Car Washing in the Puget Sound Region?

jibaholic101 · 10-17-2010, 02:09 PM

I know this topic has been talked about many times over, but none of the answers seem to be definitive. I am on the Eastside, and it seems that there is absolutely no car wash that doesn't damage the car. I have yet to find a touchless car service much less a detail service that isn't charging exorbitant amounts of money. The weather is changing for the worse as many of you know and the cold is just oppressive and I have no desire to go out and freeze.

I used to go to Park Place when I didn't want to wash when the prices were under $20. Now its $25 after taxes and when you get done tipping people you end up spending $30. NWAS is now $40 for an exterior wash!! Anyone know what accutint charges for wash? These prices are ridiculous for a wash!

I read on here about mirrorworks, which seems to now be out of business as well as genesis who ended up scratching heavily some members cars.

So what is the best option for an exterior wash? Touchless? Detailer? At this point I am willing to go anywhere to find a good wash.

m34SPD · 10-17-2010, 02:14 PM

Mirrorworks detail is now NWAS. Somethings happened between Ben and his old partner.

Do not go to Accutint. Tuan and I saw how they washed cars, and I wouldn't even take my Civic there.

I would try Bradly's or 3LG

Kev · 10-17-2010, 03:47 PM

Another option is Metropolitan Detail in Lynnwood

Johnny Lin · 10-17-2010, 04:52 PM

Heard lots good things and comments about NorthWest Auto Salon. http://www.northwestautosalon.com/gallery/

tha_good_life · 10-17-2010, 05:17 PM

Touchless carwash on Rainier Ave across Franklin HS. $13 for the top package.

jibaholic101 · 10-17-2010, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Lin

Heard lots good things and comments about NorthWest Auto Salon. http://www.northwestautosalon.com/gallery/

I know NWAS does good stuff, I would definitely take my car in there for a full detail, but for a wash $40+tax+tip is a little steep for just an exterior wash

Quote:

Originally Posted by bapesta206

Touchless carwash on Rainier Ave across Franklin HS. $13 for the top package.

Do you have any experience with this wash?

98005xi · 10-17-2010, 08:41 PM

Hey Jibbers. I've been driving past this place in Kingsgate for several years now, but just noticed that they now have an automatic bay with no tracks. I saw a 7 series pull in with rims 2 weeks ago (but it was about to rain) and said to myself, "Self, you might as well give it a try since it's so hard to find an auto touchless and if a new 7 will do it, you should do it too."

I will check on prices when I roll thru later this week. I google'd and found their website as well. Hope this helps.

http://shop.kingsgatecarwash.com

12425 NE 144th St.
Kirkland, WA 98034
(866) 481-6256

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um...0441536067659#

jibaholic101 · 10-17-2010, 10:06 PM

^^ So when you roll through and get it washed, would you mind posting up the results of it and if you would recommend it?

808AWD325xi · 10-20-2010, 10:23 PM

Clearwater Wash in Lynnwood has two touchless laserwash machines; as good as it gets in touchless.

http://www.clearwaterwash.com/directions.html

I usually do two passes. One basic wash first, then the works.

98005xi · 10-21-2010, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jibaholic101

^^ So when you roll through and get it washed, would you mind posting up the results of it and if you would recommend it?

Alright Jibz. Went this afternoon and I'm pretty happy with the results and I'm gonna make it a point to swing by at least once a month. The owner came out before I rolled into the bay and gave me some pointers and explained some of the bells that he's installed on the wash. He's using RainX sealer/protector for the $12 top-o-line auto wash and he's specifically calibrated the nozzles and chemicals to get good results on BMWs, Rolls, and something else (he says that these cars have the nicest paints).

Some stuff that I remember off the top of my head:

1) 20 sec undercarriage spray
2) 60 sec blow dry
3) Laserwash = highly recommended
4) will refund $2 if you wanna pull into a self-serve bay to prewash your rims and THEN go thru the autowash.
5) He's almost always onsite so his offer stands and will be honored..just let him know
6) His name is Charlie
7) open 24/7

Being totally honest, I haven't washed the car since Feb and he noticed. I haven't seen my car this clean in a LONG time and I was pretty happy with it. The water beaded off pretty well after the rinse. After pulling out of the bay, I could see that most of the grime was cleaned off my dusty azz rims. He was waiting to see the results and said that the cleaner lifts the dust off the rim (even if it's not sprayed off during the wash) and is easy to wipe off for 4-6 hours after the fact.

Instead, he told me to pull into a self-serve bay and he proceeded to re-wash my car on his dime. He sprayed the foam onto the rims, let it soak and then rinsed, foamed again, and then rinsed. Then he resoaped the whole car and redid the Rain-X to make sure the water-repellant would really bonded to the car. This took another 15min while he explained how to get the best results. He figured that self-washing would cost about $5 and give you 15-17mins while running thru the variously modes/buttons.

I'm very happy and impressed with the service and he said that he knows bimmer owners take very good care of their cars - he wants our business. There's an offer for discount buys on his website - I think I might do that.

Also, he said that the phone #, listed on just about every damn surface of the facility, rings directly to his cell phone. He will make sure everything works well.

I trust him so far - shit, he washed my car for me, right? Give him a try and let me know what you think.

-alex

98005xi · 10-21-2010, 01:12 AM

Oh, and some pics that I took.

jibaholic101 · 10-21-2010, 05:46 PM

Thanks for posting up Alex. I will definitely check it out! Was it pretty clean out of the machine? How did the wheel barrels come out? Did you notice any swirls?

tha_good_life · 10-21-2010, 11:42 PM

i used the touchless many times. Not lately on my car since I rather wash by hand and use the products I want.

lpphreakx06 · 10-22-2010, 12:26 AM

At home>

Dirnegrey · 10-22-2010, 01:38 AM

it's nice you have a foam gun..

jmeas · 12-21-2010, 04:31 PM

i know you guys are talking about the east side, but IF you happen to be down in the south end, tacoma/fed way. theres a place called Sprague Touchless car wash. The owner there has been working on his patented soap formula for over 15 years. probably one of the best touchless washes i've been to by far. i think $12 or $14 is the top package. REALLY good, other than getting it detailed

m34SPD · 01-29-2011, 08:06 PM

Wanted to bump this. If you guys didn't know, Metropolitan Detail has moved their shop to Bel Red. The best detail shop on the Eastside. John takes care of customer cars as if they were his own

jibaholic101 · 02-03-2011, 02:29 AM

^$45 for a wash HAA.. Seriously I have been spending a lot of time in LA and its like $15 for a well done hand wash with clean fresh microfibers, full vacuum, windows done in and out, tire dress, etc. Why in the hell is it so expensive up north? Well better weather down there and more volume, but still....

Luckymild7 · 02-03-2011, 03:24 AM

U can check out Derek's Auto Detail.. It's on Bel-red across from Uwajimaya. I think they have $20 hand wash..

10-17-2010, 02:09 PM	#1
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 174 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	Car Washing in the Puget Sound Region? I know this topic has been talked about many times over, but none of the answers seem to be definitive. I am on the Eastside, and it seems that there is absolutely no car wash that doesn't damage the car. I have yet to find a touchless car service much less a detail service that isn't charging exorbitant amounts of money. The weather is changing for the worse as many of you know and the cold is just oppressive and I have no desire to go out and freeze. I used to go to Park Place when I didn't want to wash when the prices were under $20. Now its $25 after taxes and when you get done tipping people you end up spending $30. NWAS is now $40 for an exterior wash!! Anyone know what accutint charges for wash? These prices are ridiculous for a wash! I read on here about mirrorworks, which seems to now be out of business as well as genesis who ended up scratching heavily some members cars. So what is the best option for an exterior wash? Touchless? Detailer? At this point I am willing to go anywhere to find a good wash. __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
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10-17-2010, 02:14 PM	#2
m34SPD Picture me rollin' 310 Rep 1,129 Posts Drives: e36 m3, e39 m5, f80 m3 CS Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: At the gas station iTrader: (0)	Mirrorworks detail is now NWAS. Somethings happened between Ben and his old partner. Do not go to Accutint. Tuan and I saw how they washed cars, and I wouldn't even take my Civic there. I would try Bradly's or 3LG
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10-17-2010, 03:47 PM	#3
Kev Critical Care Anesthesiologist 500 Rep 8,824 Posts Drives: SMB F83 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (24) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 Ca ... [9.50]	Another option is Metropolitan Detail in Lynnwood __________________ kev { divinum est sedate dolorem } "your friendly neighborhood critical care anesthesiologist"
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10-17-2010, 04:52 PM	#4
Johnny Lin Lieutenant General 863 Rep 11,307 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (42)	Heard lots good things and comments about NorthWest Auto Salon. http://www.northwestautosalon.com/gallery/
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10-17-2010, 05:17 PM	#5
tha_good_life Brigadier General 389 Rep 4,097 Posts Drives: 21 X6MC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (22) Garage List 2021 BMW X6MC [10.00] 2010 BMW M3 [8.68]	Touchless carwash on Rainier Ave across Franklin HS. $13 for the top package.
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10-17-2010, 08:41 PM	#7
98005xi Just a lowly, lowly cook 27 Rep 1,155 Posts Drives: 2010 335xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	Hey Jibbers. I've been driving past this place in Kingsgate for several years now, but just noticed that they now have an automatic bay with no tracks. I saw a 7 series pull in with rims 2 weeks ago (but it was about to rain) and said to myself, "Self, you might as well give it a try since it's so hard to find an auto touchless and if a new 7 will do it, you should do it too." I will check on prices when I roll thru later this week. I google'd and found their website as well. Hope this helps. http://shop.kingsgatecarwash.com 12425 NE 144th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 (866) 481-6256 http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um...0441536067659# __________________
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10-17-2010, 10:06 PM	#8
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 174 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	^^ So when you roll through and get it washed, would you mind posting up the results of it and if you would recommend it? __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
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10-20-2010, 10:23 PM	#9
808AWD325xi Ballin' out of control. 529 Rep 1,289 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moline, IL iTrader: (0)	Clearwater Wash in Lynnwood has two touchless laserwash machines; as good as it gets in touchless. http://www.clearwaterwash.com/directions.html I usually do two passes. One basic wash first, then the works. __________________ Alpina B3 Flash/BMS OCC/ER CP/ETS 5/HKS BOV/M3 Control Arms
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10-21-2010, 01:12 AM	#11
98005xi Just a lowly, lowly cook 27 Rep 1,155 Posts Drives: 2010 335xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	Oh, and some pics that I took. Attached Images __________________
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10-21-2010, 05:46 PM	#12
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 174 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	Thanks for posting up Alex. I will definitely check it out! Was it pretty clean out of the machine? How did the wheel barrels come out? Did you notice any swirls? __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
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10-21-2010, 11:42 PM	#13
tha_good_life Brigadier General 389 Rep 4,097 Posts Drives: 21 X6MC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (22) Garage List 2021 BMW X6MC [10.00] 2010 BMW M3 [8.68]	i used the touchless many times. Not lately on my car since I rather wash by hand and use the products I want.
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10-22-2010, 12:26 AM	#14
lpphreakx06 Professional Moose Racer 331 Rep 7,509 Posts Drives: SG 335i E92 RIP + 2015 SS M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (25)	At home> __________________ Visit my blog anytime: http://www.sfpayments.com BMW Dream Team PNW Chapter, member #1 \|HP Autowerks \| AR DESIGN \| BMW PERFORMANCE \| STOP TECH \| Volk Racing\| AMS \| ARKYM
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10-22-2010, 01:38 AM	#15
Dirnegrey Colonel 119 Rep 2,015 Posts Drives: F30 320i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Indonesia iTrader: (8)	it's nice you have a foam gun.. __________________
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12-21-2010, 04:31 PM	#16
jmeas Captain 37 Rep 844 Posts Drives: '07 e92 328i Crimson Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Tacoma, WA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2007 328i e92 [5.50]	i know you guys are talking about the east side, but IF you happen to be down in the south end, tacoma/fed way. theres a place called Sprague Touchless car wash. The owner there has been working on his patented soap formula for over 15 years. probably one of the best touchless washes i've been to by far. i think $12 or $14 is the top package. REALLY good, other than getting it detailed
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01-29-2011, 08:06 PM	#17
m34SPD Picture me rollin' 310 Rep 1,129 Posts Drives: e36 m3, e39 m5, f80 m3 CS Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: At the gas station iTrader: (0)	Wanted to bump this. If you guys didn't know, Metropolitan Detail has moved their shop to Bel Red. The best detail shop on the Eastside. John takes care of customer cars as if they were his own
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02-03-2011, 02:29 AM	#18
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 174 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	^$45 for a wash HAA.. Seriously I have been spending a lot of time in LA and its like $15 for a well done hand wash with clean fresh microfibers, full vacuum, windows done in and out, tire dress, etc. Why in the hell is it so expensive up north? Well better weather down there and more volume, but still.... __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
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02-03-2011, 03:24 AM	#19
Luckymild7 Private First Class 9 Rep 195 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kirkland, WA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 335 xDrive [0.00]	U can check out Derek's Auto Detail.. It's on Bel-red across from Uwajimaya. I think they have $20 hand wash..
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