I recently purchased a 2016 CPO Jaguar F Type convertible. I would like to get advice from other owners of convertible Jaguars F Type. We currently take our cars to Joe's Carwash since is about 10-minutes from our house. It is very easy and convenient to let the automatic carwash clean the outside of the car. Especially having an unlimited car. This carwash uses the roller and/or brushes. We have the monthly unlimited Carnuaba Wash & Shine membership. It comes with the following:

• Clean & Dry
• Triple Foam Polish
• Clear Coat Protectant
• Wheel Cleaner & Shine
• Hot Wax & Shine
• Buff & Dry Shine
• Clear Vision™ Windshield Treatment

Is it ok to take the convertible thru it an exposed the top to the brushes and chemicals? I know that detailing the car by hand it would be safer for the top but if the top was made to handle the carwash brushes and chemical, I wouldn't mind keep what is working for me with my other vehicles.

Thank you in advance fro your reply!

 

My owners manual says:

Comercially operated automatic car washes, jet washes and power-operated mops are not recommended.

Regular use of automatic car washes tends to dull the lustre of the paintwork.

Make sure that the wipers are switched off before entering a car wash. If the rain sensitive wipers operate during the car washing process damage may occur to the wiper mechanism.

After leaving a car wash, switch on the windscreen wipers immediately to remove water and prevent a buildup of wax.

It makes do distinction of whether you do this with a convertible or coupe. Personally, the car is so low slung, it might catch on something below.

 

I reproof (re-waterproof) my roof yearly - I would do it more often if you use a car wash. I occasionally use a touchless car wash if I’m lazy.

 

WOULD NEVER DO IT, and I don't even own a convertible.

 

+1.
My F-Type has never been near an automatic car wash and never will, brushes and rollers etc = paint swirl city!
99% of the time I uses a waterless wash method by hand (my hand!), and the other 1% when the car is really dirty (very rare) I take it to the local car wash and use only the hand held high pressure spray and rinse.

 

Never. Too many things can go wrong.

 

+1. On a ubiquitous car like a BMW or Porsche, who cares? But the F-Type is too special to expose to flailing sandpaper.

 

Find a touchless automatic if you must, and beware any car wash with metal wheel guides on the ground. They will curb the hell out of your wheels.

 

It could just be me being a little meticulous but I never recommend using machine washes for higher end vehicles (especially convertibles). Those machines are one size fits all so could be a little rough on your paint/soft top. Danger of scratching up the paint long term as well

 

I take it you do not know this from experience? While I, apparently among the few, trust my dealer, Scarborough Jaguar/Land Rover, to wash my car (I’ve never had a problem), I would never take any of my cars - including my wife’s BMW, Unhingd! - through any automatic car wash. Ever!

There are far worse things than a dirty car.

 

Thank you all for the advice and speedy response!

 

Because of the dirt particles that become trapped in the roof fabrics you never want to rub the roof with any force. I have a very soft brush and after a really thorough rinse I will occasionally, every few months, use the soft brush lightly as well. I would never use a drive through car wash. I also treat the roof every two years, I use the Porsche product only because I always used it on my Boxster and the roof looked like new after 10 years.

 

I use a horsehair brush and 303 cleaner and waterproofer...