I always hand washed my cars before I moved...but now I have no choice as the apartment complex has no outside water to hook up a hose to
I took my car through the shell carwash after I got gas and amazingly no scratches....Even though little bits and pieces of the car were missed by the brushes.
Cross my fingers I have to get my truck washed next...hopefully the brushes won't rip off my back window decal.