We’re giving you all the answers to the most frequently asked questions on car washes near you! From clearing up bug splats to preserving your car’s clear coat, we’re breaking it all down in this post on Car Wash FAQs – All Your Queries Answered. Read on to know more.
Car Wash FAQs – All Your Queries Answered
How often do I need to have my vehicle washed?
Ideally, you’d want to have your vehicle washed and cleaned once every week. Once-a-week washes will help you keep the paint and exterior of your vehicle well preserved.
Can I take any type of vehicle to a car wash near me?
Most washing facilities accept vans, trucks, and cars (maximum of 84 inches in height on average, with a minimum ground clearance of 4 inches). If you happen to own a vehicle with dual sets of wheels, you might want to call your local car wash ahead of time and check if they can handle oversized vehicles.
Can I clean my expensive alloy wheels at a car wash?
We recommend that you ensure that your washing facility does not utilize any acidic cleaning agent in their wash process. Most automotive manufacturers advise against automatic washes that use acids on polished aluminum tires. Typically, car washes will use a soft cloth as washing material for your tires, so your wheels are in perfectly safe hands.
Is it safe to take a freshly painted vehicle to a car wash near me?
As long as your vehicle’s paint job has been effectively cured, it is safe to pass through your local washing facility. A fresh paint job on most parts of the vehicle typically requires 30 days of curing time. Keep in mind that cars that come out of a dealership are entirely cured. However, we highly recommend consulting with a body shop near you, just to make sure.
Is it possible to have a convertible cleaned in a car wash?
Provided the roof or canopy is latched and secured correctly, yes, by all means.
Can I take my pickup truck to a car wash near me?
Yes – just ensure that the pickup bed is empty before it goes into the wash.
Is it okay to take a vehicle with a broken windshield to a car wash?
In most cases, a cracked windshield will hold up easily in almost any washing facility. However, windshields with rock chip damage may be affected by temperature changes. We’d say it’s far easier to replace a broken windshield as soon as possible.
Can I remove bug splats at a car wash near me?
Most wash tunnels and self-service washing facilities will remove bug remains, especially if washed shortly after the splat has occurred.
Why does my vehicle’s exterior look dull after a wash?
A dull-looking car is typically caused by oxidation of the paint, which happens from prolonged exposure to sunlight as the paint naturally ages and decays. We recommend cleaning your car two to three times a week and applying a coat of wax at least once a year. This helps maintain that dealership shine on your vehicle.
Will a car wash remove egg stains?
You’ll need to be quick about it—do your best to clean the egg remains off your vehicle’s exterior before they dry. The dried egg remains can be very corrosive and begin to attack your car’s paint job almost instantly.
Will I get a free vacuum at my car wash?
Most locations offer free vacuum services.
Will my car wash remove road tar or tree sap?
Depending on the severity of the road tar or tree sap that has accumulated, automated washing facilities may not be able to remove everything. We recommend asking your washing facility for a special cleaning agent (usually provided at an additional charge).
What’s the RFID tag that I see at my automated car wash?
The RFID tag is a small square or rectangular sticker stuck to the windshield’s lower left-hand corner. This sticker instantly identifies the vehicle using radio frequency identification technology as it approaches the pay stations. Once a vehicle is detected, entry to the wash tunnel is granted.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
