Have a soft top '08 JKU in need of a bath but temps are dipping to the 30's so hosing is kinda cold right now.

Thought I read an earlier thread where the car wash wasn't recommended for soft tops (plastic windows) but is that true? Or could I opt for the simple wash (no wax) just to get the dust/dirt off?

 

I've taken my '14 through a no touch car wash a couple of time with no problems.

NO BRUSHES!

 

Some will say NO!!!, however I've been taking the wifes 07 JKU soft top to the HYdraSpray, which is a brushless high pressure wash, since we got it for her back in Oct 06. I use the manual bay to go over the entire vehicle including underneath, starting with a prewash, then high pressure soap wash the the high pressure rinse, then the spot free rinse. I then drive it through the auto wash, which is again a high pressure spray. I use the double wash and rinse and dry. NO WAX.
Never had a problem with the water invading the vehicle. I simply turn the inside air on high which keeps a positive pressure inside, however there is a major pucker factor when the dryer kicks in and I see the hood flex down about an inch.
Never had any damage though.

 

I work in the car wash industry, if your Jeep is stock you can was it in a machine with FoamBrite brushes. ..I do it all the time. I don't like to use touchfree because chemicals accelerate corrosion that you can't see and top leaks in spots. I have easy washed mine 200 times in brush machine because we like to use mine as a test as a hard vehicle to wash. Only problem I have had is with rear license plate holder and you should take off antenna.

 

Wow, ok..thanx for the advice. Mine is pretty much stock. I do like the brushless recommendations best. Never thought about the heater tho... Thanx again all!

 

It was a shameful waste of $6 the last time I took mine through.......it was a small town called Blacksburg and that car wash barely rinsed the morning dew off of the jeep. I got some crazy looks as I went in and came out. That soft top makes noise like you're doing 100 mph.

Never again......waste of money and I'm sure that much deflection isn't good for the top and hood.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk

 

just remember about car washes, they use recycled water. You're better off washing it yourself.

 

Hmm, ok then.. It's supposed to climb to 40 degrees next weekend (heat wave!&#127774.. Maybe I'll just drag out the hose and rinse her off then. Thanx!!

 

I do touchless in mine. Just don't get a package that has wax. Supposedly not good for soft tops. However my trektop nx doesn't like the high pressure cause I end up wet everytime.

 

It depends on what state you are in. Ca and Fl most use recycled water. Midwest states, most use fresh water. There are reclaim systems that can clean the water better then your tap water..... The water should not be a concern, the chemical applied for presoak should be more of a concern. Presoak will fade your fenders and dry out your top if used on a regular basis..... It will also eat away at your clearcoat over time(approx.3years of regular washing in touchfree) and cause premature rust and corrosion.