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Car wash temp

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Old 01-26-2007, 01:47 PM
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Default Car wash temp

What is an acceptable temperature to get your car washed?
It is 22 degrees F here...Will the cold ruin stuff?
Old 01-26-2007, 01:50 PM
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Well that way I look at it is that water at see level freezes at 32 degrees F. That said keep it away from wind and hopefully most of it will dry off before it freezes. What i would imagine could cause a problem is door locks freezing, if you have the remote than you'll be ok.
Old 01-26-2007, 01:53 PM
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I've seen cases where even with a remote..the door itself was frozen to the seal etc and couldn't be opened.

I try to not wash below 34F
Old 01-26-2007, 01:54 PM
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Door locks and the door seal itself, best to let it warm up some
Old 01-26-2007, 02:26 PM
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I avoid washing mine below 32F. Urban legend says that it can harm the paint (e.g. a scratch washed below freezing can lead to more chips), but I'm not sure I buy that. The biggest problem is witht he seals freezing and tearing.
Old 01-26-2007, 02:27 PM
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I've had mine washed below freezing before. If you can get it done close to home and park it in a garage where it will most likely stay above freezing you should be OK.
Old 01-26-2007, 03:02 PM
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Thanks. I have always wondered. My garage stays at around 20 degrees warmer than the outside, so I will drive it home to dry inside.
Old 01-26-2007, 08:58 PM
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another couple of tricks i do when i have to wash my car in cold weather is to leave it idling with the heater on full when washing it and have an old towel or rag handy and wipe down the doors and seals after you are done.
Old 01-26-2007, 09:38 PM
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I've handwashed mineat temps below 32* before with no ill effects and that was around 4:30 in the morning
Old 01-27-2007, 01:26 AM
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I've washed it in well below freezing conditions with no ill effects so far.


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