Cleaning your car is not only beneficial to the appearances of the car but also increases the durability of the car paint and the general finish. Nevertheless, car wash costs can be significantly different depending on the type of wash, additional services, and the location of the car wash. Knowing what you are getting for your money can assist you in making the right decision for your wallet and your automobile. Here, seven common prices will be described and what you should be prepared for at each car wash level.
1. The Basic Drive-Through Wash ($5–$10)
The simplest kind of car wash is the drive-through wash, which usually costs between $5 and $10. This is a brief and basic scrub where the soap is applied, washed off and the surface is dried.
What You Get: Washing of the exterior part with a sponge and avoiding any contact with the car body to prevent any scratch. Some drive-through washes even offer extras such as underbody rinse or spot-free drying at this level.
Best For: Rapid cleaning and wiping off surface dust in case you wash your car frequently.
2. Self-Serve Wash ($10–$15)
The basic car wash which is normally a surface wash is the cheapest and normally costs between $5 and $10. This is a very brief wash where the soap is applied, then it is washed with water and the car dried.
What You Get: Washing of the outer part of the car without polishing since this may result to scratching on the outer surface of the car. At this level, some drive-through washes take it a level higher to offer underbody rinses or even spot-free drying as options.
Best For: Moderate cleaning and simply wiping off the surface dust if you are a regular car washer.
3. Automatic Wash with Extras ($15–$20)
The automatic wash with other extra services like waxing, tire polish, and underbody wash cost between $15 and $20. These “premium” automatic washes are not just a wash and rinse but a whole lot more than that.
What You Get: An intensive wash of the exterior with additional treatments to protect your car’s paint and wheels. Typically, automatic washes at this price level include spot free rinse and can use better soaps and waxes.
Best For: People who own cars and require extra protection but cannot spare their time to paint their car themselves.
4. Full-Service Wash ($20–$30)
A wash of the exterior which costs between $20 and $30 will also include interior cleaning of the car at the very least. In this price range, you are likely to get vacuuming, cleaning of surfaces and in most cases, a spray of a perfumed solution. What You Get: Body washed by staff and some interior services such as washing of windows, dash board, seats and carpeting.
Best For: Houses owners who want to change the appearance of the room and the house in general but do not want to spend more on the details.
5. Express Hand Wash ($30–$50)
If you want more of a quick clean, then an express hand wash might be perfect for you and this will cost you about $30-$50. Hand washing is normally done by specialists who do not use brushes which are too rigid and instead use fabrics or sponge to prevent surface abrasion.
What You Get: This would involve washing of the exterior and paying much attention to the paint work than normal washing would. It in most cases involves hand drying, dressing of tires, and in some instances, the waxing or applying of a sealant.
Best For: Individuals with distinctive automobiles that they don’t wish to let be subjected to automatic washing services that may have some adverse effects on their car.
6. Full Exterior & Interior Detailing ($75–$150)
It costs from $75 to $150 to have your car fully detailed depending on the size of your car and the expertise of the detailer. This service is not just a wash but a more thorough washing and treatment of the outside and inside parts of the car. What You Get: Interior cleaning including vacuuming, conditioning of leathers, cleaning of upholstery and dashboard conditioning, and exterior services such as polishing waxing and dressing of tires.
Best For: Individuals who own cars and would like to have their cars to be very clean and protected in a way that they will be willing to attend a special event or occasion or even change of season.
7. Premium Detailing Package ($150 and Up)
Standard detailing packages range from $150 and above, with luxury or oversize vehicles being charged as much as $300 and above. These packages are the ultimate in car care and may take several hours or a day to complete.
What You Get: Paintless dent repair, polishing and paint protection (paint sealant or high-gloss wax), interior detailing, and occasionally, engine bay detailing. Some services also include extra services such as headlight restoration and rim polishing among others.
Best For: For cars that need a really careful handling or for those who want their car to be as new as possible.
Choosing the Right Car Wash for Your Needs
The kind of car wash that you need depends on your pocket, the frequency that you need the car wash and the kind of care that you need for your car. Here’s a quick guide:
If you need a quick clean: Choose an ordinary basic wash, or a drive-through car wash if you do not want a professional detail.
If you enjoy washing your own car: Go for a self-serve station for the reasons of control and cost.
If you want a bit more care: Choose between an automatic wash with extra services or a full service wash.
For special care: Select a hand wash, exterior wash and wax, or a superior wash and wax.
Final Thoughts
Car washing does not have to be costly, however, selecting a right service provider makes a lot of difference for your car. You might just need a simple wash or you might need a full detail, either way, having this knowledge as to how much things cost, will help you get the most for your dollar.