[Eskimo]

I am about to commit a sin! I am desperate to wash my car but living in New England with the temp ~20 degrees is tough. I have owned a convertible for 4 years (this is my second) and have ALWAYS washed it myself.

I can't stand to look at the crap on my car any longer. Has anyone ever gone the car wash route with a convertible? I'm so afraid that it's going to destroy the top.

Any experiences that you guys have had are greatly appreciated!

[coolwaterblvd]

A laser wash is perfectly fine just don't go through the ones with the spinning brushes, or any that actually come into contact with your car they will scratch your paint eventually. Remember the new mustang convertible is the best design ford has ever put on a mustang and if the car can run over 150 with a convertible top the laser wash will be fine.

[mrvandermey]

Yes, it is true, I have taken my '05 GT vert through a car wash...once. The top held up fine with no leaks or problems. Where I had the problem is somewhere in the process, the car itself got scratched. So since then, I only hand wash the car, but then again I am anal about a clean car. Have no worries friend, your convertible top can handle a local car wash.

[Jairazona]

Yeah Id rather freeze then run my cars thru an automatic car wash... brush or brushless

[Nyt_Muves]

My last mustang was a 98 Rag GT. I ran it through one time when I was on a trip to Michigan and couldn't stand the bugs all over it anymore... Even it held up fine.

I wouldn't make a habbit of it, but once in a while it shouldn't hurt.

[mrvandermey]

Another idea, you may want to invest in a pair of neoprene gloves (pretty close to water proof) and a Mr. Clean washing system. Even in cold weather, the Mr. Clean system does a pretty good job. You first rinse the car, then soap up, then use a clean microfiber mit and gently wipe down the car, resoap, rince then use the spot free rince on the Mr. Clean. You end up using the Mr. Clean system for it all. When it comes to drying, us a squegee and microfiber towels. And there ya go, a pretty decent car wash that takes about 15-20 minutes. Dress warm and wear gloves (i.e. neoprene) and even in cold weather, you can get a decent car wash without going to an automatic one that may harm your car.

[white angel]

I just bought that squeegie. I love it, made drying time a
breeze!! I also use the microfiber towels. I tried to get that
Mr Clean system but they have been out of stock! Stinks!!!

[Beachhat2]

For my convertible, I always wash my self at a drive-in spray 'n wash place. One thing I make sure of is to take plenty of time with the hi-pwr soap spray setting on the vert top. You have to keep the dirt out of the seams and texture; and do a good job on the rinse as well. I only use the soaping brush on the cover and glass but not on sheet metal. I don't mind brush on the facias cuz I might change them any way. ( you never know if someone before you brought in the truck or van and used the brush to get "that smell" off...) I drip the soap from the soap brush on the sheet metal then micro fiber towels or hand mitts on the sheet metal.

I use the squeegee every time to finish. It's such a time saver. I use the synthetic chamois that comes in the plastic tube - it really soaks up the remaining H2o! It's really quick to finish up. By that time the tire foam is dry.