If you ever feel like there’s never enough time to clean your car during the day, a 24 hour car wash could be the answer. It meets customer demand for convenience and time-saving services. Moreover, you can choose from self-serve or automatic wash options. Find out what else you need to know, including the answers to frequently asked questions about this type of car wash.
If you’re interested in an environmentally friendly car wash using steam, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide:
What is a 24 Hour Car Wash?
A 24 hour car wash is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s the place to go when you want car wash services outside of regular business hours. You usually find them in high-traffic areas, near highway exits and gas stations. Different types include:
Self service car wash
Self service car wash is the one where you drive into a wash bay and pay to use the equipment and supplies, such as soap, brushes, and high-pressure water. Ideal if you don’t mind doing the work yourself.
Automatic car wash
Automatic car washes also operate 24/7. Depending on where you go, you can choose a touchless laser car wash or a traditional drive through car wash brush system.
Gas Station Car Washes
Are gas station car washes open 24 hours? No, not all of them. Some bigger gas stations operate around the clock, but not all have a car wash on site. Search their official websites or Yelp to find 24-hour car wash facilities. For example:
Many BP gas stations nationwide offer automatic car washes. However, not all are open 24/7, so research the nearest location online to check the opening hours.
Shell is also a good bet if you need to clean your vehicle the next time you stop for gas. For example, the one in Brooklyn, NY, has a 24-hour car wash.
Similarly, ExxonMobil also has multiple locations with 24-hour car wash options.
You can also check whether the largest car wash chains offer a 24/7 service. For example, Mister Car Wash, Goo Goo Express, Zips Car Wash, and Tidal Wave Auto Spa could have a location near you. Even if they are not open 24 hours, many have extended opening hours late into the evening.
Pros and Cons
Increased demand for services that operate outside of regular business hours has boosted demand for 24 hours car wash. However, if you’re wondering if it is the best option for you, here are the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Convenience
The biggest advantage is that you can use a car wash at any time of the day or night, whenever it is convenient for you.
Less waiting around
You may not have to wait in line if you go at quieter times, later in the evening or much earlier in the morning when most people are sleeping.
Quick
You can have a clean car in 5 minutes or less. If you don’t know how to hand wash a car or the time to do it, this is just the thing.
One-stop-shop
If you visit a car wash at a gas station, you can also refuel and buy items at its convenience store. Some of the larger sites also have dine-in options.
Self-service options
Some places close their tunnel wash in the evening but leave the self-service bays open around the clock. This is great if you prefer a do it yourself car wash outside of business hours.
Cons
Less choice
It is okay if you want a quick exterior car wash. However, a full service car wash or interior detailing might not be available.
Lacks the personal touch
If you want a superior clean and attention to detail, an automatic 24 hour car wash is not for you. Instead, try a hand car wash.
Limited availability
If you don’t live in a populated area, you may have to travel quite far until you find a 24/7 car wash.
Lack of assistance
Fewer staff on the overnight shift to assist you with any queries or concerns.
Equipment maintenance issues
If the car wash breaks down during late-night hours, you might have to wait a while until someone fixes it.
Potential damage
24/7 automatic brush car washes can be bad news for your exterior paintwork. See our post on “Are car washes bad for your car?”
Water wastage
24/7 automatic car washes can use gallons of water, which isn’t environmentally friendly. For a greener option, visit a waterless car wash.
FAQs: 24 Hours Car Wash
There are a lot of 24 hour car washes out there. Naturally, questions about location, hours, and payment methods often arise. We can answer some of the most popular queries:
Is Kwik Trip car wash open 24 hours?
Yes, some Kwik Trip stores have a touchless or soft cloth car wash on site, usually the ones in busier locations. For example, Brooklyn Park in Minnesota has a 24/7 car wash. Kwik Trip has around 800 stores, mostly in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Bear in mind that not all have a 24 hour car wash – staying open day and night isn’t profitable in quieter locations. Here is a link to all its car wash locations. Alternatively, check out the store locator. You’ll find details about opening hours and can narrow your search by clicking “car wash”.
Are self service car washes open 24 hours?
Yes, many are. Again, it depends on the business and the location. For example, most Brown Bear self-serve car washes are open 24 hours.
Is Sheetz Car Wash open 24 hours?
Yes, Sheetz stores and drive-through car washes are open 24 hours a day. There are over 600 Sheetz stores throughout 6 states: Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and North Carolina. Find a Sheetz.
Is Circle K Car Wash 24 hours?
Yes, most locations are open 24 hours. Find a Circle K near you. It has a range of car wash options, from budget to premium. You can also select soft touch or a brushless car wash. Also, look out for the Ultimate Season Wash where the formula suits the seasons. For example, protectant care in summer keeps paintwork safe from the sun’s UV rays or heavy-duty soap to remove road salt and grime in winter. See our tips on washing car in winter.
Are all Water Works car washes open 24 hours?
It depends on the location and which car wash you choose. For example, the touchless automatic and self-service bays are usually open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Meanwhile, the soft touch automatic ones are only open during the day.
How do you pay?
Payment methods vary depending on the type of car wash and its specific setup. Not all have coin-operated machines. Some places might take tokens or cards. Alternatively, you might be able to pay via an app.
Conclusion
To sum up, a 24 hour car wash solves a problem when you need a car wash in a hurry, day or night. Car wash chains and gas stations often offer 24-hour services. However, it depends on location, customer demand, and local regulations. Therefore, check the operating hours before you set off. But it is not just the big chains/names that offer 24/7 car cleaning. Some of the smaller independent car washes have self-service bays available 24 hours. A lot of them use Facebook to promote their business, so it is worth a look online to see if there is one near you.
If you’re worried about micro scratches from automatic equipment, go for places that offer touchless car wash options. Or go greener with environmentally friendly alternatives. For example, DetailXPerts saves water by using industry-leading steam technology that guarantees a superior clean without hurting the planet. Our mobile auto detailing is convenient, too. We come to you!
If you’re interested in an environmentally friendly car wash using steam, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide:
