[Por_sha911]

Scott's business seems to be the best choice of using a car wash. I respect that he believe that what he sells is best. I wouldn't respect someone who knowingly offers what they consider to be a lesser product or service.

Having been accused of being a "Q-tipper" I will agree that although any contact can scratch a car, not all will if done properly:
-Use a quality car wash solution that has higher lubricity. Avoid chemicals that attack the finish. There is no magic bullet spray in a bottle.
-Wash from the top down. This cleans the dirtiest part of the car last. I add water as I wash so the concentration of dirty water is diluted. Refill the bucket if needed.
-Don't rub the car. Lightly glide your wash mitt over it. Always move in the direction of the length of the car. Circular motion will cause swirl marks that are easy to see. Dip the wash mitt often.
-Use a different mitt and bucket for wheels and undercarriage.
-Don't air dry: "clean" water still has minerals in it. I will drive the car down the block and back to get the majority of the water off and then chamois.
-Use microfiber or chamois and not terry cloth.
***Most of all: Keep a solid coat of high quality wax (not the cleaner/was products you can buy at Wallyworld or AutopartsRus) on the car so that the contaminants haven't locked onto the paint.

Want to know more? Call Larry at Car Care Specialties (877) 796-8300 or go to carcareonline.com (no affiliation). He spent an hour educating me on how to make my car shine before I every spent the first dime on his stuff.
Tell him Joe in TN sent you.