I tow in my boat to powerwash the hull.

What the heck is the difference between touchless and brushless:dunno: :dunno:

I don't want to sound like George Carlin, but, if the car wash is "touchless" how do they clean your car:dunno: :dunno:

I don't know of any "touchless" washes in this area (central/west NJ) but I can't see how they'll get the car clean if they're truly touchless.

OT - Are you ever on 206 during rush hours in the Rt. 80 area? Flash your lights if you see a SG '02 330i w/ SP - might be me headed up to northern Sussex.

 

[johnlew]

What the heck is the difference between touchless and brushless:dunno: :dunno:

I don't want to sound like George Carlin, but, if the car wash is "touchless" how do they clean your car:dunno: :dunno:

brushless may refer to using felt washy things rather than the old brushes. Touchless means what it says, nothing touches the car. First there is (in mine) a high pressure side and underbody spray. Then two swipes with the full car wand of soap/cleaner. Then, lookout...a full car spray at over 1000 lb. psi. Finally, a spot free rinse and a blow dry. For a mildly dirty car it works quite well. When I'm heavily covered in salt spray it only works OK, just can't get all the film off, but I'm glad to get the heavy stuff off. I always use a damp towel to hand wipe and detail wipe the car when I get home in the garage. Then a quick clean of the windows and a once over with the California duster and she sparkles. Great winter routine for me. Does a better job than the "touch" wash and the high blast underbody is a godsend.

 

[DougDogs]

from Yipper OT - Are you ever on 206 during rush hours in the Rt. 80 area? Flash your lights if you see a SG '02 330i w/ SP - might be me headed up to northern Sussex.

My commute is only 2-3 miles on back roads to Randolph

My wife and I do travel down around Clinton area sometimes on weekends (electric red 325xI)