Hood protector and the Car Wash

rvandam · 05-16-2004, 07:16 PM

I just installed my hood protector. Now, I'm probably being way too anal about this, but... is it safe to send my Titan through car wash with the hood protector on?

Rino

SmokeSE · 05-16-2004, 07:40 PM

It depends on what kinda wash it is. If its one of those new touchless wash stations that just sprays water and soap, you should be fine. If you go through the other type with the big brushes, i would be a little worried. I've had a license plate frame pulled off by one of those. I haven't taken my Titan through one of those yet... But if I did, it would have to be the touchless kind.

joel · 05-16-2004, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvandam

I just installed my hood protector. Now, I'm probably being way too anal about this, but... is it safe to send my Titan through car wash with the hood protector on?

Rino

NO. You're not being anal.
DO NOT send your Titan through ANY car wash, hood protector or not.

I work in Alpharetta, Mansell / Haynes Bridge area.

If you see 5000lb of blinding black glass on four wheels, it be me.

rvandam · 05-16-2004, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joel

NO. You're not being anal.
DO NOT send your Titan through ANY car wash, hood protector or not.

Well, it's too late for that. It's been through the car wash a few times already, but without the hood protector.

This sucks... I have to take the damn thing off every time?

And yes, it is one of those water-only car washes (Sky Wash Detail). They do have one area where they basically slap some big flaps of fabric over your car, but that's it.

What color is your Titan?

Rino

joel · 05-16-2004, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvandam

Well, it's too late for that. It's been through the car wash a few times already, but without the hood protector.

This sucks... I have to take the damn thing off every time?

And yes, it is one of those water-only car washes (Sky Wash Detail). They do have one area where they basically slap some big flaps of fabric over your car, but that's it.

What color is your Titan?

Rino

I don't know anything about hood protectors.

I couldn't see how water only would do any harm. Though I don't understand how it would do a good job either.

If you spend some time on detailing forums, you'll find guys arguing over which $20 mircofiber towel to use. So I would run from any 'big flaps of fabric'.

Galaxy Black

rrumaner · 05-16-2004, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joel

NO. You're not being anal.
DO NOT send your Titan through ANY car wash, hood protector or not.

I work in Alpharetta, Mansell / Haynes Bridge area.

If you see 5000lb of blinding black glass on four wheels, it be me.

You seem awfully adamant about not doing this so I am wondering why? My Titan goes through a touchless car wash at least once every two weeks and so far I haven't had any problems with it.

joel · 05-16-2004, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrumaner

You seem awfully adamant about not doing this so I am wondering why? My Titan goes through a touchless car wash at least once every two weeks and so far I haven't had any problems with it.

Once every two weeks probably means you have little if any wax/sealant remaining. Touchless washes must use pretty harsh soap and I think the result still sux. I wouldn't use 'em.

But to each his own...

SmokeSE · 05-16-2004, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrumaner

You seem awfully adamant about not doing this so I am wondering why? My Titan goes through a touchless car wash at least once every two weeks and so far I haven't had any problems with it.

Does that keep it pretty clean? Also do you have alot of problems with brake dust? i just washed mine yesterday and my rims are already dirty after like 10 miles. I don't really usually brake hard either.

SmokeSE · 05-16-2004, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvandam

I just installed my hood protector. Now, I'm probably being way too anal about this, but... is it safe to send my Titan through car wash with the hood protector on?

Rino

By the way, where did you get your bug guard from, and how much?

FRD ETR · 05-16-2004, 10:37 PM

As for touchless carwashes my family owns several and to say the least my truck has been through a few times (a few times a week that is) and I still have a very good wax and it does come clean. Some of the less reputable owners will use various chemicals in their soaps to cheapen the cost however if you are using a more modern facility most likely you won't have a problem with it stripping your wax.

Many locations are beginning to use a real Carnuba wax through their systems which should improve overall results. What some sell as "wax" isn't even a wax

rvandam · 05-17-2004, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeSE

By the way, where did you get your bug guard from, and how much?

I bought it at my dealer. A little more expensive, but that's the price I pay for instant gratification... $70

ski_freak · 05-17-2004, 05:55 AM

I have run my through a touchless car wash about 3 times now after returning from construction sites and having it covered in Georgia clay dust. I was too tired to hand wash it so I used the car wash. It seemed to do okay, but the air jet drier concerns me the most. Hopefully I will be off this construction site soon.

joeandmaria · 05-17-2004, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ski_freak

I have run my through a touchless car wash about 3 times now after returning from construction sites and having it covered in Georgia clay dust. I was too tired to hand wash it so I used the car wash. It seemed to do okay, but the air jet drier concerns me the most. Hopefully I will be off this construction site soon.

I went thru once, and when the jet dry was blowing I heard a loud bang after the Titans flimsy roof made a loud bang as it flexed and bounced. Haven't been back since!!!

Half Shovel · 05-17-2004, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joel

Once every two weeks probably means you have little if any wax/sealant remaining. Touchless washes must use pretty harsh soap and I think the result still sux. I wouldn't use 'em.

But to each his own...

I also find that the touchless washes really are "touchless" - they leave most of the dirt on my truck!

llajumpvid · 05-17-2004, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvandam

I just installed my hood protector. Now, I'm probably being way too anal about this, but... is it safe to send my Titan through car wash with the hood protector on?

Rino

I had one on a vehicle a few years ago and when I went through the dryer the airflow bouncing off the hood fliped the deflector back and shattered it into about 100 pieces. It went through a few rapid and loud oscillations before it snapped as I scrambled to get the car in gear and out from under the dryer once I realiezed what was about to happen.....