Q&A for How to Use a Self Service Car Wash

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What would I need to wash my car like this at home?

Angel Ricardo
Auto Technician
Angel Ricardo is the owner of Ricardo's Mobile Auto Detail headquartered in Venice, California. With over 10 years of experience in mobile detailing, Angel continues to attend auto detailing trainings to improve his customer service and auto detailing skills.

Angel Ricardo

Auto Technician

Expert Answer

You'd definitely need a pressure washer and a steady water supply. Alternatively, you could get a tank for the washer. One of those $200-300 tanks should be good. Keep in mind, you really aren't going to get a good wash if you go for cheap equipment.

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Question

Are automatic car washes better than self service?

Angel Ricardo
Auto Technician
Angel Ricardo is the owner of Ricardo's Mobile Auto Detail headquartered in Venice, California. With over 10 years of experience in mobile detailing, Angel continues to attend auto detailing trainings to improve his customer service and auto detailing skills.

Angel Ricardo

Auto Technician

Expert Answer

Absolutely not. It's easier for sure, but the quality of the wash is going to be much worse. Automated car washes recycle their water, so a lot of gunk, dirt, and debris ends up in the water. They have filters that get some of that stuff out, but you may end up with mineral deposits on your paint job. I've even see small pebbles get through the filter, which can scratch your car.

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Question

Can I pause the machine?

Community Answer

No, there is no pause button. The timer is running. You might not always spray, but the clock keeps ticking.

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Question

Is the self serve car wash owner liable if I used their foamy brush and it scratched the paint on my car?

Community Answer

That is an answer for your lawyer. Usually, your use of their equipment is based on an as is agreement, like "By use of this equipment you hold harmless the owner..." blah blah blah. As the saying goes, "You pay your money and you take your chances." Wash out the brush first before starting on your car. And really, do you have the time and money to sue over a scratch?

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Question

Do I rinse the wax off or let it dry on the car?

Community Answer

Do not rinse off the wax.

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Question

It is alright to leave my car at the washing bay for it to dry?

Community Answer

If nobody is waiting, then it’s okay to dry your car off in the wash bay. I would recommend doing so, because it is out of the wind.

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Question

Can I use the carvac to remove water from the car?

Community Answer

Check the warning signs by the stand. Generally some spilled liquid less than 8 oz should be fine to vacuum up. One clue is if the same hose/machine does shampooing. Then it has been created to soak up some water and you may vacuum up moisture, like the mats. Otherwise, probably not. Ask the attendants for advice too.

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Question

Should I dry the car after using the wax, or let it drip dry?

Community Answer

Let it drip dry. The kind of car wax car washes use dries very quickly.

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Question

Does the car wash water go to street or storm drain?

Community Answer

Every municipality is different. As such, the answer depends on the age of the city's sewer system.

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Can I use the brush in the off position while another person uses the soap sprayer at a self service car wash?

Community Answer

Yes; that always saves money, and the kids enjoy it, too. However, in some car wash facilities, the soap comes out of the brush only.

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Question

Do I need to bring a chamois cloth to dry the car before waxing it?

Community Answer

You don't need to, but you could if you like.

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Question

Can the wax be applied directly after wash when the car is still wet?

kdweeb

Community Answer

If it is the wax from the car wash then yes, it is meant for putting on right after. If you bring your own polish, then the directions on the back will tell you whether the car is to be wet or dry when applied.

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Question

Is there no way to really wash the undercarriage?

kdweeb

Community Answer

Correct. Most car washes do not have a below-ground hole to drive over. You could bring your own ramps and chocks. You could angle the spray wand as best you can under the car.

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Question

Can I bring my own soap and sponge to use instead?

kdweeb

Community Answer

Yes. You may bring your own bucket and sponges or cloths, for example. Be mindful of those waiting after you in line. The rinse cycle is available to wash off your soap. If a line forms, you can always leave the bay for the final wipe down at another place in the lot.

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