how much to charge for a car wash

[MaverickLee]

The cost of a car wash varies significantly, typically ranging from $10 for a basic exterior-only wash to over $75 for a premium full-service detail. The final price depends on several key factors: the service type (basic, full-service, or mobile), your vehicle's size (compact car vs. large SUV), your location (state and urban vs. suburban), and any add-ons like waxing or interior cleaning. For a standard automated tunnel wash, expect to pay between $10 and $20.

Here’s a quick reference table for common car wash services and their average costs in the U.S.:

Service Type	Vehicle Size	Average Price Range	Common Add-ons (Extra Cost)
Automated Exterior Wash	Compact Sedan	$10 - $15	Undercarriage Wash ($3), Tire Shine ($2)
Basic Full-Service	Mid-size SUV	$20 - $40	Hand Wax ($15-$30), Interior Vacuum ($5)
Deluxe Full-Service	Large Truck/SUV	$40 - $75	Clay Bar Treatment ($30-$50), Leather Conditioning ($20)
Express Detailing	Any	$150 - $300	Paint Decontamination, Minor Scratch Removal
Mobile Detailing	Compact Sedan	$50 - $100	Interior Sanitization, Headlight Restoration

A basic touchless or soft-touch automatic wash is the most affordable and convenient option, but it may not remove heavy grime. Full-service washes involve attendants pre-rinsing, hand-drying, and cleaning the interior, offering a much more thorough clean. The most expensive option is detailing, which is a comprehensive cleaning, polishing, and protection process that can restore a vehicle's showroom shine. For the best value, consider a monthly membership or "unlimited" plan offered by many chains, which can dramatically reduce the per-wash cost if you clean your car frequently.

[DelKaleb]

I just want it quick and cheap. I go to the drive-thru automatic wash. For my sedan, the basic wash is about twelve bucks. I skip all the fancy extras like triple foam wax or undercarriage blast. In and out in five minutes, and it gets the worst of the dirt and bird mess off. It’s not perfect, but for the price and speed, it does the job just fine for my weekly errand-runner.

[MacAnderson]

If you're like me and take pride in your truck, a basic wash doesn't cut it. I pay for the full-service place. For around $50, they hand-wash and dry it, vacuum the interior, and wipe down all the surfaces. It’s worth every penny to avoid scratches from those automatic brushes and to get the interior actually clean. It takes longer, but the result is a truck that looks respected, not just rinsed.

[EmeryDella]

I'm on a tight budget, so I do it myself. The real cost is at the self-service bay: about $5 in quarters for a good rinsing and soaping. The key is to bring your own towels and a good quality microfiber cloth for drying to avoid water spots. It's a bit of work, but for less than the price of a fast-food meal, I can make my car look presentable and get some light exercise on a Saturday morning.