Taking my Emira to the Car Wash

[TimL]

Hi I just took my new Emira to an automated car wash and I found that water from the jets came into the engine bay through the air vents in the back window. I asked the dealer about this and they said only do detail or hand wash and yes this can happen and is normal but not necessarily good. Any other experience or suggestions here?

 

[iatros]

Do you have PPF? My PPF guy specifically said hand wash only as the carwash jets can damage PPF (peel the edges back.)

 

[K_Squared]

I would never take my Emira through an automated car wash and I would expect the jets to blast through the air vents. I don't personally love having to hand wash the car (and immediately dry due to hard water) but it's just part of the ownership experience.

 

[Aero]

From the owners manual.

Lotus recommends that your vehicle is only washed by hand. CAUTION: Automatic car washers and jet washers may damage thepaint finish. Damage caused by using them will not be covered under the terms of the vehicle warranty.

 

[allenyao09]

Do you have PPF? My PPF guy specifically said hand wash only as the carwash jets can damage PPF (peel the edges back.)

My car has full body ppf and was only hand washed a couple of times in the past year, but the edges are still peeling off especially on the hood... I guess it's just very difficult to avoid that regardless how you wash it.

 

[Nova]

My standard quip that the Emira is not dishwasher safe. Handwash only.

 

[Nick Sticks]

I would never take my Emira through an automated car wash and I would expect the jets to blast through the air vents. I don't personally love having to hand wash the car (and immediately dry due to hard water) but it's just part of the ownership experience.

I have just got one of these de-ionisers (from Amazon) that removes the hardness in the water. They work well and removes the problem of those hard water stains.

OEM 0 TDS Highly Pure Water Spotless Car Washer System Equipment Deionization Building Window Cleaning Portable Car Wash System China Manufacturers Suppliers Factory Exporter https://share.google/2K7o4pOYJqv4UUAEW

 

[MAX FPS]

A de-ionizer is a MUST for any car enthusiast to properly wash at home unless you have miraculously low Total Disolved Solids in your water. I have very hard well water where I live and a single wash without using my de-ionizer starts an impossible to remove layer of bone (calcium) spots on the car. I use a Spotless brand de-ionizer I got off Amazon, and the refill resin SUCKS to buy frequently and replace. But the water just beads away, and I use a battery operated leaf-blower with a rubber-tipped short nozzle to blow the water off, and then drying towels with gloss enhancer spray to shine it up. Often you won't even need to use window cleaner after a de-ionized water wash it's so clean and spot-free.
I used to hate car washing until I got cars I really cared about, and learned about all the proper equipment and methods to clean my car properly via the countless YouTube channels that cover detailing. (Pan the Organizer can start you down the dark path). Now I'm a weirdo that appreciates a clean lug nut and a good thick foam.