Snow foam at petrol garage jet washes

[rossyl]

Hi

Just wondered if the snow foam at petrol garage jet washes (in particular Shell) would strip all wax and sealants off a car.

I imagine there's some Traffic Film Remover in it, but not sure how strong.

Thanks
R

 

[hodroyd]

I can't see they would use a solution that strong to do that, they could have real issues to deal with if they did..!!

 

[CatmanV2]

I've never seen snow foam at a garage!

C

 

[Felonious Crud]

Generally, does snow foam cut through wax and sealants? I always thought it was more to help loosen grit and muck and other contaminants from the paint rather than to do anything more dramatic.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Use a garage? You'll be using the hand wash manned by hardworking but exploited Eastern Europeans with dirty water and well used sponges next.

 

[MAF260]

Generally, does snow foam cut through wax and sealants? I always thought it was more to help loosen grit and muck and other contaminants from the paint rather than to do anything more dramatic.

I would say not. It's a pre-cleaner that's used to soak and draw down any loose deposits before any contact is made with the bodywork through hand washing. Ross could be right, though - the petrol station machines could have all sorts of chemicals contained within.

 

[Emtee]

As Maf says, it's a pre-wash, so just detergents and wetting agents. It's not worth using if you don't give it a decent dwell time though. Five minutes absolute minimum with twice that all the better if possible, but this assumes the foam is dwelling. Thoroughly jet wash before touching the car with a mitt and never use the garage lance brush.

 

[hodroyd]

Wash it at home, much better if you can..!!

 

[conaero]

Generally, does snow foam cut through wax and sealants? I always thought it was more to help loosen grit and muck and other contaminants from the paint rather than to do anything more dramatic.

Thats how I see it.

 

[rossyl]

The thing is, I've no idea what the Petrol Garages use for their snow foam. But, glad that the common sense view is that I should be fine.

As for the brush, don't worry Miles I use my own buckets, grit guards, shampoo, mitts, microfibers etc. I just can't use a Jet Wash as I'm in central London, so no driveway.

Thanks

 

[rossyl]

Use a garage? You'll be using the hand wash manned by hardworking but exploited Eastern Europeans with dirty water and well used sponges next.

Not an option in central London. I may have a house, but I don't have a driveway. Nor does anyone else in the area.

 

[Emtee]

Does London have the dedicated car wash operations? Not our Polish friends, but coin operated wash booths? Can't say I've seen any, but I've used them in Europe and I have to say they were very good. Just turn up with your own mitt and micro cloths and bobs your auntie.

 

[c4sman]

I think petrol station foam will have strong detergents that will strip wax and paint sealants IMHO. This is to give effective cleaning to average users. My car has GTECH paint sealant and the detailer recommended that I avoid using even gentle snowfoam detergents as they will reduce longevity of the product.

 

[hodroyd]

My guess would be that they would not dare make it too strong, just in case they had an issue..!!

 

[CatmanV2]

Keep the cost down as well.

C

 

[zoros]

I keep saying this until I'm blue in the face: Never ever use a jet wash on your pride and joy....you are inviting long term trouble! It will almost certainly lift the paintwork in suspect (invisible) areas. It will disturb trim and dislodge seals. IF it is an absolute necessity then do not point the lance directly perpendicular to the body panels and certainly no closer than 12"-18".
Some public car wash machines (jet wash and drive thru) use recycled water (from previous washes).

 

[rossyl]

Does London have the dedicated car wash operations? Not our Polish friends, but coin operated wash booths? Can't say I've seen any, but I've used them in Europe and I have to say they were very good. Just turn up with your own mitt and micro cloths and bobs your auntie.

Hi Miles

I've found two coin operated jet washes located in petrol stations. Hardly anyone uses it, so I can usually take my time. But it's not ideal. A dedicated place with jet washes would be better.

C4sman and Robert thanks very much for your views.

Zoros, as for not using a jet wash, I'll leave that discussion well alone. Sounds like it would be better suited to detailingworld.

 

[Chrisbassett]

Hi Miles

I've found two coin operated jet washes located in petrol stations. Hardly anyone uses it, so I can usually take my time. But it's not ideal. A dedicated place with jet washes would be better.

C4sman and Robert thanks very much for your views.

Zoros, as for not using a jet wash, I'll leave that discussion well alone. Sounds like it would be better suited to detailingworld.

I know of a texaco near cricklewood, where are the ones you know of, Ross?

 

[Chrisbassett]

Does London have the dedicated car wash operations? Not our Polish friends, but coin operated wash booths? Can't say I've seen any, but I've used them in Europe and I have to say they were very good. Just turn up with your own mitt and micro cloths and bobs your auntie.

I haven't seen one anywhere in London. Used them often in France & Spain and I've seen them outside london

 

[rossyl]

I know of a texaco near cricklewood, where are the ones you know of, Ross?

This Shell has one
Shell, The Roundway, N17 7AB

I've spoken ti the following and they've said they've got one, but I've not been there


Murco
Stamford Hill
N16 5SR