How to Choose a Commercial Car Wash

There are many benefits to taking your vehicle to a commercial car wash. For one, you won't have to worry about paying for the water you use, as you would were you at home washing. Plus, there are many environmental benefits, too, since most commercial car washes filter their water so it can be recycled. The pros definitely outweigh any cons when it comes to taking your vehicle to a commercial car wash. And choosing the right commercial car wash isn't terribly difficult, either.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask around to see if people you know use a commercial car wash. Friends with vehicles similar to yours or who take good care of their own vehicles would be great to check with.

2. Get out your local phone book and peruse the commercial car washes in your immediate area. You may already be familiar with some just from driving by them daily.

3. Make a list of commercial car washes you would be interested in taking your vehicle to. Also make a short list of questions to ask them. Then call the car washes and get some answers. For example, you may want to find out if they use automated washers or have people wash by hand. You may also want to check on whether or not they wax the vehicles separately or use a wash with wax built-in.

4. Get online and check with the Better Business Bureau. You can either pull up a list of commercial car washes in your area or check on individual places to make sure they do reputable business (see Resources below).

5. Drive to commercial car washes in your area. You can see what kind of business they do. You can see them in action, so to speak. And you'll also be able to speak with the people that work there and ask your questions in person.

Tips & Warnings

• The prices at commercial car washes vary based on whether you wash the car yourself, which in some places you can do this. The more expensive places have people who will hand-wash and hand-dry your vehicle.
• You may want to look through your vehicle's owner's manual. Sometimes they have a small section dedicated to car care which can help you determine whether you want your car to be waxed and what type would be best to use.
• Don't be afraid to spend a little extra. It's worth the extra money to make sure you get the job done right. The cheapest car washes are not always the best. Especially if you have a newer vehicle, you may want to pay the extra to have someone wash your car by hand. Hand washing is a method which if often gentler on newer paint.
• If you go someplace that towel dries by hand, be sure to check which type of towels they use. Some cotton towels can be too rough and may scratch the paint slightly.

Resources

• Better Business Bureau