So far I've only driven in a few rain showers or falls and not much driving on dirt or muddy roads. That being said the undercarriage of my car is still pretty clean and also because I store it on a lift it is easy to clean up any real mess . I notice that the touch free car wash I go to has an undercarriage wash and was wondering if others have used this. If so did you like the results and was there any negative reasons not to use it.

 

Using a gardening sprinkler under the car is popular as is just getting under the car with a pressure washer. I haven't been through any car wash in a car I owned in like 15 years.

 

As a born and raised Southerner I have never cleaned my undercarriage unless I was driving in Salt water (lowering a boat or jetski in my Jeep). If I was up North I would rinse if I drove it on salted roads. Other than that, I don't look at it or care! I am just happy that I don't have the issues you Yankees have.

I also only clean the topside by my own hand. Even the touchless car washes rely on heavy chemicals to clean your car. To each their own.

Signed,

A filthy undercarriage Redneck Southerner.

 

Jagtoes - I am a nutter when it comes to car care and I have been known to crawl under my cars to make certain the underside stays looking good. Something of a "mental issue" that includes the belief that if the areas you can't see aren't clean - then the car is not clean. BTW - I also take all the plastic bits off the engine and clean under them as well.

While I do not take the Jaguar through automated car washes (it is really not so much a concern factor - it really is more that I enjoy hand washing that car) the "other car" gets washed regularly at an automated soft wash that includes a pretty powerful undercarriage spray section. It is one of those where you stay in the car for the wash and then vacuum yourself. I think it does keep things clear of any "dirt build-up" that "could" hold moisture or other contaminants that have the potential to accelerate / create deterioration / foster the start of something unwanted. The "other car" has +83K miles and still looks great underneath.

One suggestion.... I have found a product called "Sharkhide Metal Protectant"
that I have applied to all the aluminum / stainless steel pieces under the Jaguar (I.e. Mufflers, heat shields, select suspension components) after a detailed cleaning and found this really helps maintain that "brand new" look.

As I said... A nutter here.