Yeah, I know...this will sound stupid. I've been driving around a 1994 SUV for a while, so I'm a little out of touch.

Is it safe for a new car's paint to take it to a self-service carwash? Any advice on what products to use on it or what to avoid?

Self service as in "you brush it" or is it one of those that is touchless and you sit in a car?

Also, how old is the car and have you done the first proper wax?

In the end, it probably doesn't matter that much, but I'm pretty anal when it comes to keeping my paint in decent shape. I never use a brush, ever. If it needs to be cleaned that bad I find a place to hand wash. But, for day-to-day rinsing for dust I find a "no touch" place works alright.

Nothing is a substitute for a proper hand cleaning with a decent auto-detergent in the end and a good drying chamois in the shade.

Just my 2¢.

I would never ever take my car to any car wash whether it is a touch free, or hand wash. they use dirty wash mitts, reclaimed water, and dirty towels to fry off your rig. The result is micro marring, spider webbing, etc of the paint and this is the case at every car wash. Go check out www.autopia.com for car washing products, and instruction on how to wash your car. I have no affiliation with that site or anything of the like. I am crazy about the condition of the paint on my car though. Basics are:
2 5 gallon buckets
2 sheep skin wash mitts (1 for paint 1 for wheels)
High quality soap such as P21S, or Optimum
Micro Fiber towels used only for drying car
Quick detail spray for getting rid of any water spots upon drying
Carnauba Wax from P21S

Screw that, I don't have time to wash my car by hand anymore.

Take it to Mr Car wash or something. It's fine.

it's safe to wash it right off the lot, although I never take it drive through or a do it yourself place. hand washing is by far the safest and best thing for your paint.

You think the dealers hand wash them?

I know for sure that most of them don't.

first rule of detailing, never EVER let a dealer wash your car.

i, and most large dealers, use a truck mounted pressure washer for the front lot.

The brushes at do it yourself carwashes can be full of sand, glass, you name it..

They are washed by the dealer on the lot.

Go wash it, it's ok

i have a truck, it never gets washed, ever.

My truck will be getting a good wash soon as this rain hits H-town.

And it really needs it too. I've got blood all over the bed and tailgate.