I was out running errands yesterday and have been crazy busy lately. I really wanted to get the Porsche cleaned up and figured I would run her through the car wash.

I havn't taken her through since I put on new wheels, and added some carbon bits (spoiler, mirrors, etc.)

I'm pulling up and I ask the attendant if a car with 12" wheels will fit and he said big trucks go through all the time and they can take up to 13"...............

I pull forward, hear a terrible grinding sound and get out to find a 4" long gash on my Champion RS98's. I also got home and found my carbon spoiler clearcoat looks like it was hit with sandpaper in areas.

So............if you were ever thinking about running through a drive through car wash..............Don't do it. EVER.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

I always hand wash. Drive through washes add so many damn swirls.

Sorry to see what happened.

The spoiler will buff out easily with a decent polish.

 

why would you ever consider going through an auto wash anyway? the damage it will do to your paint will be worse then that curbrash on your rim.

 

Oh man that sucks. I always try and wash my car myself. I would never trust the car washes that have the guide tracks.
If I have to take it to the car wash (usually the colder months) I only take to the hand wash place. Sometimes even then I cringe when I see them using dirty wash mits and those somewhat abrasive drying towels!

I just had my RS98's refinished due to having curb rash from the previous owner. They came out great. The place is in NY though.

 

WOW that guy was way off LOL and man I'm sorry about your rim. No way can a 12inch tire can fit as it shows i really hope they pay for your stuff. Pls update.

 

Sorry to hear that...
I hand wash my car when I am at work,, at the firehouse, so I guess you can say I get paid to do that way..

 

Sorry to see...

I brought my wife's C4 Cab to a hand wash (car is still dragged through the building like a standard car wash) and the guy didn't want to put it through b/c he thought it was too low, so they hand washed it outside.

 

Well first of all the car is wrapped, so I'm not worried about the paint since it's not exposed.

They did apologize (a LOT) and we filled out an accident report. I think they will probably pay for the damage, but I just dropped it off at a friends wheel repair place this morning and we'll see what happens.

This might be a temporary fix depending on how close he can match the paint. Once I figure out the paint code I might have the whole wheel re-powdercoated (low temp)

I literally don't have a hand-car wash where I live. I should have just waited and washed it this weekend. Just wanted to get it cleaned up before the weekend.

 

that sucks. i used to drive thru with 11's but i knew my 12" would never fit in btw those runners.

but a good wheel guy can sort that out, no prob. lesson learned is about right.

 

I'm lucky in that there are three professional hand wash places near me. The best of the three even makes sure to clean the inside of the wheel barrels which is not too difficult with the Sport Techno wheels. Cost for that one is $25. Other two aren't quite as good a wash at $18.

 

I need to move......hah. Columbus, GA is the pits kinda.

 

Sorry to hear it Ben. Car looks great still.

 

I know it's a little late but sorry for the lesson learned and thanks for sharing.

 

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully it all gets worked out and doesn't cause more of a headache.

 

yikes...sorry man. Yea, maybe some trucks have 13" wheels but they also have tires with huge sidewalls....no chance in rashing the wheel, and the tires just marshmallow around the guide rails. Not so much in a porsche