Other than in extreme cases, washing your vehicle will not improve performance. You may want to consider not washing it at all, or doing so infrequently. If I am feeling flush, I like to target once or twice a year.If there is an opportunity to wash for free, then the undertaking becomes more attractive. For example, if you wait until your neighbors are away, you can use their garden hose to do the job. Of course, this may cause you to burn in hell, so weigh the consequences carefully. If you decide to use a commercial carwash facility, you probably have a few options, unless you live in a very rural area.
The coin operated self-service approach is best if you simply want to remove a layer of debris and are not too particular about the appearance. But, if you want a pristine result, you will spend more this way than if you simply go to a full-service facility. Also, keep in mind that much of the sludge that flies off your vehicle will end up on your clothing and face. If you live in a very rural area, this may not be an issue.
Some gas station have drive-thru washes that are supposedly discounted with an 8 gallon purchase of fuel. These often cost as much as an independent full-service wash, so you will want to compare prices rather than assume you are getting a deal. Also, your car will not get any cleaner than at the self-service because these washes are strictly minimalist. True, you don't get sludge on you. But, bits of your vehicle may be torn off by the machinery.
If you can find a high quality drive-thru carwash, provided you go infrequently, this is often the best value. By all means, choose the least expensive option. Do you really think they are spraying hot wax on your car when you pay an extra $5.00? Most of these places have some kind of guarantee that your car will come out clean, so if your car is really caked up with road film and kill, you may even get to drive through twice.
3 comments:
I might offer yet another option. Given the fact that the rainy season is upon us, putting on a bathing suit and sudsing the car in the rain might be good alternative. Not only will your car have the blessing of the good lord, it will be clean at no cost- AND your neighbors will have a free show. If you live in a rural area, you could probably skip the suit altogether.
Of course, I might also argue that if you prefer to not spend $5 twice a year, giving up the car altogether might be an option.
Cgilge, that is a superb suggestion. Be sure to use a detergent contains no phosphates as most storm drains lead directly to natural bodies of water. Or, if you live in a very rural area, it might seep into your well.
Giving up the vehicle altogether is another fabulous option - one that alleviates a myriad of costs. Unfortunately, this is not feasible for everyone.
on a much belated note, I'd also like to offer up yet another option for cleaning the car... the next time you fill up, check the windshield cleaner reservoir at the station. If the squeegee is in fairly good condition and the fluid plentiful, one could conceivably squeegee the grime off an entire vehicle while pumping gas. Nay, one does, as was witnessed by myself at my 7-11 while waiting for the bus.
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