2025 Car Wash Experience

[Tim d]

Sure but I'm saying the much cheaper isn't true either. If you're saying ceramic coating sure but slcersmic spray or a spray sealant? Nah. Especially if you factor in time to apply.

I've never used the ceramic spray, but a quick Google search shows most popular brands are about 20bucks per spray bottle.do you know how many applications are in that bottle? I use mequires paste wax. At 9 bucks per can,I've waxed our maverick twice and there is at least 2 more applications left.

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[TwuckHappens]

I've never used the ceramic spray, but a quick Google search shows most popular brands are about 20bucks per spray bottle.do you know how many applications are in that bottle? I use mequires paste wax. At 9 bucks per can,I've waxed our maverick twice and there is at least 2 more applications left.

It's not clear what you mean by application, t's measured in durability and longevity. If you're washing with dish soap then you're stripping your car of most protection (wax or spray) every time you use it and so you need a new application every time you strip the car. If you just do a rinse and car wash then one application of ceramic sprays last 6 months but some last longer and it depends on the conditions.

 

[Tim d]

It's not clear what you mean by application, t's measured in durability and longevity. If you're washing with dish soap then you're stripping your car of most protection (wax or spray) every time you use it and so you need a new application every time you strip the car. If you just do a rinse and car wash then one application of ceramic sprays last 6 months but some last longer and it depends on the conditions.

By application I mean spraying the entire car down and wiping off for protection. How many times can you do that per bottle? I wax my vehicles with paste wax once a year,every spring. The dishsoap doesn't appear to strip the wax since the water still beads up when washing.

 

[TwuckHappens]

You can probably get 3 or 4 applications per bottle but it depends how much you use it. The recommendation is 2 sprays per panel for most. Because it's so easy to do you would probably do it more often though. The application is literally wash car, dry off, spray on, and lightly buff off. If you've never tried them before it might be good to try it the next time. Worst case is that you're out $20 and 30 minutes of your time.

Ops question was about paint durability though and seems like the consensus amongst detailers is that ceramic coatings and ceramic sprays give better durability. If the car stays in a garage all the time and you don't have harsh winters, rain storms, etc it might not matter

 

[Tim d]

You can probably get 3 or 4 applications per bottle but it depends how much you use it. The recommendation is 2 sprays per panel for most. Because it's so easy to do you would probably do it more often though. The application is literally wash car, dry off, spray on, and lightly buff off. If you've never tried them before it might be good to try it the next time. Worst case is that you're out $20 and 30 minutes of your time.

Ops question was about paint durability though and seems like the consensus amongst detailers is that ceramic coatings and ceramic sprays give better durability. If the car stays in a garage all the time and you don't have harsh winters, rain storms, etc it might not matter

Thx,will give it a try.might be worth it if it's easier to apply than paste wax and does as good a job.

 

[Aherpa]

I take mine through a drive through car wash at least once a week and no problems

Same here, a wash only option so as not to get that wax buildup that turns the black plastic parts gray.

 

[Shakesbear]

I never go to automatic car washes. I've been driving 50 years and went to one once. I might as well let a bunch of 4 year olds wash it with gravel. Most of the car washes recycle the water which means the dirt from the monster mudder truck 5 vehicles before you ends up in the water. Yes they have filters etc. but sand and fine particles are still there. if you see a almost white FORD oval on a vehicle I promise they go through the car wash on a regular basis.
So that is why I put a garage door on the primary bath and drive mine into the shower for a wash and rinse.

Automatic car washes have changed a lot over 50 years

 

[MontgomeryLittle]

2025 XLT here. Azure Gray Tri Coat. Got mine in February. I run it thrue a local touch less about every other week maybe. And wash at home with a foam gun and dry with an electric leaf blower other weeks.
About 2 weeks after I got it we had a 70 degree day and I got my first coat of wax on it. Meguiars paste wax. Thin and easy to apply and remove. I now have three coats of wax on it that I supplement with Meguiars spray wax. I use the spray a lot on the front end and grill area. Trying to keep it clean for when the bugs come out full force. My experience with bugs and Harleys always seemed to be easier to clean bugs off of a good wax job. And the cleaner you keep it the easier it is to clean.
Oh and Meguiars detailer for bird crap and smaller bugs.
I may wax or wash the clear coat off at some point. And I've never kept a truck this clean. Harley yes, truck nope.
And one last thing on Mequiars, wife and I do a little trip towards the Smokies, regularly, usually on the Harleys. But last time in the Maverick and what looked like eagle shit beaded up and slid off the hood while parked at our motel.
A little over two months of ownership my paint looks pristine.

 

[Lugnut]

I take my truck through a touchless wash nearly every day and put a ceramic coating spray wax on at least once every six weeks or so. Paint still looks showroom new. No swirls or scratch marks. Just a deep shine all the time.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Oh no the tunnel of torture.

The antenna even survived. I have never had a factory antenna damaged by a car wash.

In my opinion.
Touch less car washes, are like rinsing your mouth with mouthwash and never brushing your teeth.

 

[Lugnut]

Brushed carwashes damage the finish. This is a fact not opinion. Yes an occasional two bucket hand wash is necessary for deep cleaning. along with the touchless washes in between.

 

[jbwilli]

2024 ionic silver xlt. Used Turtle wax ceramic spray on right after I bought it a year ago. Paint is perfect, none of those angel hair scratches you see on my black denali. Great product

My son introduced me to Chemical Guys products for a 'paint scratch free" easy car wash! They design their products with 'paint scratch free' being of upmost importance. Their super sudsing soap is awesome and results in a super shine/finish with their protective ceramic technology. My 2009 Explorer looks like it was repainted and waxed by a professional service! Check out Chemical Brothers car wash products. My son bought one of their bucket kits. You will not be disappointed!

 

[Tim d]

OCD?

Right? I wash my vehicles once a year,sometimes twice.and wax once a year.the paint on my 16 year old ram, a michigan truck it's entire life still looks new.

 

[ychuck46]

I do touch-less or by hand in my driveway. Though I find touch-less doesn’t get much off.

Exactly why I gave up on the touchless versions. We have a monthly plan with the Zip's chain and while they use the touch on system, it hasn't caused an issue so far with our '25 Mav hybrid.

 

[MarcoG]

I take mine through a drive through car wash at least once a week and no problems

Agreed. Same here. My 23 Lariat Mav is professionally detailed every 4 to 5 months and l use the regular local car wash every other week, as it is garaged. Barring wet weather, that's all it needs. Zero paint issues even with the discontinued Iconic silver which would show paint issues easily. I' ve driven cross country in every kind of weather and climate from Key West to Tahoe snow and the desert. Zero.

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