Car wash beat up my brand new Edge!

[pgribbin]

Took my new Edge in for its first bath yesterday (my mistake for not washing it myself, have learned my lesson). After getting home, I noticed that the front, hood, windshield, and roof had been terribly scratched, in some cases down to the primer. I am certain that I would have noticed this before the wash, and since I have been the only one driving it, I am sure that it did not happen while driving. It is obvious to me that it happened at the wash, but I cannot prove it. I don't even know how it could happen. I am guessing that perhaps the sponges picked up some ice, rock, etc. and beat on the car. Obviously, the car wash owner is not convinced of this. I took pictures of ice sticking to the sponges, and of the damage in case I have to bring them to small claims court.

 

Just a few questions for anyone who might be kind enough to help:

 

1. Has anyone had any experience with this or any ideas what might have caused it?

 

2. Has anyone fought a car wash for damages? Any advice?

 

3. Any advice on repainting the hood. I have heard that repainting is never as good as factory, and will fade or not match. I have also heard, however, that this is no longer an issue with new technology. If new painting is not as good, perhaps I should learn to live with the scratches.

 

4. Should I go to a Ford dealer with a body shop, or an independent body shop.

 

 

Thanks for any help you can provide. I love my new car and am pretty upset about this.

[brian07]

sent you email

[Lex Talionis]

I am guessing that perhaps the sponges picked up some ice, rock, etc. and beat on the car.

 

I would say you are right on about what you think happened. no doubt. Taking the photos of their brushes is a good call as it may be needed, documentation is the best as it shows the train of events and make them aware of it ASAP and not like a week later. Naturally, he will deny deny deny.

 

as for the other questions... I would think insurance might dictate some of this versus out of pocket cost. For example, I think (and have seen in my own past cases) the dealer will be more expensive than 3rd party. Plus, in this day and age, they all can get the same computer matched paint codes and I am not convinced a dealer has a body shop any better than a repair shop that only does body work. Plus, I suspect a body shop would be faster to get you in and out than the dealer... heck, it can take a week to arrange an oil change and then 2 hours to get a 15 minute job

 

I am no pro on any of this, but as for fade... they will have to paint whole panels to make sure a panel matches the rest of the body versus just part of a panel. This way, the joint between panels brakes up - subtly - any minor or very slight paint differences (if any). Plus, this will also help to make sure that whole panel fades equally over time. As well, you are so early in your cars life, which sucks, but is good in that you have no real fade at this time so it is not like trying to match brand new painted panels to the rest of a faded body.

 

I know its late now, but this is why brush-less washers - essentially high pressure spray only touching the car - is the best way if you cannot wash it yourself.

[Hardhawk]

You may have to sue the car wash for them to take you seriously. You may exceed your state's small claims court money limit if you need the hood and roof repainted and a new windshield. WIth a brand new car and if the scratches are in a pattern that matches the car wash sponges you should have a pretty good shot at it. The nice thing about small claims court is that most states prohibit either side from bringing in an attorney. That leaves you on an even playing field. However, you may at least want to talk to an attorney first to see if him or her writing a demand letter might get them to pay without a suit. You could also run an ad in the local paper to try to find others who went through the wash that day to see if they have similar damage. Good luck!!!