What to do? - CarWash Wrecked the Paint on my Car

[unclebilly]

Of course, they are denying everything.

I just wanted to rinse off the dust and cat foot prints…



This corner is the worst but it’s everywhere. Took the shine right off of it. I have not tried to polish it out yet.

Ideally they agree to get it fixed at the body shop of my choice.

If not, I guess my options are:

1. Small claims court.

2. Hagerty insurance… I think this is an option.

3. Try to polish it out myself and risk making it worse.

What would you do?

[The Synergizer]

Take to a body shop and ask about a polish price. That doesn't look bad. Just surface scum.

[herr_oberst]

WT actual F! I'd be livid! Hell, I AM livid on your behalf!!

Park the car (on the public street) in front of the entrance to that car wash on a beautiful sunny weekend day with a big sign -"I just went through this car wash" and see if they want to decide to negotiate with you.

[rwest]

That’s the Porsche gods punishing you for taking a nice car through a commercial carwash...

I would be surprised if those brushes didn’t scratch my car.

Sorry about the damage though, I bet they have signs all over saying they aren’t responsible for damage and suing then would be a huge waste of money and time, probably check with a detailer and submitted an insurance claim.

[GH85Carrera]

That looks like soap or the "wax" spray on. I bet a good cleaner wax will bring it right back. Find a detailer that knows how to clean paint, and get it ceramic coated to prevent it happening again.

[unclebilly]

To be clear, no brushes or scratches were used. This was a diy carwash and I only used the soap and wax settings.

It was just a quick rinse.

The water on my farm is not appropriate for washing my cars so I have to use a car wash.

[vash]

That thing spray brake fluid? What would do that?

That’s wild.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

To be clear, no brushes or scratches were used. This was a diy carwash and I only used the soap and wax settings.

It was just a quick rinse.

The water on my farm is not appropriate for washing my cars so I have to use a car wash.

Oh, I take back all my scolding! My apologies.

I bet the soap concentration was too high. Probably stripped the wax. Can you try some bottled water and a microfiber cloth to see if it comes off?

When I needed to use a self serve wash to keep my car clean in the winter, I used to take my own bucket with water, soap and wash mitt and just use their water to wet and rinse.

[Sooner or later]

" I only used the soap and wax settings"

Rinse between soap and wax?

[908/930]

That sucks! Did you try to buff out a small section with a paper towel and distilled water? Just thinking it could be a residue from the soap/wax vs paint etched. Ask to take a pic of the barrel label the soap is being pulled out of.

[cabmandone]

That's gotta be a mix up in solution. Looks like something a tire and rim cleaner would do to paint. I've seen stuff like purple power do that to paint before.

[greglepore]

I wonder if the wax was overly concentrated or something. Its usually the other way around, but I suspect that'll buff off.

[911 Rod]

What have you used on it in the past?
I'd start with a clay bar and see what you get.

[unclebilly]

Update - it appears to be some kind of residue.

You can see where I rubbed on it with a wet finger.

[cabmandone]

That's a relief!!

[cockerpunk]

looks like its all the old wax from the paint coming up. this will happen when you a harsh soap to clean off your car.

looks like it needs a wax and buff. certainly not ruined. just the wax that was in all the cracks, is coming out.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

If polish wouldn't take it out, I'd go over it with Trizact 8000 and down to 5 and to 3 if needed.

Highly alkaline soap dried on your car looks like.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

Of course, they are denying everything.
...

What would you do?

[Steve Carlton]

Looks like soapy water dried in the sun? Did you rinse it with just water?

[masraum]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

Update - it appears to be some kind of residue.

You can see where I rubbed on it with a wet finger.

When I read this thread earlier in the day, I thought about posting, "did you lick your thumb and rub it on the 'runs' to see if it came off," but I didn't because I thought you'd think I was being a smartaß.

LOL! Glad it/s not a problem, and maybe just a lesson in "don't use the 'wax' setting" at the DIY car wash."