Elise in a car wash

james · Post by **james** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:34 am

Never tried it but beginning to struggle to see out and cant really wash the car in the dark after I get home.

Does it work ok or does it just miss all the bits that get really dirty like the air intakeds etc?

VXJON · Post by **VXJON** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:37 am

No No No No No No No No No No

Apart from the fact they never seem to clean the car properly its likely to leave your paintwork in a awful state

elise82 · Post by **elise82** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:39 am

I would never use an automated car wash on an elise, just asking for problems.

Try and find a jet wash that's open late and is lit up. There's probably one at your nearest major supermarket, or 24hr garage. The jet wash will take most of the filth off. Take a sponge with you if you want to get everything off. The brushes there are not great.

Hope this helps, I'm sure you'll get a few more comments.

gorrie · Post by **gorrie** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:44 am

not sure my roof would stand up to a good whipping... or the plastic grills at the intake.

bertieduff · Post by **bertieduff** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 11:47 am

Yip, save your cash and wait till the weekend.

If you really want the car-wash effect just throw a bucket of water over your head, break off the arial and sandpaper the paintwork- saves a fiver

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:08 pm

you'd do a better job blindfolded in the dark and cost yourself less money repairing the damage!

james · Post by **james** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:55 pm

Ok thanks, so that would be a resounding NO

ABZ-Elise · Post by **ABZ-Elise** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:13 pm

I use the jet wash on my car. Just don't bother with the brush or if you do make sure you give it a good power wash first. I seen alot of people just throw them on the floor when they're done with them.

But to be fair the power washer does a good enough job getting the muck and salt off. I just make sure I avoid the side, back windows and roof.

Dominic · Post by **Dominic** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:19 pm

ABZ-Elise wrote:
I just make sure I avoid both sides, back, front, windows and roof.

Brigita · Post by **Brigita** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:34 pm

VXJON wrote:No No No No No No No No No No

I wouldn't even chance it!!!

Corranga · Post by **Corranga** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:25 pm

Do it. If your car leaks like mine, it would be more like a bath when the wash is done, legendary

In all seriousness, the jet wash is probably the way to go. I washed Ericas mx5 with one for 3 quid the other week. Great job until I saw the car in proper light. I'd recommend taking a sponge and avoiding the brush if the wash gives you that option. Also, if you do use the brush, it might be worth checking/running a hand through it to make sure there aren't any stones etc in there...

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:45 pm

I've used the jetwash/foaming brush at Asda before - car paintwork is so scratched and stonechipped it made no difference

RDH · Post by **RDH** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:52 pm

I'll admit it - I've driven through a car wash in the elise - only once - I got soaked!

The paintwork on mine is fooked anyway and I couldn't see out!

I wouldn't recommend it as a regular occurance!

MRpunchinella · Post by **MRpunchinella** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:56 pm

do you have street lights near by? I wash mine at the side of the road in the dark. Unless you live in a mine

; a large sponge (99p Tesco faction) and being able to make out the bodyshape wins everytime. If its just a washed face and no 'detailing', job done. MInd you, with the recent frosts

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:24 pm

Corranga wrote: I'd recommend taking a sponge and avoiding the brush if the wash gives you that option.

thats what i did when i didn't have a garage of my own with the 111r