I HATE those kinds of car washes. took mine in one twice. first time it severely bent the stock antenna. second time i thought it nearly broke the plastic off the outside of one of my mirrors. hand wash myself only.

 

Yep, that's what I typically do in my driveway, although I'm risking an infraction every time as silly municipal bylaws prohibit it

In a pinch I'll bring 'er to a "wand wash" facility for a quickie (um, the truck, not the missus).

 

Never automatic unless absolutely necessary. (Example, out of town for a wedding.) Wand wash also only when in a pinch. Otherwise it's the two bucket method in the driveway or garage.

 

I run it through about once a week. I pay a monthly fee for unlimited washes. On the weekends I'll wash it myself, and give it the TLC I feel she needs. But if the thing is covered with bug guys and mud, I'll run it through just to get those blasted off. Or I need to pretty it up real quick.

I also take my antenna off before I go in, had a crappy one rip mine off years ago.

 

I go to a place that details my truck once a month or every other month, depending on if it's pollen season. They use an automated touchless system. But they also do prep before and hand dry everything after. The automated places near me charge $10-15 for a decent wash. The detailing place charges me $21 to detail the truck. So I drop the extra couple of bucks and let them do the work for me. Ends up looking better that way anyways.

 

I go through about once a week. I will say they have two guys doing prep with wands. They all know I will tip well if they do a good job. I do have to hand dry myself, but I do not mind as this is the time to look over the truck. I have been very happy with mine.

 

I have frequent flyer miles at my local auto wash. Does a great job. I also have a fast pass, in and out in 5mins if I don't stop to use the free vacuums.
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I use one quite often, they just installed all new equipment and it does a great job. They do lots of pre-washing and it only cost $7, I'm in and out in about 6 minutes.

 

Unlimited 6 month pass at Mikes Car Wash here in Fort Wayne, IN. I go thru once a day, sometimes twice. Never had an issue except it doesnt seem to dry the tailgate or rear window very well.

Marty

 

I use either of the two auto washes here in town. With the hard water at my house, I couldn't do as good of a job without spending LOTS of time trying to keep the spots away. In the winter I will spring for a buy one month/get one free at Crew Car Wash and I go through several times per week. Otherwise, I buy books so I spend $6-7 each time and wash it whenever the dirt is noticeable, probably every 3 weeks.

--Rick