I run mine through those things fairly often as a matter of convenience. They do an OK job as a quick means of getting the big chunks of dirt off, but don't do much for the bugs on the clear bra. I won't use the ones where the car gets pulled through, only the ones where you drive it in, no guide rails. The "harsh chemicals" thing....I'd have to see some data. I suppose it's possible they use less-than-optimal detergent, and maybe some of that other crap they spray on, but I've not seen any bad effects on my paint in the many years I've been washing Nissans -- Z's, Murano's, Cube -- using those car washes and frankly in the absence of actual data I'd be inclined to say that such a characterization falls under the heading of "internet lore". Sort of like most of the stuff I read online about engine oil.
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