I think it's safe to assume that most automatic car washes recycle their water. They likely use fresh water or water that's been purified by reverse osmosis for the final rinse, otherwise the car would be left with spots. What about for the wash cycle and undercarriage wash? Is there potentially salt in the water?

 

I would stay away from them. Some guy with a muddy truck may have just went ahead of you and all that dirt is still on the brushes. You might as well just wash your car with an s.o.s pad.

 

I only use the touch-less automatics. I'm just wondering if I'm blasting my car with salt water.

 

ha thats awesome.

but ya would not go through one of those carwashes. just use one on those self car wash places or do it your self at your house.

 

Once again, I only use the touch-less automatic car washes. I'm wondering if there's salt in the recycled water. I live in the Northeast, so there's plenty of salt used in the winter months.

 

I would assume they don't have salt in the water. Best thing to do would be to ask the manager/owner of the car wash and inquire about their purification process. Every car wash is different and we can't speak for them.

 

I wouldn't exactly be concerned with your car being blasted with salt water...that's the least of your concern with a touch-less wash. The chemicals and detergents they use are pretty corrosive to your clear coat though. If you can, just wait and give your car a proper wash and wax. Taking it through once/twice during the winter months to rinse the salt off isn't going to hurt anything if that's your concern. I just wouldn't be running it through there weekly.

 

Take it to a self wash, the ones with the wash stalls. Bring your own sponge and you're golden. NEVER use the supplied brush, it will be like scrubbing your car with sand paper.