Who Has the Cheapest Car Wash?

The weekend’s here and you can’t ride around town in a dirty car. So where are the most affordable car washes?

Here’s the tip of the day:

It’s probably cheaper to wash your car at home, but if you don’t have access to a water hose and yard (or prefer not to work that hard), here are some options:

I found the cheapest prices at Top Notch Express at 2841 Washington Road. The car wash business has five other locations in the Augusta area.

The Quick Express car wash costs $4. For this price, you get a basic car wash, jet air dry and free vacuum. (Please note: You must vacuum your own vehicle.)

Top Notch Express offers advanced car wash services, such as waxing and tire treatments, starting at $7 and $10.

Other car wash options include:

• Coin-operated facilities – Insert coins and then do-it-yourself.
• Gas stations – Service stations usually offer discounts on car washes if you make a gasoline purchase.

Practical Thought:

Washing your vehicle can also help the paint to last longer. Tree sap and bird droppings can damage the paint job, said Steve Kendrick, the vice president at Kendrick Paint & Body Shop Inc. on Broad Street.

These substances contain acid, and if they remain on the car, they will eat through the coating. It’s best to wash them off right away, he said.

Also, Mr. Kendrick recommends rinsing off your car before you wash it. This helps to prevent scratches from dirt and grime.

He suggests using hot water when washing your car. To preserve your paint job, you should also wax your car once every six months, Mr. Kendrick added.

Where are the cheapest car washes in town? Write in to The Pinch to let me know.