Clausen's Car Wash (2025)

FAQs

What happens if you don't wash your car enough? ›

All these contaminants can eat away at your car's finish, affecting the paint, damaging the seals and rusting the metal. Keeping your ride clean helps keep it in good condition. If the weather's not too harsh where you live, washing your vehicle every two weeks is a good rule of thumb to help your car last longer.

Tipping Etiquette at Car Washes

While tipping is not mandatory, it is a gesture that is greatly appreciated by those who work in the industry. The best time to give your tip is when the car wash professionals have completed the service and you are satisfied with the results.

Car Wash Recommendations

As a general rule of thumb, you should wash your vehicle every two weeks. That is if you're not driving down dirt roads daily or in an area where salt is used on the highways. This is under normal wear and tear circumstances.

This whole process should take 10-15 minutes. If in a hurry, you could dry the car at this stage using a soft fluffy drying towel such as the CARPRO Fat Boa and in another 5-10 minutes you have washed your car. As with the wash mitt, it is best to dry the vehicle in straight lines not swirling it about.

The best and easiest way to fight against the potential degradation of your vehicle's paint job is to wash it regularly. Car washing stations are specifically designed with equipment and cleansers that are gentle on a car's paint job while still being effective at wiping away grime and removing debris.

Therefore, washing it every day or even every week could be seen as excessive, unnecessary, and more work than is needed—but if you have the urge to wash, wash away. The frequency of car washes in itself is a safe practice.

Traditional tipping rate

As with most service industries, the customary tip at a car wash is around 15-20% of the total cost.

General Tipping Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb, tipping at car washes is a gesture of gratitude for service well done, similar to the hospitality industry. Tipping at car washes should reflect your appreciation for the service received.

For pressure washing a car, stick with a 40-degree nozzle (typically white, per industry standards), though a more powerful 25-degree (green) nozzle can be useful for blasting wheels, tires, and the undercarriage. Apply soap using either the 65-degree black nozzle or the foam cannon.

In the United States, approximately 8 million vehicles are washed at car washes every day.

How long does a washed car last? ›

Industry experts recommend washing your car about every two weeks as part of its general maintenance schedule. This frequency helps keep your car's exterior clean and free from harmful substances that can cause long-term damage.

Average duration of an interior car detailing session

On average, a comprehensive interior detailing session can take anywhere from two to six hours. However, this estimate can vary based on the factors mentioned above.

Determining how often to wash your car

The general rule-of-thumb is to wash your car every two weeks, with a little variation depending on a number of factors.

Scratches or chips in your car's paint. Fading of your car's finish. Rust or other forms of corrosion that can cause damage to components or body panels. Limiting your visibility while driving (aka having a dirty windshield)

While the tough conditions of winter may require you to wash your car once every week, the summer season tends to give car owners some time to relax between washes. During these warmer months, you'll only need to wash your car about every two weeks.

In general, washing your car once every two weeks will help keep it clean without harming your car's finish. Keeping a regular schedule like this will help keep most automobile finishes from fading excessively and stop the accumulation of dirt and debris in areas that can damage your car's finish or paint.