They fill the bucket up then proceed to rinse the car, then wash it, then rinse it with the remaining time.

That's how I'd imagine they do it anyway. I never ever bring my car to those wash places, even if you don't use the brush the power washer is terrible for the paint.

 

How?

I usally stand back. so its not suepr hard

 

You'll still get the "air pressure." The high pressure water isn't bad for the paint, it's the dirt that gets pushed around with such force that it'll swirl the paint.

I'm pretty fanatical with paint care. I only wash with a lambs wool mit. I wash them every 2 times I use it, then usually toss it by the 6th use.

Civic has had it's new paintjob for a year and there's not a single swirl in it.

 

when i go to the self serve car wash.. i pay twice. first rinse- time runs out. then wash with bucket. pay again- rinse.

sean

 

I got a power washer for christmas so I don't have to spend money at the DIY carwashs. I always spend like 15$. Rim cleaner, tire cleaner, engine bay, vacuum, wash the car, wax and dry clean.