Saki GT

The only damage I've ever seen from a powerwasher was when a guy swung the wand into the paint. Be careful with the gun and you'd be fine.

The real question is, do any of you trust the brushes at those carwashes?

MikeyC

I think "damage" is a relative term. It all depends on how particular you are about your car. What is not damage to you may be damage to me. For instance, commercial car washes use very strong chemicals to clean your car. These chemicals strip the wax or sealant you've put on your car. This to me is damage. Also, some damage is not apparent in the short term. Sometimes it builds up over time and you don't even know it. For instance, I know a lot of people who have bad cob webing in their paint (from car washes) and don't care. I would freak out if I even saw light cob webs in my paint. There is no disputing the best way to wash your car is to hand wash with a gentle wash intended for automobile use. Personally, I avoid car washes of any type if at all possible.

Porsche951

When my car is too dirty to just use a California Duster but has extremely light dirt. I get a bucket of plain warm water, no soap, a cotton sponge, go over the entire car then dry it off with a Micro Fiber towel. I'm done in 10 minutes.

MikeyC

If you read most owner's manuals they recommend this method. Simple water and that's all. This is because most car wash soaps even though they are labeled safe for use on cars are not pH neutral.