People have been washing their cars since they were called “horseless carriages”, from a bucket of soapy water and a sponge in the driveway back in the 20th century, to the fancy automatic carwashes of today, cars have always needed to be washed.

You know you need to wash your car, but you might wonder what kind of car wash is best for you. What kinds of car washes are there? Is one better than the others? Does your car get cleaner in an automatic wash or a self-serve manual wash? What are hand wash services? Is there even a car wash near you that provides the services you need?

Car washing is our specialty, so we’ve learned a few ins and outs over the years. Here are a few things that will help you determine what kind of car wash is best for you.

 

Automated Car Wash

This is what comes to mind for many people when they think of a car wash. You can drive up and select your preferred washing option, and then drive into the car wash without ever leaving your vehicle. At Portage Car Wash, an automated car wash ranges from $8-$26 depending on the level of service you prefer.

Customers typically choose automatic car washes if they:

• • Want to stay inside their car
  • Have limited time
  • Only need a quick exterior wash

Types of automated car washes:

• • In-Bay Car Wash: You drive into the car wash and remain stationary while the machinery moves around your car until the wash is complete.

• • Tunnel Car Wash: The machinery remains stationary while your car is pulled through the wash via an external mechanism like a conveyor or belt. This is the automated car wash we have.

Washing types include:

• • Touchless car washes clean your car without any external elements touching your vehicle. High-pressure water and chemicals are sprayed onto the car to clean it. Other terms for this type of wash include brushless, no friction, frictionless, soft-touch, and no-touch.

  • Friction car washes use cloth, brushes, and other implements that have contact with your car and clean using friction. Most car washes are friction washes.

 

If you have heavily caked mud, road salt, or bird poop, a friction car wash may be the right choice to attack that grit and grime. For a simple clean-off for pollen, dust, or post-rainstorm, a touchless car wash can do the trick. A touchless car wash is also a good option for vehicle owners concerned about external implements touching or scratching their vehicle.

 

Hand Washing Car Wash

Hand wash services are more specialized. At Portage Car Wash, our hand wash services range from $20-$40 depending on your selection:

Outside Only: exterior hand wash and drying of your vehicle

• • Washed by hand.
  • Tires are scrubbed.
  • Door jams are cleaned.
  • Hand towel dried.

     

In & Out: interior and exterior manual cleaning and drying of your vehicle

• • Washed by hand.
  • Tires are scrubbed.
  • Door jams are cleaned.
  • Hand towel dried.
  • Interior is vacuumed.
  • The dash is cleaned.
  • The ashtrays emptied.
  • Air fresheners are applied under the vehicle seat

     

Customers may choose our hand wash services if they:

• • Don’t have the time to clean the inside of their car 
  • Are going on a long trip
  • Are preparing to sell or gift their car
  • Plan to transport guests in their vehicle
  • Would like a fresh start for their car

 

Our hand wash services give your car a detailed, intentional clean that can make it feel like new. However, it differs from our car detailing services. If you're seeking a comprehensive interior deep clean that includes thorough interior cleaning, waxing, and surface treatments for long-lasting protection, our car detailing service is the better choice.

The truth is, there is no “best car wash”, but instead, you should pick the right car wash for your specific needs and vehicle. How much time do you have, what level of cleanliness you need, and do you want to wash your car yourself are all questions you can answer to determine the best car wash for you. 

At Portage Car Wash, we offer automated and hand-washing services for your vehicle, with interior and exterior cleaning and detailing options. We can clean your vehicle inside and out until it looks brand new, helping you maintain your car for years to come. 

Portage Car Wash has been servicing Portage, Hobart, Chesterton, and the surrounding areas for over 39 years. We offer interior and exterior services, detailing, waxing, polishing, and more for an affordable price. Friendly faces plus professional cleaning services equals your car looking like new. Drive on over to see us today!