I just bought my element and have not even washed it once. I want to start off with good washing habits. I have read all the comments here and would like to get a consensus if everyone agrees with hand washing as the best and safest way to keep my E clean.

here in NE ohio the weather has been very cold and poor. so a drive through car wash although isnt the best, it performs an important function, I.E. the removal of road salt. also to rinse the undercarriage. something you just cant do well with hand washing.

when the weather warms, ill continue with handwashing. but for now creating a huge sheet of ice in my driveway isnt something i care to do ;)

best!
d.

note: if you have the all weather mats. make sure to remove them. I was getting kind of an odiferous stale water trapped between the mats and the floor. they do need to be wiped clean on the underside now and then. (regardless of honda's drainage channels)

You are wise to consider this. I have some experience with commercial car washes as my company supplies spot free rinse equipment for use in them. Do NOT trust your car to car washes without knowing how they work.

I suggest getting the "How To" book form Griot's and whenever possible, wash by hand using high quality mitts, towels, soaps etc.

If you need to use a commercial car wash because of snow, salt etc. (as I do)- look for either a "touchless wash" or one that uses foaming soft pads. The touchless kind will generally knock off large stuff- but it is very hard to find one that does a really good job of cleaning. Their advantage is that nothing mechanical touches the vehicle. One downside is the possiblity that they compensate by using very harsh cleaning compounds that may not be thoroughly rinsed off. Anything swirling around quickly in a wash is to be avoided. Guaranteed micro scratches at the least- ripped off license plate holders, antennas and side mirrors if your unlucky.

If you use the familiar "self serve" type wash- be carefully of the foaming brush. If you use it (you will get some minor scratching) make sure soap is coming out of it at a reasonable rate for lubrication purposes, and run your hand through the bristles before using to make sure there are no rude surprises. You would be amazed at the problems a brush loaded up with tar can transfer to your Element's paint job.

Steve