Cleaning your car is important if you want to keep it looking good, to protect the paint work and to get back a good price for it if you decide to sell it. However, the prices differ significantly, and the services can be as basic, which includes only a wash with water, and as complex as a premium car wash. Below is a breakdown of the most common prices for car wash services in 2024, the service offered at each price level, and how to decide on the best wash for your car.
1. The Basic Drive-Through Wash ($5–$10)
The most simple wash plan is the drive through wash and it ranges from $5 to $10. This wash is a perfect one if you need to remove some thin layer of dirt and dust in rather short amount of time.
What’s Included: Just a wash and rinse of the exterior of the building. Some locations may provide spot-free rinse with the car being dried naturally.
Best For: For a not very dirty car, or when you don’t have much time, and you just want a simple wash.
2. Self-Serve Wash ($10–$15)
The self-serve car washing that enable you to wash your car on your own using a high pressure hose, soap, and sometimes foam brush. Prices vary between $10 and $15, depending on the place.
What’s Included: Washing tools such as high pressure water, foaming soap and at times a rinse with a dryer.
Best For: Customers who prefer to be in charge of the cleaning process and those who would like to choose the options of car wash, but do not want to overpay.
3. Automatic Wash with Extra Services ($15–$20)
Most automatic car washes have additional options for $15 to $20 more than the basic service. These are frequently choices that are beyond the basic wash and rinse services that are offered.
What’s Included: In addition to wash and rinse, this level often involves waxing, underbody washing, and tire shining.
Best For: People who want a faster but somewhat more thorough wash which also comes with an extra layer of protection for the paint and the underside of the car.
4. Full-Service Wash ($20–$30)
A full service usually runs from $20 to $30 and it includes washing the interior as well as the exterior of the vehicle. Such a wash is usually manned with attendouts who assist you in washing your car or do the washing on your behalf.
What’s Included: Washing of the exterior part, vacuuming the interior, washing of the windows, and wiping of interior parts.
Best For: People who wish to have their car interior and exterior cleaned at the same time.
5. Express Hand Wash ($30–$50)
For the more tender treatment, most of car wash centers provide express hand wash services which cost between $30 and $50. In this case, the professionals wash your car by hand to reduce on chances of scratching and making swirls by the machines.
What’s Included: Exterior wash, drying, wheel and tire cleaning and sometimes polishing or waxing.
Best For: Any car that needs a delicate wash or those that are luxury, sports, or specialty cars that are delicate to handle.
6. Exterior and Interior Detailing ($50–$100)
If you want a broader cleaning, detailing packages offer thorough work for the interior as well as the exterior. The prices are normally within $50 and $100, depending on the size of the car and the type of washing, polishing and waxing to be offered.
What’s Included: The above list of exterior wash also entails waxing, polishing, and dressing of the tires. Interior’s cleaning includes thorough interior washing, vacuuming, conditioning the seats and sometimes shampooing the carpets.
Best For: Car owners who seek to have the vehicle washed to a higher level of cleanliness to enhance the looks of the car, and for paint protection.
7. Premium Detailing Services ($100 and Up)
Premium detailing services cost from $100 and some of the packages may go up to $200 and above. These packages include very careful work on every aspect of the car, including the paint and the upholstery, and can take several hours or a whole day.
What’s Included: Extra services like clay bar, paint refinement, ceramic coating and head light restoration. Some of the services to be offered inside may include leather treatment, stain treatments, and even smell elimination.
Best For: For those who own a luxury or a collector car, or for those who would like to have their car to look brand new. Such a level of service is also suitable if you are planning to sell your car soon and desire to get the highest amount of money for it.