My 2011 Silverado came off the line on 2/11 per the sticker on the drivers door. Is it safe for new truck paint to go into a regular car wash. ...

My 2011 Silverado came off the line on 2/11 per the sticker on the drivers door.

Is it safe for new truck paint to go into a regular car wash. Maybe its softer and can scratch the finish. How long should I wait, or just wash it by hand this summer and hit the car wash this winter....

Or should I be safe and go thru a "touch free car wash"?

I tok my 94 Silerado to the car wash and it did not have any rust. I think that washing the under body really helps with all the salt we use in Minnesota.

Jim

I go through a touch less car wash once a month then in between times I power wash any dirt or snow off. I have been doing that since August and Have had no problems with the paint.

I dont see any issues with you taking it to the wash, i always go brushless..i never trust those scrubbers lol...i think they dont want you to wax it for so long after its been painted..i just cant remember off the top of my head how long its supposed to be

I'm sure the paint on our trucks is baked out so it should be fine to wash and wax, or else they'd tell us when we buy it......

definitely go touchless, but a high pressure wash isnt going to hurt the paint. most washes that offer a pre-soak will take off any wax you have, so I would avoid that.

Yes, paint jobs straight out of the factory have already been baked and they also I am not sure the exact word I'm looking for but they almost electrify the paint. It stabilizes the paint. But between both those processes you are quite alright to go through the car wash. I highly suggest always going through a touchless. I never trust those scrubbers with a paint job, especially fresh paint.

davidbarrett wrote:I go through a touch less car wash once a month then in between times I power wash any dirt or snow off. I have been doing that since August and Have had no problems with the paint.

Hey David,
I was just kinda wondering how you power wash in the winter? You must be doing it inside a garage or your driveway looks like a skating rink? They always use the power wash at the regular car wash before you go thru. Seems to get the dirt and snow off the truck before you get those spinning rubber wheels all dirty and scratch up the paint. I am kind of afraid of turning the power washer guys loose on my new truck....Its my baby....
Jim

For all the guys that have a white truck I hope you have a good car wash close by...lol....

Trust me, the black trucks are tougher to keep clean.........

lanningjw wrote:

davidbarrett wrote:I go through a touch less car wash once a month then in between times I power wash any dirt or snow off. I have been doing that since August and Have had no problems with the paint.

Hey David,
I was just kinda wondering how you power wash in the winter? You must be doing it inside a garage or your driveway looks like a skating rink? They always use the power wash at the regular car wash before you go thru. Seems to get the dirt and snow off the truck before you get those spinning rubber wheels all dirty and scratch up the paint. I am kind of afraid of turning the power washer guys loose on my new truck....Its my baby....
Jim

The power wash is near my house and they are enclosed, I usually wait until the sun is shining and feels warmer so I don't freeze the locks. White trucks are the bast and I find it easy to clean. I love my truck lol