Are you curious about how long a car wash takes? Are you tired of waiting in line for what feels like forever?
I understand your frusration and I am here to give you the inside scoop on how long a car wash should take and how to make the most of your time while youre there.
Who knows, with our expert tips, you might even enjoy the wait. So let’s dive in and get your car sparkling clean!
So, What Is The Exact Time For A Car Wash?
Car wash depends on a few things, like the type of wash you’re getting, the size of your car (let’s be real, a Hummer takes longer than a Smart car), and how much dirt you’ve acumulated on your journey. A quick exterior wash at a drive-thru can be done in a jiffy, around 5-10 minutes.
Still, if you want the full spa treatment for your car, including an interior cleaning, you can expect it to take 20-30 minutes.
For a full detailing service, it’s like a day at the spa for your car, so you might have to plan accordingly. And don’t forget the wait time, it can vary depending on how busy the car wash is. So always check before you go, unless you’re in the mood for a surpise.
Factors That Affect The Car Washing Time
When it comes to getting your car cleaned, timing is everything. You want your car to look shiny and new, but you don’t want to spend your whole day at the car wash. So what factors affect how long it takes to get your car cleaned?
Size Of The Car: As they say, size matters, and it certainly applies when it comes to car washing. A larger car will take more time to clean than a smaller one. So, if you drive a Hummer, don’t be surprised if it takes longer than a Smart car.
Level Of Dirtiness: The more dirt and grime your car has accumulated, the more time it will take to clean. So, if you’re car looks like it’s been through a dust storm, it will take longer to clean than if it’s just a little dirty.
Wait Times: During peak hours, wait times for a car wash can also affect the overall duration. So, if you’re in a hurry, try to avoid rush hour at the car wash.
Detailing Services: A more extensive detailing service can take several hours to complete, this includes polishing, waxing, and other services. So, if you’re car is in desperate need of a makeover, make sure you have the time to spare.
Weather Conditions: If the weather is bad, such as rain or snow, the cleaning process may take longer, especially if the car is dirty.
The Equipment Used: Some car wash facilities have more advanced equipment than others, which may affect the time of the wash. So, if you want your car to be cleaned quickly, find a car wash with the latest and greatest equipment.
In short, the time it takes for a car wash can vary depending on a number of factors. It’s always best to check with the car wash establishment for an estimated wait time before arriving, that way you’ll know if you have time for a quick nap while you wait.
Washing A Car By Yourself – Exact Timing And Steps To Follow
In case you want to wash your car by yourself without dealing with anything else, you should know that it may take you from 30 minutes to one hour.
Still, the timing mentioned can only be done if you strictly follow some steps, which include:
Gather Supplies: Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including a bucket, car shampoo, microfiber towels or sponges, a hose or pressure washer, and a tire cleaner. And don’t forget to grab a cold drink, because you’re going to need it!
Rinse Off The Car: Using a hose or pressure washer, thoroughly rinse off any loose dirt or debris from the car’s surface. This will help prevent scratches when you start scrubbing. And let’s face it, who wants to scrub a dirty car?
Mix The Car Shampoo: Fill a bucket with water and add the appropriate amount of car shampoo as per the instructions on the bottle. And no, using dish soap won’t cut it, it will damage your paint.
Wash The Car: Starting at the top of the car and working your way down, use a microfiber towel or sponge to wash the car in sections, using the soapy water from the bucket. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas that are especially dirty or have a lot of grime, such as the wheels and undercarriage. Don’t forget the hard to reach areas like the door jams, they deserve some love too!
Rinse The Car: Once you’ve washed the entire car, rinse it off thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer to remove all the suds and dirt. And don’t skimp on the rinsing, you don’t want to leave any soap residue on your car.
Dry The Car: Using a microfiber towel or chamois, dry the car off completely to prevent water spots. And don’t use a regular towel, it will scratch your paint.
Clean The Tires And Wheels: Use a tire cleaner and a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the tires and wheels, paying extra attention to the brake calipers and rims. Rinse the Tires and wheels thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer. And don’t forget to give your tires a good cleaning, they’re the only part of the car that touches the ground!
Apply Tire Shine Or Protectant: After cleaning and drying the Tires, apply tire shine or protectant to give them a polished look. And who doesn’t love a shiny tire?
Apply Wax Or Sealant: To give your car an extra shine and protect the paint, consider applying a coat of wax or sealant. And don’t be afraid to wax on, wax off (Karate Kid reference)
Take a step back and admire your work and don’t forget to take a picture, you’ll want to remember this moment.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to give your car a professional-grade cleaning and save a little money in the process. Remember to always use appropriate equipment and cleaning products to avoid damaging the paint or other parts of your car. And always have fun while you’re at it!
Final Words
As we are here at the end of this article, I am pretty sure that you can understand that the exact time of a car wash is completely related to different factors such as the size, equipment, and weather condition, which are some of the most basic things.
Still, the timing can also change on the fact whether you wash it yourself or go to a professional, because when you wash it, it can take longer!
Anyways, I hope you liked what you read thus far about car washing time! Good luck!