Where to wash my car?

O

ozziegt

New member
So I live an apartment. They don't have a hose. For a few months I was going to the local car wash (they scrub it with brushes then it goes through a really big fancy machine with cotton strips), but I think that was leaving swirl marks. But I put up with it thinking I was going to use my PC on the car and it would take them out. But now we have a 2001 IS300 in the garage too, and it doesn't have any swirls. It's dark green. Needless to say I do not want to take it to this place.



But I don't know where to go. I called a local detailer and he wants $35 just to wash the car. Outrageous, I refuse to pay so much for a simple car wash. I have zaino detailing spray but I think the car is too dirty to use that, it hasn't been washed in a few weeks.



A co worker recommended cruising around other complexes looking for a car wash but that just doesn't sound right...any suggestions?
 
Go to the coin op wash. Pop in some change, put the sprayer on high pressure rinse, and give the car a good go over; if it isn't really dirty to begin with, you can just give it a wipedown with something like S&W.



I've also gone as far as doing bucket washes at the coin op. As long as you don't do it on the weekends, most owners could care less. Luckily I have a truck and I live right next door to the place, so I fill a bucket up with some soap+water, toss a mitt in it, put it in the bed, and drive over. You could improvise and get an empty jug and fill it with water, then mix up your wash solution there.



There are too many options to even consider putting your car through one of those swirl-o-matics.
 
I'd just get a bucket, some quality soap, and a few towels and head off to the local coin-op car wash where you can do all the work yourself--NO AUTOMATIC--off peak time, so as not to make a line behind you.



That's what, I think, is going to be my plan for school next year when I'll have a car on campus, but still need a place to clean it occasionally--just keep some supplies and a bucket in the trunk, and away I go.
 
Just make friends with houses. I go to college full time, and I usually go to wash my car at my fraternity brother's house. Usually theres an understanding friend who'll let you work on yours if you knock out a quick wash on theirs.
 
Hmm....QEW looks promising. I guess I will try to get some, otherwise I will resort to finding a coin op wash nearby.
 
35 bucks isnt really a bad deal from a good detailer. there are a few on here that charge that, and it usually comes with a vacuum, dressed tires etc. you gotta pay for quality as im sure you are aware
 
It's a little pricey for my pocketbook. If I can spend the same money no some QEW, which will last me for a really long time, that's a much better investment for me.
 
That's what I charge to wash a car. But like said above it includes more that a wash that does not scratch up your paint. I clean wheels, door jambs, windows, light vacuum, dress trim and tires. I think it is a good price for an hour+ of my labor.
 
Look for a sprinkler room. Usually there is a hose connection on the outside of them. Hook up a hose and your good to go. The worst thing that could happen is the management will tell you that you cant use the water source.
 
I tried a touchless wash once. Total crap, my car was still dirty. :)



The complex used to have a hose that was for watering the plants and people would wash their cars with it. They disabled it though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top