Self-service car washes are cheap and allow you to wash your car thoroughly; these stations are almost similar to each other and simple to use. If you show up at the car wash with enough banknotes or coins and an elementary knowledge of the various options available, you can thoroughly wash your vehicle while saving money compared to automatic stations and gaining greater control over the quality of cleaning.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Park the car in an empty compartment
The compartment is the area of the station where you have to wash the car. Try to park in the center of the available space and make sure you have enough space all around to be able to walk; if necessary, better adjust the position of the machine.
Step 2. Remove the floor mats from the cabin
If they are made of plastic or rubber, take them out and place them on the wall to be able to wash them with the high-pressure nozzle; if they are made of fabric or you don't want to wash them, skip this step.
Step 3. Locate the high pressure lance
It is usually hooked to a wall support inside the compartment. Grab it and check that you can reach all corners of the car by turning around it; if you can't, change the location where you parked the car.
To use the lance, direct the tip away from you and press the handle or trigger under the sprayer; in this way, you release a pressurized stream of water
Step 4. Familiarize yourself with the different sprayer settings
Most self-service stations offer 3-5 different functions that you can use for thorough washing; look at the control device to know which ones are available and the duration of each phase.
The most basic systems have three settings: washing, soaping and rinsing, while the more complex ones include a pre-wash and a wax application phase
Step 5. Select the "wash" or "pre-wash" function
Make sure the dial indicates the correct setting before washing the car. If the bodywork has a lot of dirt or mud encrustations, choose the "pre-wash"; if not, you can start with a normal "wash".
Step 6. Insert the coin into the machine
The self-service devices are timed and the amount of money you insert corresponds to the duration of the water supply; the time count begins as soon as you enter the money, so be prepared to act quickly.
- In most cases you can spend between 2 and 5 euros depending on the condition of the car.
- If the device does not indicate the number of minutes available to you based on the coins inserted, you can start with the minimum denomination (50 cents or 1 euro) and add more money later, in case you need more time.
- Be prepared to have bills or coins; although credit cards are also accepted in some cases, many machines only work with coins or cash.
Step 7. Stay 1-2m from the vehicle when using the high pressure lance
If the nozzle is too close, the flow of water can damage the paint. For the same reason, do not use this device in the engine compartment.
Part 2 of 3: Washing
Step 1. Rinse the body with the lance
Hold it away from your body and press the handle to release the pressurized flow of water; take a full circle around the vehicle by spraying the entire bodywork to remove dust and surface debris.
If you are using the prewash setting, switch to the wash setting after making the first lap around the car; spray the entire bodywork again before proceeding to the next step
Step 2. Wash the vehicle from top to bottom
This way, you can be sure that the dirty water is completely eliminated at the end of each phase.
Step 3. Don't forget the mats
If you have decided to take them out of the car, remember to wash and rinse them thoroughly with each function you use; it is easy to overlook them, as they are not attached to the bodywork.
Step 4. Apply the soap with the high pressure lance
Press the next function button to release the detergent; in this way, when you pull the trigger or the handle of the lance you get a stream of soapy water. Walk all around the vehicle by spraying it thoroughly with the foam.
Step 5. Rinse the brush with the high pressure lance
After applying the soap, you need to switch to another tool that is placed in a container inside the compartment. The bristles of this brush can be full of dirt, mud and sand due to previous uses, so remember to wash them with the high pressure flow before placing them on your car. To do this, change the device setting by selecting "rinse" and spray the brush; when finished, put the lance back in its place in the holder.
Step 6. Scrub the car with the brush
Grab it by the handle and use the bristles to lather and thoroughly clean the body. During this process you have to walk around the vehicle several times; if you let the cleaner dry on the surface without rubbing, a soap film forms. To avoid this, it is better to quickly wash the whole machine several times instead of dwelling on each section for a long time.
Step 7. Pay particular attention to the wheel wells
The tires are covered abundantly with dirt and dust, then scrub them with the brush; for best results, use the tool by making sweeping circular motions.
Part 3 of 3: Rinsing and Drying
Step 1. Use the high pressure lance to remove the foam
When you are done scrubbing the body, put the brush back in place and take the lance. Walk all around the vehicle to get rid of all the cleaner as you spray it with water; again, act quickly to avoid the formation of a soap film.
- Make sure you have selected the "rinse" function.
- If a soapy film has formed in any area of the body, wipe it off with a rag and rinse carefully.
Step 2. Apply the wax
If the car wash system offers this function, you can take a last lap around the car by spraying it with a thin layer of liquid wax; this further step allows you to seal the surfaces protecting them from dust and salt.
- Do not put wax on the mats.
- If this option is not available, go directly to the next step.
Step 3. Put the spear away
At this point, you no longer need it and you can put it back in the slot where you found it inside the compartment.
Step 4. Dry the mats
If you have washed them, remember to dry them thoroughly with a rag or cloth before putting them back in the cabin.
Advice
- Clean the interior with a vacuum cleaner before washing the car body. If the passenger compartment is dirty, take care of it before taking the car to the car wash; if you try to use the vacuum cleaner on wet surfaces, the hose will soak up the water left in the door gaps and drains, thus dirtying the upholstery. Prevent this from happening by cleaning the interior first.
- Although it is not possible to wash the fabric mats at the gas station, some car washes offer a specific detergent for these materials; if the mats are really dirty, you can consider this option.
- Check that the washing device is not out of order before inserting the coins, otherwise you risk losing money.
- High pressure lances can peel off paint, take off magnetic decorations and bumper stickers; so be careful and keep the nozzle at least 1-2 m from the body when washing it with this tool.
- Check the wind direction to avoid being downwind of the water sprinkler.
- Some car washes are equipped with various functions, such as the washing program for the tires or the engine compartment; use them strictly following the instructions, as they can damage the paint.
