[SLVRSRFR]

I try to only use the pay and spray if possible, and as mentioned, I avoid using the brushes that are provided there as they are usually dirty and probably full of grit or other fine particles that will scratch your paint.

If I'm in a rush, and just want a quick wash, I will simply give the car a rinse with the high pressure setting, spray the whole car with the spray soap setting, and then rinse it off with the high pressure setting again. If I feel like really getting into it, and if there isn't a line-up at the wash (the employees at the one in my town really don't like it when people bring their own brushes, mitts etc. because it holds up the line), I'll go through the same steps, but will bring my own brush from home and spray it with the soap after soaping the car, then will go over the whole car with the brush before rinsing both the car and the brush off.

Failing that, the ONLY automated car wash I would ever take my car through is the Petro Canada GLIDE. It has the option for touch, or touchLESS. Naturally I always choose touchless, but it's neat that it has options. The other nice part is that is employs a giant conveyor belt instead of the rails, or the machine that moves around your car, so there is much much less risk of damage to rims/tires/lowered vehicles.

I also have a pressure washer at home and use that whenever possible.