A disgruntled man has issued a stark warning to motorists after a car wash blunder left his Audi R8’s paintwork in tatters.
Harley Perkins, known as @harleygperkins on social media, shared a TikTok video showcasing the damage inflicted by a pressure washer on his vehicle.
Despite acknowledging that he should never have taken his Audi to an unregistered car wash, he felt compelled to caution others following his costly error. In his video, he said: “A car wash ruined the PPF on my Audi R8 V10 Plus. As you can see, they pulled out the pressure washer from underneath the arch – and it split it so water and shampoo could get in.”
He added: “I know you’re going to be saying, ‘Why did you take it there? ‘. But it’s a car wash, they shouldn’t ruin your car. I hold my hands up and say I need to be more careful on who I trust with my car.” His video sparked a flurry of comments, with one user remarking: “Even I don’t bring my Toyota Aygo in the car wash never mind an R8.”
Another argued: “No I totally disagree. If you have a high-end car with a wrap or PPF on it you can’t take it to normal car wash you just can’t.”
A third suggested: “Why don’t you just wash it yourself then.” One user pointed out, “My Volvo, 20 yrs old never has this problem. It’s the lead free paint.”
Car experts at Plates Express have warned that the seemingly innocuous act of taking your car to a car wash could result in fine scratches, swirl marks, and faded paint, ultimately reducing its resale value. Automated car washes may be quick and efficient, but these benefits often come at the cost of your vehicle’s aesthetics.
The primary culprits for paint damage include harsh brushes and dirty cloths, abrasive chemicals, high-pressure water jets, and improper drying. A statement from Plates Express cautions: “That £10 car wash might seem like a quick fix, but it could lead to long-term damage that costs you far more in the future. From abrasive brushes to harsh chemicals, the risks to your car’s paintwork simply aren’t worth the small upfront savings.”
They recommend safer alternatives such as hand washes, touchless systems, or proper DIY techniques to maintain your vehicle’s shine and value. They added: “Investing in the right cleaning methods now can help preserve your car’s paintwork and resale value – because when it comes to your car’s appearance, cutting corners today could mean paying the price tomorrow. “.
