Clausen's Car Wash (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you don't wash your car enough? ›

Substances like tree wax or bird droppings are trickier to see than a layer of salt coating the paint, and people often leave these things on the car for too long. Infrequent washings can also cause brake dust to build up and eat through your wheel finishes.

The amount you tip depends on the type and quality of service you receive. Think about the level of effort required. You usually don't need to tip for an automated, mechanical car wash with minimal human supervision. For a basic hand wash, you might tip a few bucks.

The standard recommendation is to wash your car every two weeks. However, there are some factors that may affect this frequency, such as the season, your driving patterns, and the environment. For example, you can wash your car less often if you store it in a garage or don't drive it frequently.

For most cars, a psi between 1200 and 2200 is recommended. This range provides enough cleaning power to remove dirt and grime without damaging the car's paint or delicate surfaces.

In general, washing your car once every two weeks will help keep it clean without harming your car's finish. Keeping a regular schedule like this will help keep most automobile finishes from fading excessively and stop the accumulation of dirt and debris in areas that can damage your car's finish or paint.

Dirt, salt, and other debris can lead to rust and corrosion on your car. This is especially true in the winter when roads are full of salt. Washing your car regularly will remove these corrosive materials. So don't wait until your car is covered in dirt to give it a wash – make it part of your car care routine.

Average Tipping Rates for Car Wash Services

It is a way to acknowledge their dedication in making your vehicle look clean and presentable. For basic wash services, such as exterior cleaning and vacuuming, a 10-15% tip is generally considered appropriate.

No, it's not mandatory, but it is definitely expected.

In other words, they rely mostly on tips. While you can certainly skip the tip if the service was especially bad or you really don't feel like they earned a tip, it is generally considered standard to tip.

The standard tip for a car detailing service is 15%. If you're not sure how much to give, best practice is 10-15% of the total cost. For example if an auto detail costs $100 then leave a dollar or two as thanks (and because it's still technically called "tipping").

Standard Carnauba based waxes only last on average 1-2 months so it is recommended to use a more durable ceramic or polymer based car wax. Do you have to wax your car every time you wash it? No, not if you use the correct car soaps and cleaners.

Should you wash your car before it rains? ›

Since your car needs to be washed, is it best to do so before or after the rain? Ideally, we believe washing before is the best option. The wash needs to be accompanied by a wax to be effective, because it will repel the rain water off the car's surface.

Determining how often to wash your car

The general rule-of-thumb is to wash your car every two weeks, with a little variation depending on a number of factors.

Hand washing is excellent for carefully scrubbing delicate areas on the car and ensuring a thorough and detailed clean. On the other hand, power washing your truck or car achieves higher efficiency and can help remove caked-on mud and grime from heavy use.

Use the right amount of pressure

You'll need to look for a low-pressure machine that's a bit less aggressive than the standard. Pressures higher than 1500 psi won't provide a significant increase in cleaning power; it only raises your chances of scratching or damaging your paintwork.

For pressure washing a car, stick with a 40-degree nozzle (typically white, per industry standards), though a more powerful 25-degree (green) nozzle can be useful for blasting wheels, tires, and the undercarriage. Apply soap using either the 65-degree black nozzle or the foam cannon.

Washing your vehicle every two weeks is a safe rule of thumb, Progressive officials said. However, those who apply a coat of wax to their vehicle following a cleaning session might be able to get away with longer breaks in between, since it creates a barrier between your car's exterior coat and the elements.

Risks of Not Washing Your Car

The tiny particles of dirt, grime, pollen, or other debris you'll encounter from one season to the next can be acidic and corrosive. They can also be rough in texture, and can readily wear down your car's clear coat.

Scratches or chips in your car's paint. Fading of your car's finish. Rust or other forms of corrosion that can cause damage to components or body panels. Limiting your visibility while driving (aka having a dirty windshield)

Industry experts recommend washing your car about every two weeks as part of its general maintenance schedule. This frequency helps keep your car's exterior clean and free from harmful substances that can cause long-term damage.