F.A.Q.

Q: Why Valet Car Wash?

A: Simple. Experience, dedication and trust. With over 15 years of experience in the Car Wash industry, Valet Car Wash provides its customers with the most modern equipment and a well-trained staff of professionals. We do it faster, better and cheaper.

Q: How often should I wash my car?

A: Weekly. Washing your car once a week will ensure that your vehicle's surface is being cared for properly.

Q: It just rained or snowed so why do I need to wash my car?

A: This is a critical time to protect your vehicle's finish. Pollutants such as sulfuric and nitric acids from automobile, truck and factory exhaust become trapped in the raindrops or snow flakes that settle on your car. The sun will evaporate the water and leave behind concentrated acid that can damage your car's finish.

Q: Is it safe to bring my convertible, vinyl or canvas custom topped vehicle to a Valet Car Wash?

A: Yes. Our advanced custom computerized system allows us to safely wash all factory convertibles tops.

Q: Will the car wash brushes scratch my car?

A: No.Valet does not use brushes. Valet Car Wash uses 100% soft cloth to clean your vehicle. The foam is cleaned and rinsed thoroughly during every wash with fresh water. Our latest closed cell technology uses foam to gently clean your vehicle's surface. Closed Cell Foam does not have the capability to embed any dirt, stone, water into its material.

Q: Do you use recycled water?

A: Yes, but not in the actual car washing process. The car wash process is accomplished with 100% fresh water.

Q: I have the protective coating on my undercarriage so why do I need to have the undercarriage treatment?

A: Our undercarriage treatment removes salt, sand and other road contaminants that are present year round. The undercarriage of your car also takes tremendous punishment from small stones that are kicked up by your tires. These stones bombard the undercarriage and nick your undercarriage's protection and may expose bare metal. Once rust gets a foothold it will spread regardless of the protection.

Q: The person I bought my car from said I never have to wax my car?

A: This is a common misconception. Newer cars have a type of finish called clear coat. Clear coat is susceptible to the effects of rain, snow, salt, bird droppings, and other environmental pollutants. Therefore, the clear coat finishes need to be cared for. Valet Car Wash uses clear coat safe waxes and polishes both in our car wash applications as well as in our Detail Centers. The waxes are designed to work with your vehicle's finish to help preserve its life and keep it looking new for many years.

Q: Will the wax from the car wash streak the outside of my windows?

A: The wax itself won't streak the outside of your windows. However, grease and oil can get trapped underneath your wipers, which can cause the rainbow like streaks you may see on your window.

Q: What is acid rain?

A: When rain or snow falls it captures environmental pollutants from factory, automobile and truck exhaust. The sun heats and evaporates the water but leaves behind concentrated acid spots which cannot be removed. Prevention is the key here. Keep a good coat of wax on the finish and wash your car, especially after a rain or snowstorm.

Q: What is the best time to come for an interior?

A: The best time to come in for an interior is on a rain or snow day. General the wait times on a busy sunny day can avarage from 1/2 hour to one hour. For those of you just looking for the quickest time these days are the best. Come on in our lobby and we'll take care of your interior and then on a sunny day just drive through our wash and get the outside done.

Q: Isn't washing my car in the driveway better for my car and safer for the environment?

A: No. Dirt collects in wash water, sponges and chamois will scratch your car's finish. The technology used today at professional car washes will not scratch or create "swirl" marks on your car. Not only is a professional car wash safer for your car, most use only half as much water as a driveway wash, and use biodegradable cleaning solutions to further protect the environment. Also, dirty water used by professional car washes is disposed properly. Water from driveways washes ends up in storm drains, which can pollute lakes, rivers and streams.

Q: How long will it take to have my car washed in the tunnel?

A: Once you're in the tunnel and the car is "prepped" it takes 3-4 min., depending on which location you visit.

Q: When should I wash bugs or bird droppings?

A: As soon as possible, especially if the car is new. Insect residue and bird droppings form acids that immediately start to eat away a car's finish.

Q: Is the wash safe for convertibles?

A: Yes, please makes sure your roof is properly latched.

Q: What exactly is "Tri-color foaming polish" and what does it do for my car?

A: "Tri-color foaming polish" is the premier foaming paint and clear coat treatment. It's formulated with the blend of the best modern protective polymers (plastic-like coating materials) available today. These polymers immediately bond to your vehicle's finish, developing a hard, clear, reflective layer of shine and protection. So, each time you apply "tri-color foaming polish", you actually deepen the shine and add even more portection.

Q: Is it safe to wash my vehicle when it's cold outside?

A: As we all know, water freezes at 32 degrees fahrenheit (0 degrees celcius). Anytime the temperature falls bellow this you run the risk of things freezing up. But, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent freezing when it's cold:

  • Park in a garage whenever possible
  • Leave your car running or drive for several minutes after going thru the car wash.
  • Spray lock deicer in your locks after you exit the wash.
  • Put your key in every lock and turn it back and forth a number of times. This helps displace any water that might be present.
  • Take the time to dry off your doorjambs.

Q: Do you wash trucks as well as cars?

A: Yes, we can wash nearly all vehicles. We can wash vehicles as large as the Hummer H2.

  • Vehicles we can't wash in the express tunnel include:
  • Vehicles with rust, broken parts, extensive body damage
  • Extended height full size vans
  • Trucks with dual rear tires or large/oversize knobby tires
  • Vehicles with permanently affixed tri-pod style mirrors
  • Full size original Hummers (we can wash H2's & H3's)
  • Open bed pickup truck with fuel tanks
  • Open bed pickup trucks with debris, tools, or any other loose materials
  • Vehicles with broken plastics or metal parts
  • Trucks or vans with ladders
  • Vehicle with large ladder rakcs, some ski and bike racks
  • Vehicles that sit 4.5" or lower to the ground
  • Vehicles with tires wider than 12"
  • Except for vehicles over 7'2" (86") high you can wash these vehicles in our self-servr bays (where availabe)
  • Vehicles washed at your own risk include:
  • Vehicles with previous damage (loose molding/emlems, blistered, peeling or oxidized paint, etc.)
  • Cracked windshields
  • Low profile tires
  • Objects on antennas or the vehicle (balls, flags, etc.)
  • Power antennas that aren't lowered
  • Ski and bike racks
  • Racing fins, spoilers, or running boards
  • Any non-factory installed tires

Q: What is Fire and Ice Protection?

A: Click here to find out more information on Turtle Wax Pro's Fire and Ice products.