Beware of Car Washes

[cmeinck]

I planned on taking out my H3 last night, so after 8 days of rain I thought a nice car wash was in order. When it came out, it looked awesome. The staff took 15 minutes drying it and armor alling the tires. So, I get in and took a trip to get gas. As an H3 owner, you know that your mirrors are VERY important. I looked at my Passenger mirror and didn't see it. I figured that perhaps it just folded in. I stopped at the gas station and to my surprise it was missing. The part that swivels was totally busted off. I immediately returned to the Car Wash and demanded to speak to the owner. He wasn't there, but I spoke to a manager who came out and looked at my H3. He then proceeded back into the Car Wash and returned with my passenger mirror - wire hanging out and all. He apologized and offered to pay for a new mirror.

What a mess... I'm hoping to have a new one put on tomorrow. 300 miles and now this. At least the truck will be "good as new" once it's fixed.

So, word to the wise, either avoid them alltogether or fold in your mirrors before going through. When I told this story to a friend, they mentioned a story about an Escalade that "jumped" the rails at a car wash resulting in scratches to the whole truck. With the H3's big wheels, I could see that happening as well.

For me, it's all self serve wash from here on out.

[cmeinck]

I planned on taking out my H3 last night, so after 8 days of rain I thought a nice car wash was in order. When it came out, it looked awesome. The staff took 15 minutes drying it and armor alling the tires. So, I get in and took a trip to get gas. As an H3 owner, you know that your mirrors are VERY important. I looked at my Passenger mirror and didn't see it. I figured that perhaps it just folded in. I stopped at the gas station and to my surprise it was missing. The part that swivels was totally busted off. I immediately returned to the Car Wash and demanded to speak to the owner. He wasn't there, but I spoke to a manager who came out and looked at my H3. He then proceeded back into the Car Wash and returned with my passenger mirror - wire hanging out and all. He apologized and offered to pay for a new mirror.

What a mess... I'm hoping to have a new one put on tomorrow. 300 miles and now this. At least the truck will be "good as new" once it's fixed.

So, word to the wise, either avoid them alltogether or fold in your mirrors before going through. When I told this story to a friend, they mentioned a story about an Escalade that "jumped" the rails at a car wash resulting in scratches to the whole truck. With the H3's big wheels, I could see that happening as well.

For me, it's all self serve wash from here on out.

[H3 Hummer]

Wow, that sucks. That had to be really strong. I mean it takes a little to just fold them. A lot more to break, and a lot, lot to completely break off including the wires. If the car/truck can fit in the driving grooves that should never happen.

Good thing they didn't give you a hard time about replacing it.

[Efrain]

I always hand wash my car myself. And I do it very gently. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Takes me close to three hours to wash and dry it though. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[cmeinck]

I guess it wrapped around the mirror somehow and got caught. Thing was snapped off pretty good.

Thank god for Lynch Hummer. They stepped up bigtime to get me a mirror. Dealers in my area were out of stock and suggested I call next week. Much thanks to Doug over Lynch who searched, found one and expedited shipping. My dealer was also kind enough to fit me in tomorrow. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[2xtreme]

I hand wash mine unless it's freezing outside then I go to a touchless car wash.

[crotch_rocket_pilot]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 2xtreme:
I hand wash mine unless it's freezing outside then I go to a touchless car wash. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, I do the touchless car wash thing too, I worry about swirls marks and scratches going through a regular car wash. My hummer dealership offers free car washes but I dont dont use it for that reason. On the plus side, I just went to Ziebart had had rustproofing and diamond gloss put on. The diamond gloss protects the paint and gives it a permanent shine, no need to wax from now on.

[fourfourto]

Those do it yourself carport type car washers are good for winter i dont trust car washers,valet parking or car garages .In jume
I had to use garage in nyc on at fortum university and one in china town for nieces graduation one of them double dinged fender at seam on 04 murano they must have parked another car next to mine twice and slamed it both times .I know a ding guy poped them out 99% good

H3 gray aventure ,sunroof, steps ,roof rack ,smokers package ,window vents, sunroof visor, hard spare tire cover, h3 valve caps ,and mudflaps 2,600+ miles

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by fourfourto:
Those do it yourself carport type car washers are good for winter i dont trust car washers,valet parking or car garages .In jume
I had to use garage in nyc on at fortum university and one in china town for nieces graduation one of them double dinged fender at seam on 04 murano they must have parked another car next to mine twice and slamed it both times .I know a ding guy poped them out 99% good

H3 gray aventure ,sunroof, steps ,roof rack ,smokers package ,window vents, sunroof visor, hard spare tire cover, h3 valve caps ,and mudflaps 2,600+ miles </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Can someone please translate this in English with punctuation. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[H3OH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I looked at my Passenger mirror and didn't see it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't ask me why, but this made me snicker for a couple of minutes. I had a visual of you just looking over and not seeing a mirror. LOL!

[cmeinck]

To quote the Metallica song... Sad But True.

You know, I think I need a good Metallica mix on my iPod for the H3. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[TexasRTR78]

Took mine through the wash the other day at the place I always go and when I went to get in I noticed that the radio antenna was missing....searched and searched for it then one of the guys finally came up and asked me what I was looking for....turns out someone broke it when they tried to take it off http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif...didnt get p!ssed off though, just ordered another one.

[4ophenia]

So, recommendation is to go through car port type only? And/or do it yourself.

[wannabeH3]

holy crap man i can wash and dry that thing in 30 minutes.. wax it in another 30 too.... im not too worried about car washes.. i got so many scratches from brush on it already.... aw well better get maco!!!

[Ed G.]

I always hand wash mine, takes about an hour. I use the MR. Clean system so I never have to dry it.

[Dan]

Here's my routine:

Above freezing - If possible I let the sheepskin mitt "bloom" in clean water for a while so it releases any sediment. 2 bucket wash, one soapy water, one clean. Dunk mitt in soapy water, wash a panel, rinse it in the clean, flip mitt, repeat. Dry with microfiber towels and Eagle-1 Wax-as-U-Dry.

Below freezing - If possible I let the sheepskin mitt "bloom" in clean water for a while so it releases any sediment. Go to the carport power washer. Fill up bucket with soapy water. Wash truck. Rinse. Freeze as$ off. Dry with microfiber towels and Eagle-1 Wax-as-U-Dry.

Lazy - touchless

Go out and drive it through the trees and mud. Repeat. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[firm]

I didn't know they folded in. I pushed on them a little, but figured it was for show. Any special way to push them in?

[Webb70]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by firm:
I didn't know they folded in. I pushed on them a little, but figured it was for show. Any special way to push them in? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, push them in.....lol

[HummerJim]

I hate car washes, but there are sometimes on the road when you have to let your baby go through all those whirling brushes. My H3 broke the car wash in Omaha this Sept. The whirling drum with those fingers of cloth wrapped around the front brush guard and pulled the drum out of its mounting and the line shut down.
It didn't bend the guard, and the car wash owner was nice about it.
SCORE H3 ONE CAR WASH ZERO
A tough machine~

[gchurchill]

yea and never NEVER use a sponge mitt to wash your car. just the sheep skin mitt kind. the sponge actually sands off a microscopic layer of your paint everytime you use it.

[deicustoms1]

So touchless car washes are safe then? I'm not sure what is meant by carport washes. The one I goto has no tire tracks, just uses sensors to know where you are and I'm kinda worried about it not seeing the spare tire in the back and hitting it, I think the mirrors should be okay though.

[HummBebe]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by deicustoms:
So touchless car washes are safe then? I'm not sure what is meant by carport washes. The one I goto has no tire tracks, just uses sensors to know where you are and I'm kinda worried about it not seeing the spare tire in the back and hitting it, I think the mirrors should be okay though. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

IF I use a carwash it is definitely touchless. Everything fits.

[thedieter]

This thread brings back memories as to why I haven't used a car wash since before most of you were born. It seems they have not changed except for the touchless...like I am going to take a chance on that!

The Mr. Clean system sounds good and I am thinking of trying it. Filtering the water so that it doesn't streak makes sense.

Best regards, Happy Jack

[RazM]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummBebe:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by deicustoms:
So touchless car washes are safe then? I'm not sure what is meant by carport washes. The one I goto has no tire tracks, just uses sensors to know where you are and I'm kinda worried about it not seeing the spare tire in the back and hitting it, I think the mirrors should be okay though. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

IF I use a carwash it is definitely touchless. Everything fits. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's not the fitting that's the problem. Depending on the type of touchless you go to, the ones with the arms that go around your vehicle are prone to potential problems.

I had one where the arm locked (didn't swivel out to clear the passenger side of the vehicle) on the last pass and flipped my passenger mirror FORWARD. Crack, ouch, and still waiting for a replacement.

So if you MUST go into a touchless, FOLD YOUR MIRRORS IN!

[4ophenia]

In CT we have a brushless franchise called Splash. They are also in NY and expanding into other NE areas. They do a good job.

Before your car/truck enters the wash, interior is vacuumed. Then it's pulled through the wash while two guys hand soap your rig from bumper to bumper. Then sprayed/rinsed and air dried.

Once out of the wash, your rig is hand dried with towels. Windows and dash are cleaned.

They clean the wheels and tires too, but the stuff they put on the tires spins off and onto the rear fenders.

They have a menue of cleaning packages. The one I just described costs $19.50.

These are the products they used as described to me by one of their manager:

"Two different soaps in our Hand Washes. Both are simoniz products, one is called Super shine, the other, Magic Lustre. Both are considered a neutral soap, and are safe for all finishes as well as the skin of the employees working with them. We offer foam polish protectants made by C.A.R. products and Simoniz as well which are also safe for all finishes. We use lambs wool wash mitts, and the H3 should fit through any of our washes without trouble."

Has anyone heard of these products? Pls let me know what you think of them.

Thanks

[BABHUMV]

Well I feel spoiled now. My local car wash is a hand only car wash. Two weekends ago when taking in the other car, they asked where the Hummer was. I told them it wasn't dirty enough and would bring it next weekend (yesterday). You should have seen his face when I brought it in. They washed it, waxed it, cleaned the majority of the undercarriage all for $45.00. I must admit I tip'd the guy working on it $20 because he spent over two hours on it. This is what I brought them:

[NEOCON1]

great deal BAB even with tip http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif i had a sprinkler under mine for 7 hours today at work . you should of seen the pile of mud http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[H3CANE]

Touchless doesn't do a great job on black IMHO. I normally hand wash and then use the BOM on mine for black it's really nice. Also see Griots Garage's web page, they have great stuff but it's a little pricey!

[ckhagman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 4ophenia:
In CT we have a brushless franchise called Splash. They are also in NY and expanding into other NE areas. They do a good job.

Before your car/truck enters the wash, interior is vacuumed. Then it's pulled through the wash while two guys hand soap your rig from bumper to bumper. Then sprayed/rinsed and air dried.

Once out of the wash, your rig is hand dried with towels. Windows and dash are cleaned.

They clean the wheels and tires too, but the stuff they put on the tires spins off and onto the rear fenders.

They have a menue of cleaning packages. The one I just described costs $19.50.

These are the products they used as described to me by one of their manager:

"Two different soaps in our Hand Washes. Both are simoniz products, one is called Super shine, the other, Magic Lustre. Both are considered a neutral soap, and are safe for all finishes as well as the skin of the employees working with them. We offer foam polish protectants made by C.A.R. products and Simoniz as well which are also safe for all finishes. We use lambs wool wash mitts, and the H3 should fit through any of our washes without trouble."

Has anyone heard of these products? Pls let me know what you think of them.

Thanks </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes I have heard of them. I have 55gal of the Magic Lustre in my warehouse.

[HUMRCHIC]

I do the touchless also. Any other carwash just picks up everyone else dirt and rocks and then swirls it onto your vehicle. Learned this the hard way with the Yukon. I'll never do the swirling ones again, leaves those nice swirls in your clear coat. I wash every other day and use Maguiers (sp) Quik Detailing mist as a wax. I know you not suppose to wax a new car but hey, I gotta keep it shiny. I also hand scrub the wheel wells and spray with Tire Wet, keeps road crap from sticking. Oh and to keep that nice new leather smell. Only one thing will do, Get a "Yankee Candle" car smelly thing, like the tree, but this one is scented leather. And you'll be looking for the cow in your Hummer...

[deicustoms1]

I got the h3's first car wash last week. Went to the laser wash at the hess station. I have yet to find a regular do-it yourself bay car wash here..

Anyways, to be safe I folded in the mirrors. The jets of water were only like 6" away from the truck, that's as wide as they go too. And the jets that go over the truck to dry it...they were like 6" from the top of the truck. All very traumatic!

I don't think I want to go back to that, because it doesn't feel safe for the car at all... So I think I'm going to have to find a do it yourself bay car wash somewhere.