How Much Does A Car Wash Cost?

Last Updated on June 27, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Keeping your car looking like new is important for aesthetic appeal and maintenance, but the costs of frequent washing can add up. Prices range tremendously based on the type of car wash, services, vehicle size, frequency, and other factors. Understanding the full market landscape allows you to make smart choices balancing cost, quality, and convenience.

This guide examines the pricing of do-it-yourself, automated, and professional hand car washing. It provides typical costs for basic washes, detailing upgrades, membership plans, mobile services, and supplies. You’ll also learn insider tips for saving money through best practices, bundles, off-peak visits, coupons, and buying groups.

How Much Does A Car Wash Cost?

The cost of a car wash is, on average, between $10 to $100+, to get your vehicle gleaming. Car wash prices span a wide spectrum depending on quality and features:

Self-Service Car Washes – $5 to $15 for exterior cleaning with manual spray wands. Price varies by length of use.

Automatic Touchless Car Washes – $8 to $25 for quick exterior wash and optional add-ons. Prices depend on wash time and extras.

Hand Car Washing – $20 to $75+ for thorough exterior scrubbing, detailing, and spot-free drying. Cost reflects higher labor time.

Full-Service Car Washes – $30 to $100+ for comprehensive exterior wash, wax, tire and wheel cleaning, undercarriage spray, interior vacuuming, scrubbing, and sport treating leather. Most expensive given detail and time needed.

Mobile Car Washing – $50 to $150+ for professional exterior and often interior cleaning at your home or workplace. Charge a premium for traveling convenience.

Angie’s List states that the average cost of a basic car wash in the US is around $10, with prices ranging from $5 to $20 depending on the location and the type of car wash. They highlight that full-service car washes that include interior cleaning and waxing can cost $30 to $60 or more. Angie’s List also notes that unlimited monthly car wash plans typically cost $20 to $50.

Carwash.com reports that the average cost of a basic car wash in the US is around $8 to $15, with prices varying based on the region and the type of car wash. They mention that full-service car washes that include interior cleaning and waxing can cost $20 to $30 or more. Carwash.com also provides a breakdown of the average cost for different car wash services, such as $3 to $10 for an exterior wash, $5 to $15 for an interior vacuum, and $10 to $20 for a hand wax.

Mister Car Wash offers a range of car wash packages, with prices starting at $7 for their basic exterior wash and going up to $20 for their most comprehensive package that includes an interior clean, tire shine, and hand wax. They also provide unlimited monthly car wash plans starting at $19.99.

Autobell Car Wash reports that their basic exterior car wash costs $9.95, while their most comprehensive package which includes an interior clean, tire shine, and hand wax costs $24.95. They also offer unlimited monthly car wash plans starting at $19.95.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Car Wash

Several factors shape the pricing around any car wash service:

• Type of car wash – Self-serve is cheapest while full-service and hand washes cost more for labor.
• Vehicle size – Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs may incur $3-$10 surcharges over standard sedans and compact cars.
• Extra services – Wax, tire/wheel treatments, leather conditioning, paint sealants all add $2-$20+ each to the final bill.
• Frequency and loyalty – Regular customers might earn member pricing around 10-15% off per wash.
• Location – Urban car washes tend to be 10-40% pricier than suburban or rural competitors simply due to higher real estate and labor costs.

Cost Breakdown of Car Wash Packages

Car wash businesses structure pricing across clear tiers of service targeting different consumer budgets and needs:

Basic Car Wash Package

• $10 to $20
• Exterior wash with soap, rinse, and air dry
• Quick and affordable exterior cleaning only

Deluxe Car Wash Package

• $18 to $35
• Exterior wash with brush scrub
• Wheel and tire cleaning
• Undercarriage spray
• Air dry and hand spotting
• Good for routine maintenance washes

Premium Car Wash Package

• $30 to $65
• Exterior hand wash, scrub, and towel dry
• Wheel, tire, and undercarriage cleaning
• Protectant wax, tire shine, or quick polish treatments
• Interior vacuum and windows cleaned
• Provides deep clean with added protection

Full-Service VIP Car Wash Package

• $60 to $140+
• Hand wash and meticulous drying of exterior
• Scrub and protectant treatment for wheels and tires
• Wax, polish, or ceramic coat paint protection
• Interior shampoo, vacuum, upholstery cleaning, windows, leather conditioning
• Ultimate maintenance detail both inside and out

Common Car Wash Add-On Services

Going beyond basic exterior washes, extra services average:

• Wax or Ceramic Coat – $15 to $30
• Tire Shine – $2 to $5 per tire
• Wheel Cleaning and Shine – $5 to $15 per set
• Interior Vacuum – $7 to $15
• Spot or Complete Interior Shampoo – $15 to $30
• Odor Elimination Treatment – $10 to $20
• Pet Hair Removal – $10 to $20

Most locations offer 10-20% discounted bundled pricing when adding multiple services.

DIY Car Wash Cost Breakdown

Washing your own car at home typically costs:

One-Time Supplies

• Bucket, wash mitt, towels, brushes – $20 to $50
• Hose, foam cannon, nozzle, pail caddy – $30 to $80

Monthly Consumable Supplies

• Car wash soap, wax, tire/wheel cleaners – $10 to $30
• Microfiber cloths, applicators, towels – $5 to $15
• Water and electricity estimated – $5 to $15

Total Monthly DIY Cost – $20 to $60

DIY can save 50-80% but requires 1-3 hours for a thorough wash.

Car Wash Memberships

Joining a monthly membership plan provides discount perks for frequent car washing:

Typical Monthly Membership Fees

• Basic Plan – $20 to $40
• Deluxe Plan – $40 to $60
• Unlimited Plan – $50 to $80+

Common Membership Benefits

• One or more washes per day
• Discounted add-on services
• Priority express lane access
• Unlimited washes at all area locations

Cost Saving Opportunities

• 10-50% discounts off single wash prices
• Free add-on services like vacuums or mat washing

Evaluate costs against estimated monthly usage when considering a membership program.

Tips for Saving Money

With some savvy shopping, you can keep car washing budget friendly:

• Search for new customer promotions like free washes or loyalty clubs
• Purchase discounted bulk wash gift cards or Groupon deals for volume savings
• Get a basic wash package then perform any add-ons like waxing at home
• Visit at off-peak times like early weekday mornings to avoid lines
• Give pre-paid wash memberships as gifts for frequent car washing loved ones
• Use cash payment which sometimes yields discounted cash prices
• Apply coupons, seasonal deals, and advertised savings whenever possible

Finding affordable options just takes a bit of awareness and initiative.

You might also like our articles about the cost of vacuuming your car, repairing the rust, or painting the car.

Regional Car Wash Prices

Geographic location within a country can substantially alter car wash costs:

Major Metro Areas – Large cities like New York, San Francisco, and Miami have premium pricing, sometimes 30-50% above national averages. Higher rents, labor, regulations, and demand in urban areas increase costs.

Suburban Areas – Densely populated suburban areas that ring major cities offer more moderate pricing, but still 5-15% above national car wash averages.

Small Metro Areas – Car washes in smaller cities like Boise, Gainesville, or Spokane remain close to national averages with competitively priced options.

Rural Locations – Sparsely populated rural towns generally have the most affordable car washing with prices 10-25% or more below national benchmarks thanks to lower overhead.

Check pricing near employment centers which offer convenience for on-the-go professional washes during lunch or before/after work.

DIY vs Professional Car Washing

Both DIY and professional washes have cost trade-offs consumers should evaluate:

DIY Car Washing Cost Considerations

• Low supplies cost but high time investment
• Access to basic home wash equipment only
• Limited ability to handle intricate detailing
• Hassle of proper supply storage, disposal, equipment maintenance

Professional Car Wash Cost Considerations

• Convenience of exterior and interior cleaning in minutes
• Access to commercial quality wands, brushes, vacuums, and cleaning solutions
• Consistent quality without outdoor weather concerns
• Recurring costs that add up over weeks, months, and years

Review costs against personal preferences, budget, and goals. Combining DIY washes with occasional professional cleaning provides balance.

Final Words

Regular car washing is vital for vehicle maintenance, appearance, and retaining maximal value over its lifetime. With such a wide spectrum of DIY methods, automated options, and professional hand washing packages at prices for every budget, finding cost-effective choices is readily achievable.

Keep your ride looking showroom new all year long without breaking the bank using this guide’s money and time-saving insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you spend washing your car?

A basic DIY car wash at home takes 30-45 minutes. For a deep clean including waxing, vacuuming, and cleaning tires and door jambs, plan on 1-2 hours for a thorough hands-on wash. Professional full-service detailing can take 2-5 hours depending on vehicle condition.

Is a weekly car wash too much?

For modern clear coat automobile paints, there should be no issues with weekly professional washes as long as quality products are used and any small swirl marks that develop are periodically polished out. Washing helps maintain the paint. Just avoid automatic car washes using harsh brushes.

What do I need to know before going to a car wash?

Advice includes removing any loose items from your car, rolling up windows tight, making sure wipers are off, keeping foot off brake, keeping hands inside car, putting vehicle in neutral, and avoiding these types of washes with loose or damaged parts that could catch or break in the machinery.