I grew up in the car wash business. My dad ran two of them so I have seen people make these common mistakes over and over again. So I have compiled a list of dos and don’ts when visiting a self-service car wash. Some of these tips are just common sense while others could save you time and money.
Do’s
- Bring your own quarters or gentle uses dollar bills. The machines that read your bills are highly sensitive and may not ready worn out bills. Remember most machines will only accept ones and fives.
- If you have cleaning supplies like wheel cleaner bring it with you or most drive thru car washes have vending machines for you to purchase them. Spray your wheels before you enter the bay to allow the chemicals to start braking down the brake dust. A great time to do this is while waiting in line on a busy day.
- When washing your car a lot of people hurry through and only use the soap and rinse cycles. You should always use the pre-soak and foam brush cycles too for a great wash. If you are in a hurry use an automated car wash.
- When washing your vehicle do not forget to get the undercarriage of your car to remove dirt and mud. A lot of rust on cars starts in this area because it is so neglected.
- Find out the minimum deposit at a car wash and keep track of time. If you start to run out of time deposit a couple more quarters before the time runs out or you will have to put the full deposit in again.
Don’ts
- If you have rust on your vehicle or peeling paint do not use the high pressure hose on because it could lift the paint or rust right off your car creating more damage.
- Do not stand so close to your car while spraying it with the high pressue hose otherwise you will end up with dirt and water all over yourself.
- Most car washes offer extra options like tire degreaser and engine cleaners be careful using them and follow directions. These chemicals could hurt your paint.
- Check which way the wind is blowing and try to avoid standing downwind while washing.
- Be considerate of others. If the car wash is busy and there is a line behind you do not linger in the bay and start drying off your car there move out of the bay and next to a vacuum.