It may be blasphemy in these parts, but what about taking your car in to have it washed/waxed by the professionals? I don't have a garage or even driveway with a hose to really do it well myself.

Several of you have spoken out against automated car washes of any kind, but isn't that what just about any car wash place uses for the initial wash? How do I find one that doesn't? What do I look for, and can they do all the stuff like the clay bar, etc., or would that just take too long?

Also, are there any special instructions to give re: the chrome accents or other things? Wherever I take it, it's likely to be the first TSX they've done.



BTW, what I'm really looking for is a good self-service car wash, but I can't find one near me.

 

I am in the same boat as Blah. I live in a condo in Chicago and I have no hose, driveway, or garage spot (I gave it to the lady). There is a high-end hand car wash around the corner that I have taken my CL to, and I think I'll use them for my TSX. What do you "experts" think?

 

Jason,

I'm a member at East Bank. My little scam is that I go after 7, when the car wash guys leave, and I can wash, wax, and even vaccum (gotta bring your own) to my hearts content. I do this once a week. This is especially nice in winter since the garage is always at least 75. If you ever want to wash, let me know, I can get your parking validated, it's $5.

 

I am no expert, but secretary in my office got a gift sertificate to one of the better detailing places around here and they really screwed up her paint. I wouldn't trust some 18 yrs old, just because he works at detailing place.

 

Jason,

I'm a member at East Bank. My little scam is that I go after 7, when the car wash guys leave, and I can wash, wax, and even vaccum (gotta bring your own) to my hearts content. I do this once a week. This is especially nice in winter since the garage is always at least 75. If you ever want to wash, let me know, I can get your parking validated, it's $5.

 

check your PM chris.

 

Count Blah: I'm in the same boat as you, and as such I have located self-service car washes. Basically places where you pay for the water. They're really convenient and allow me to wash my car whenever I want.

On a side note, I have yet to see anybody else who goes to these types of places take the time to actually dry their car after rinsing the soap off.

-snap-

 

Yeah, I guess I just need to look harder for a self-service place, or go to a friend's house and borrow his driveway for an hour.

 

In Chicago, I've had some luck with White Glove carwash in Lincoln Park. It's one of those touchless deals, if I remember correctly. Of course, you can buy a carwash coupon book to save a couple of bucks.

If you get your oil changed by them, they'll throw in a free wash.