Why does my car drive "smoother" after I wash it?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,080
136
I dunno bout that.
But I do know mine handles better when I properly inflate the tires.
I used to run around at 35 and then my mechanic said for a pickup with tires like that I should probably be at around 45. Since inflating that high and keeping them up there its been a much more comfortable ride.
Sidewall max says 51, but I would never go that high.
 

Phoenix86

Lifer
May 21, 2003
14,644
10
81
lol, mine really does feel faster.
The 1s and 0s going down the wires get caught on dust. Well, the 1s do because of their sharp angles, the 0s kinda slide right through.

This is why good cable management is important, don't bend your cables too much!!

:sneaky:
 

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
18,148
1
0
It's faster, smoother, and gets better gas mileage. Also I suddenly stop worrying that it could break down. Also everyone stares at it as they drive by. ;)
 

dbk

Lifer
Apr 23, 2004
17,685
10
81
I remember back when I played Gran Turismo, I would get the car washed before doing one of those circuit events. It was all in my head but still...
 

grrl

Diamond Member
Jun 21, 2001
6,204
1
0
Where is fleabag? I'm sure he's got a clever answer.

Alas, he appears to have been permabanned. First he got kicked out of the garage, and then everywhere. We are all now a little poorer.
 

nerp

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2005
9,865
105
106
Alas, he appears to have been permabanned. First he got kicked out of the garage, and then everywhere. We are all now a little poorer.

Hmm. I could think of other posters that should have been banned before fleabag. He was comedy. Unlike the other troll idiots who think they're funny but are really trying too hard. A true idiot is much more fun than some snarky, contrived persona.
 

grrl

Diamond Member
Jun 21, 2001
6,204
1
0
Hmm. I could think of other posters that should have been banned before fleabag. He was comedy. Unlike the other troll idiots who think they're funny but are really trying too hard. A true idiot is much more fun than some snarky, contrived persona.

I agree he was largely harmless, but he appears to have pissed off the mods by posting a series of car threads in Off Topic.
 

Train

Lifer
Jun 22, 2000
13,582
80
91
www.bing.com
Could it have something to do with hot water over the tires = higher tire pressure?

I noticed after the temp was in the 20's for a while, then shot up to 55, my car was driving different. There was noticeably less sag in the tires.
 

DivideBYZero

Lifer
May 18, 2001
24,117
2
0
Could it have something to do with hot water over the tires = higher tire pressure?

I noticed after the temp was in the 20's for a while, then shot up to 55, my car was driving different. There was noticeably less sag in the tires.
:awe:
 

torpid

Lifer
Sep 14, 2003
11,631
11
76
Overall it doesn't drive any more smoothly, but I have noticed that the brakes are a lot more sensitive just after a car wash.