Due to the water problems out here in California, rumor has it that many towns are going to make it illegal to wash cars in driveways. Cars can only be washed at places that recycle their water. It has not been put in place all over yet, but I believe it will be soon.

 

You can always use waterless spray products to get the car clean. They work with no ill effects on the paint.

 

I will go against the grain....if it is nasty or cold out and the car really needs a bath, I will go to a touchless carwash - water jets only, no brushes or anything else that touches the car. I've been doing this for years, including my previous cars, with no noticeable scratches, swirls, etc. If the temp is decent and I have time, of course I prefer to wash it myself.

I would never take it to an automatic carwash that wasn't touchless, though...

 

I do that as well. Every week in the daily drivers (Macan and Merc). I don't drive the 911 in the winter but I would not hesitate to take to the car wash; I go to a "LaserWash". Nothing touches the car. Those things are awesome!

I have not had good luck with "hand wash" or "hand dry" places. They use towels or sponges that cause more scratches than help imo.

 

What's a LaserWash?

 

Touchless
Basically High Pressure water, after soap.

 

Nothing Touches the car, brushes etc...