Date: Thu, 03 Apr 2003 07:47:22 -0500 From: 'nuther Bob <noemailnopsammain.com> Subject: Re: conv top thru car wash?
On Thu, 03 Apr 2003 01:24:04 GMT, <eklozanopsamphia.net> wrote: >I bought a '97 SE convertible last year and the manual cautions against >automatic carwashes. Is there really a danger of destroying the rag top? >Does it make a difference if it's a brush or brushless automatic carwash? Absolutely no car washes. There are two problems. First, the brush pressure is typically too aggressive for the relatively lightweight top. Second, did you know that the soaps in a car wash remove the wax from your car ? They have to be very strong to clean with the minimum of scrubbing that they do (like dishwasher detergent, they are _very_ aggressive so that they can to their job without hand scrubbing. At best , the soap will dry out the top material, at worst, degrade it. FWIW, your wax, and therefore your paint, will fare much better without those car wash soaps too. You should always use a soap that does not remove the wax from your car i.e. a car wash soap from a firm that cares. My own advice is never even wash the top with soap. I always hand wash the car and just rinse the top. The exception is if there is something like bird dirt on the top... then a little washing is in order. You should also protect the top to keep it water repellent. I suggest a visit to http://www.properautocare.com. They have several products. I use the brush on Renuvo, but I have to admit that it only lasts 3 or 4 months so I am looking to try a new product this year. After treatment it will look brand new. A new top is in the area of $3Kusd. I think you want to keep yours in shape. Bob
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