Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Mechanicsville Location Antique Ducks
What do I do when I arrive?

When you arrive, pull into any available lane or follow the directions from the attendant. Then follow these instructions:

➊ Choose a WASH with attendant

➋ Leave your KEY with your vehicle

➌ Unlock all the DOORS

➍ Close all WINDOWS and SUNROOF

➎ Turn off AUTO-WIPERS

➏ Secure or remove VALUABLES

➐ Leave TRUNK open to vacuum

Which Hand-Finished Car wash is best for me?

Answer the questions below — whichever column the majority of your answers fall in is the best wash for you.

WASH NAME

RAINBOW

EXTREME HOT WAX

RVA CERAMIC

EXPRESS WAX

How often do you go between car washes?

A few weeks

A couple of months

More than a couple of months

Wash regularly with tunnel-applied waxes

Do you store your car in a garage?

Always in a garage at home

Some garage parking

Typically not in a garage

Parking habits vary

How many miles do you drive?

Less than average

More than average

Much more than average

Less than or more than average

How many passengers do you typically have? 

Just me

Plus one

Whole family or team

Varies

How many passengers have allergies?

No one

Just me

Whole family or team

Varies

Is your car used for business?

Rarely

Occasionally

All the time

Business, casual, or just you

Are there typically animals or gear in your car?

Never

A small pet and/or an occasional golf bag

Big dogs, and/or lots of gear/equipment

Varies

Lost some of the showroom lustre

Yes

Want added protection to the paint from UV rays

Yes

Will you vacuum my trunk?

Yes, but because this is a secured area, please ask the Service Advisor when you are checked in. They will then ask you to open your trunk and we will make sure the trunk is vacuumed.

Will we clean your vehicles digital media touch screen(s)?

To put it simply, no. There are numerous types of touch screens in cars nowadays, each requiring a specific cleaning method. Unfortunately, it’s not feasible for us to tailor our cleaning process to accommodate each individual instance. Therefore, we suggest that customers handle the cleaning of these screens themselves. This is the most effective way to prevent any damage to this expensive and highly visible part of the vehicle’s interior.

Will your vacuum team remove pet hair from my vehicle?

We love pets, and they often enjoy riding with their human friends. Unfortunately, the shedding fur/hair on seats, carpets, and interiors creates a tremendous challenge we cannot often overcome. Although we try, in many instances, we regret that we can’t remove all of the pet hair from the interior of vehicles with our vacuum system and other hair/fur removal tools we have. It is typically not a matter of vacuum power but the way the fur/hair sticks and weaves into different types of fabric.  

To thoroughly remove pet hair from your vehicle, it is recommended to visit an auto detail shop that specializes in this service.

What is the height restriction for the car wash?

We will wash vehicles that are lower than 83 inches.

Will my bicycle and ski racks be ok going through the car wash?

These items must be removed, even if they are below our 83-inch clearance. They can be caught and pulled by some of the soft wash material and cause damage to the vehicle.

Will my bug shield be safe?
Unfortunately, we can’t be responsible for aftermarket accessories made of plastic. Most customers who have bug shields wash their vehicles with no incident. However, problems can arise if the shield has already been damaged by rock chips, or by stress cracks around the installation screws (which can be hard to detect), or if it is made from low-grade plastic. If you need a new bug shield, we recommend products made of Lexan, such as Lund or Deflecta-Shield, which are virtually indestructible.
Is the wash safe for newly painted cars?
Yes. We use cloth wash materials and mild cleaners. However, the paint should be allowed to cure before washing. Consult with your body shop for curing times. Typically, paint on new cars is fully cured before delivery.
Will a cracked windshield be safe in the wash?
Not always, once even very small rock chips compromise the integrity of windshield glass, it becomes more susceptible to changes in temperature. So, while you may wash your vehicle with windshield damage, cracks or chips may expand. It’s always best to repair or replace a damaged windshield immediately.
Will the car wash remove egg?

If you get to the car wash before the egg dries, it might be removed in the wash. Dried egg is very corrosive, and damage starts almost immediately. 

Can the attendants assist in cleaning up the broken glass in my vehicle, including vacuuming it up?

This task calls for the expertise of an auto glass repair specialist. According to smileysglass.com, although car windows are designed to be shatter-resistant for safety purposes, the process of removing a broken windshield can be quite messy. This includes cleaning all the debris that may have scattered. If your car window is broken and there are glass shards both inside and outside your vehicle, your auto glass technician will take care of sweeping and vacuuming all the broken glass. As this can be a hazardous task, it is not appropriate for our car wash attendants to handle or be requested to do.

Will the attendants vacuum or decontaminate my car's interior from human or pet contaminates?

In situations like this, there are many unknown factors. It is possible that the substance is infectious, meaning that it can spread to anyone who comes into contact with the contaminant (vomit, urine, feces). Therefore, it is important to clean up the substance thoroughly and to decontaminate the surrounding area as well. Unfortunately, our car wash vacuums are not equipped to safely remove such substances.