There really is nothing quite like a car wash to get you (and your car!) feeling incredible when you’re out on the road.
That said, if you’re not necessarily thrilled about the idea of manual labour in the name of getting your car looking tip top, then you’re probably no stranger to the local carwash to keep your vehicle feeling like a place you actually want to be.
Still, a car wash can be a pretty chunky expense if you’re into the idea of saving money, so we totally get it. We thought it might be useful to throw out a few ideas on cost-effective ways to keep your vehicle nice and clean, without any exorbitant costs.
Get the basic car cleaning tools
Buying some basic equipment to help you get your car clean is a smart idea. A couple cheap buckets along with some basic tools is going to make the whole process easier, save you time and money at the wash bay while also giving you a cleaner vehicle.
Wheel cleaning brushes allow you to scrub brake dust and road grime off your wheels after they’ve been soaked, providing a nicer finish and saving you money on a high-pressure wheel cleaner, if that’s not where you’re at.
You can clean your car safely with a bucket, some fresh water, and a wash mitt instead of a foamy brush, which can actually cause scratches.
Get your car washed at off-peak times
If the first idea didn’t sing out to you, and you still want to get yourself down to the local car wash, we totally get it. In our experience, if you can find a time that isn’t crammed full of other people and their vehicles, it’s going to be easier for you.
Think about evenings as an option. If you choose to go to a wash bay, you’ll likely be able to save a bit of money by choosing the soap option, then spray down your vehicle before attacking it with your pre-prepared wash buckets and mitts and rinsing it off.
Naturally, you’ll want to double-check with your local car wash to see if they’re okay with it, as some don’t allow bucket cleaning.
Jump online and search for car wash deals
A hot tip here is to jump online and see if you can find any deals. Sometimes you can find a great deal on TreatMe. See if your local car wash has any deals that you can take advantage of, maybe for repeat-washes if you purchase in bulk.
Give your car a quick spruce up before heading to the car wash
Now, you’ll know we at My Auto Shop really value a clean car interior. If you’re just thinking about ways to get your car cleaner, sooner, then it’s a genius move to clear any rubbish or loose items out from the vehicle. There’s less to spend time vacuuming, which will ultimately mean you get to save a bit money in the long term.
Check out our Expert’s guide to get your car wheels squeaky clean.
Car looking good, but need help from a mechanic? Head over to the My Auto Shop service area and we can sort you out with a few quotes to compare from qualified mechanics in your area. Too easy.