Maybe you’ve gone down a dirt road. Maybe it’s the end of winter and you want to clear road salt off your car. Maybe it’s just been hot and dusty.
No matter what, your car is dirty, and it needs a good cleaning. It’s important to do: Keeping your car’s exterior clean can extend the life of the paint job by removing bird poop and bugs that can eat into that paint. Washing your car also helps you avoid rust.
You need to choose between a standalone car wash and your local gas station’s drive-thru. Which is the better option?
Gas Station Car Washes
Gas station car washes provide a variety of services, from touchless (and a person less) automatic washes to full-service options that include exterior washing, waxing and tire cleaning and some even provide interior detailing. Some stations provide a full-service wash and wax by an attendant. Most provide automatic washes using a series of brushes that scrub your car with soapy water as you drive through the wash tunnel. Touchless car washes use pressurized jets, rather than brushes, to wash the exterior.
Pros
Having your car washed at the gas station is convenient, especially if you are filling your tank, too. They’re quick – automatic and touchless car washes typically last less than 10 minutes, and you likely won’t need to get out of your car. They’re also much cheaper than standalone car wash services: Prices typically range from $6 to $10 for a basic wash and dry. Many gas stations offer discounts to customers who buy gasoline or join their rewards club.
Cons
Drivers who use gas station drive-thrus should be aware that quality varies depending on how well the cleaning equipment is maintained. If the car wash uses brushes, they can be old or broken, and they can scratch your car’s exterior or damage the radio antennae or side mirrors. Equipment that’s not properly cleaned can become filled with dirt or chemicals, and the brushes can transfer that mess to your car.
Standalone Car Washes
Standalone car washes may offer a drive-thru option similar to a gas station, but they are primarily sought for their personalized hand-washing and detailing services, where customers pay an attendant to wash and dry their car.
Pros
Personalized service often means a cleaner and more thorough job with less risk of damage. An attendant can also focus on the dirtier areas of the car that need more attention. Standalone car washes typically offer expanded services such as interior cleaning and vacuuming, waxing, and tire cleaning.
Cons
The average cost for a standalone car wash can range from $25 to more than $100, depending upon the level of service. A typical standalone car wash can last around 30 minutes, which may not suit drivers pressed for time. Finally, standalone car washes aren’t as common as gas station drive-thrus, so getting to one may require a longer trip.
Conclusion
Choosing the best option for you depends upon your lifestyle. If you are looking for a quick and convenient way to wash your car that won’t break the bank, a gas station car wash may be the best choice. Drivers looking for premium service may be better served by a standalone car wash.
If you have questions about the petrol station/gas station automatic car wash machine, please contact us at [email protected].
