The self-serve car wash service is preferred by many because the car owners have control of their time, their budget, and the quality of the car wash. However, walking into a car wash centre unprepared? It can often be frustrating. Because even though most car wash bays would provide a lot of things to you, they can charge you for that.
But if you already have them at home, it’s best to take them with you. So, this blog will list out the things that you should take with you if you are visiting a company offering services of self-serve car wash in Calgary.
Things You Should Have with You When Visiting Self-Serve Car Washes
Do you want to level up when you are visiting a car wash next time? Keep the following 7 items in your car every time, and you won’t have to borrow from others or rent a tool.
1. Microfibre Towels
Let’s get one thing straight: paper towels are for spills, not your paint job. Microfibre towels are soft, absorbent, and scratch-resistant. They make drying faster and prevent those dreaded swirl marks. This matters because whether you’re finishing up after a touch-free car wash or wiping down after a DIY rinse, microfibre ensures a streak-free finish. Keep at least 2 to 3 towels in your trunk.
2. A Bucket
Yes, even at a self-serve car wash, a bucket comes in handy. Use it to rinse out towels, store your detailing gear, or keep your floor mats from soaking everything else. Here’s a bonus tip for you. Foldable silicone buckets save space and are easier to stash behind the seat.
3. Tyre Brush
Touchless car washes often skip tyre scrubbing altogether. At a self-serve station, you can tackle this gritty task yourself. A stiff-bristled tyre brush lets you get into the grooves and clear out brake dust that no pressure wand can reach. Keep it in a plastic bag to avoid mess in your trunk.
4. Interior Quick Detailer Spray
Washing your exterior but skipping the inside? Rookie move. Keep a small bottle of interior cleaner handy. A few quick spritzes on your dashboard and door panels will have your car looking and smelling fresh. Perfect while you’re waiting for water spots to dry. However, if you are in a detail centre using a touch-free car wash in Calgary, this comes under a different service.
5. Rubber Floor Mat Cleaner (or Just the Mats)
There’s a major problem with mud. Muddy, stained floor mats instantly ruin that just-washed feeling. Carry your rubber mats with you into the wash bay and blast them with the high-pressure wand. Also, we suggest you an advanced trick. Use a mat cleaner and brush for a deep clean.
6. Glass Cleaner and Squeegee
The pressure wand won’t always get your windows crystal clear. Keep a small spray bottle of ammonia-free glass cleaner and a compact squeegee for a final touch-up. Especially helpful during winter when windscreen film builds up quickly.
7. Spare Change (or Prepaid Wash Card)
Yes, we’re in the 21st century, but not all self-serve car wash bays take cards. When you’ve got foam dripping and no quarters in sight, things get ugly fast. But what can you do about it? It’s best if you keep a roll of quarters or load up a prepaid wash card if your local station offers one.
But why are self-serve car washes so popular? Read our other blog to know that.
Final Thoughts
A successful self-serve car wash in Calgary or anywhere doesn’t begin with the hose. It begins with preparation. The aforementioned 7 items might seem very simple and basic, but together, they transform your car wash into something refined. You might be visiting the car wash for a full cleaning or just topping up after a touch-free car wash. No matter what, keeping your personal car wash kit stocked will ensure maximum control and better results.
After all, a clean car is not about looks; it’s also about the mindset of the car owner. And if you have the right tools with you, your car will always be shining! Similarly, you can also visit Happy Bays Car Wash & Detail Centre with these tools to ensure proper cleaning.