Hand wash vs automatic car wash: which is right for your car?
We run both on the same lot in Miramar. Here is how they differ and which one fits your car.
Side by side
| Express tunnel | Hand wash | |
|---|---|---|
| How | Soft cloth and mild cleaners, then blow dried and finished by hand | Lambswool mitt and two buckets, spot free rinse, dried by hand |
| Time | About five minutes, you stay in the car | Longer, done panel by panel |
| Appointment | No, pull in any day 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Call ahead or book online |
| Price | $13 to $55 | $40 exterior, $65 in and out for a car |
When the tunnel is the right call
For a daily driver, the express wash is quick and safe. Our tunnel uses soft cloth and mild cleaners, never acids or harsh brushes, and the crew preps every car by hand before it goes in. Free vacuums and compressed air come with any express wash. If you wash twice a month or more, an unlimited plan from $19.99 a month on sale costs less.
When to choose the hand wash
Some cars should not go through a tunnel: fresh paint, vinyl wraps, ceramic coatings you want babied and show cars. New paint should cure about 30 days before a tunnel wash, so check with your body shop. Our hand wash is $40 exterior or $65 in and out for coupes and sedans, $45 or $70 for wagons, compact SUVs and small trucks, and $55 or $75 for full size trucks, SUVs, jeeps and minivans.
Getting a detail?
Any detail on the detailing menu can be upgraded from the tunnel wash to a hand wash for $20 ($10 on the hand wax, $25 on the complete detail).
Questions
It is gentler and slower. It is the right call for fresh paint, wraps, ceramic coatings and show cars. For a daily driver, our soft cloth wash with a hand dry is safe.
For a car, $40 exterior or $65 in and out. Larger vehicles are $45 to $55 exterior and $70 to $75 in and out.
Not for the express wash. For the hand wash, call ahead or book online so a crew member is ready for you. Walk ups are welcome when the lot is quiet.